[The Berlin •* Philanthropists argued very rationally in this wise i
e nc' “ Africa is already popularly supposed to be the most
unhealthy continent in the world. • A general dread of
its climate prevails in the minds of men. I t has been
but lately explored in its interior, and to all except a
few geographers it is comparatively unknown. I f
European Powers are permitted to seize .the coasts'
round about the Continent, and levy the usual differential
customs and high tariffs, they will for ever prevent
commercial enterprise from essaying the exploitation of
any part of it. If, however, we can guarantee these
fertile and naturally productive territories larger privileges
and absolute immunity from oppression, a few
bold enterprising spirits may be tempted to venture
inland, and their success will induce others to follow,
until the continent is fairly won from barbarism and
unproductiveness.”
These philanthropic views have been realised. The
merchant adventurer is fenced all around with guarantees
against spoliation, oppression, vexation, and worry,
and his Consul, the representative of his Government,
is charged with the jurisdiction over his person and
property. At the gateway to the free commercial
realm the Commissioner, with his colleagues, will
take position, and will remain there close at hand to
protect his interests. , These officials will constitute a
Court of Law called the International Commission, to
whom he can always appeal for redress and protection.
Only on the exportation of the produce he has collected
can a moderate sum be charged, sufficient to remune-.
rate the riveraine Government for its expenditure. TheBerijn
The liquor traffic may not be abused; slave-trading is
prohibited; the missionary is entitled to special protection;
and scientific expeditions to special privileges.
To all these numerous privileges in behalf of commerce
and humanity, the European Powers, and the United
States, as well as the International Association, otherwise
the Congo State, unanimously gave their approval,
and every political Power left the Conference with
unqualified satisfaction.
The author of this record likewise feels called upon
to express his unbounded satisfaction with all that has
been irrevocably fixed by the decrees of the assembled
representatives of Europe. He expresses also his personal
thanks to His Serene Highness Prince Bismarck,
and to the German representatives, Dr. Busch and Herr
von Kusserow, for the remarkable patience they manifested
during the protracted sitting, which gave time
for the most advanced ideas to mature and bear fruit,
which the least impatience would have endangered;
to Baron de Courcel, for the exquisite tact he displayed
throughout his Presidency of the Commission, which
charmed all who came within his circle; to each and
all of the assembled plenipotentiaries for their many
kindnesses and their enlightened co-operation. All men
who sympathise with good and noble works—and this
has been one of unparalleled munificence and grandeur
of ideas-lfwill unite with the author in hoping that
King Leopold II., the Boval Founder of this unique
humanitarian and political enterprise, whose wisdom