DAWN IN DARKEST AFRICA
MUSHAMALENGI, “A ROYAL PRINCE” OF THE BAKUBA KINGDOM IN THE UPPER KASAI.
Frontispiece.
DAWN IN DARKEST
AFRICA
BY
JOHN H. HARRIS
WITH AN INTRODUCTION
BY
THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF CROMER
O.M., G.C.B., G.C.M.G., K.C.S.I.
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND A MAP
LONDON
SMITH, ELDER & CO., 15, WATERLOO PLACE
1912
All rights reserved
PRINTED BY
WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED
LONDON AND BECCLES
I have been asked to write a short introduction to thisbook, and I have no hesitation in complying with therequest.
Although the high motives and disinterested devotionwhich inspire missionary and philanthropic effort arevery generally recognized, there is often a predisposition—morefrequently felt than expressed—not only amongstresponsible officials but also in the minds of no inconsiderableportion of the public to accept with somereserve both the accuracy of the facts and the soundnessof the conclusions emanating wholly from these sources.This scepticism, provided it be not allowed to degenerateinto unworthy prejudice, is not merely healthy buteven commendable. I could mention cases within myown knowledge where missionary zeal was certainlyallowed to outrun discretion. It is the duty of responsibleofficials to be sceptical in such matters. Whilst sympathizingwith humanitarians they should endeavour to remedywhatever of quixotism is to be found in their suggestions;and to guide those from whom those suggestions emanatealong a path calculated to ensure the achievement oftheir objects by the adoption of practical methods whichwill be consonant with the moral and material interestsof the Empire at large.
Occasional errors, the result of unchecked enthusiasmin a noble cause, cannot, however, for one moment beallowed to outweigh the immense benefits conferred oncivilization by missionary and philanthropic agencies.Nowhere have these benefits been more conspicuous thanin the case of the Congo.
The fact that but a few years ago the administrationof the Congo was a disgrace to civilized Europe is nowso fully recognized, not only in this country, but also—tothe honour of the Belgians be it said—in Belgiumitself, that it is scarcely necessary to labour the point.One startling fact is sufficient to demonstrate itstrue character. According to an estimate made bySir Reginald Wingate,[1] the population of the Soudanunder the Mahdi’s rule was red