Pioneering in Central Africa

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XLII. Plans for Africa at Ndombe. 'HE situation at Ndombe affords one of the most mag nificent opportunities for a large and permanent work of any place in the world. The noble and peaceful character of the king; the numerous and friendly natives: the fertile soil; the cheap labor; the salubrious climate; the great wealth in minerals, lumber, and indigenous produce--rubber, ivory, palm-oil, food, fruits, pasturage; the navigable Kasai river; the fine water-powers on the smaller streams; the lakes and streams abounding in fish; the plains and forests full of game of all sorts, from an elephant to a partridge; all these invite the white man to utilize them and to make a home of comfort and plenty. An installation for the purpose of the development of this wonderful country can be instituted at comparatively small cost, and ought to be based on several fundamental principles. The principles on which this work ought to be founded and conducted are mainly these: I. Entire self-support and economic productivity. II. Adequate remuneration to all parties concerned--supporters, operators and natives alike. III. The use of practical industries--agriculture, mechanics, the development of mineral resources, manual training, rudimentary education, as well as religious instruction. IV. The application direct to the new conditions of the most modern methods and appliances. V. The encouragement of colonization, commerce and transportation. VI. The encouragement of loyalty to the government, and the use of the most enlightened, practical, and progressive forms of government. VII. Christianity and civilization to go hand in hand. The necessity for entire ultimate self-support arises from several considerations. Foremost among these is the...