Since Europe had thus declared herself, the district was scarcely worth so much in the eyes of France. Accordingly, she consented to recognise the sovereignty of the Association, on condition that large tracts on the right bank of the Congo were ceded to France. It was an unsatisfactory bargain, but it was either that or nothing for the Free State. Accordingly, the French boundary is extended from the Gaboon down to 5° S. latitude, thence, following the line of the Chiloango River to its northernmost source, whence the line strikes the Congo a little above Manyanga; the river becomes the boundary until near the Equator, then the eastern watershed of the Likona is the limit. Portugal was very obstinate, and an identic note from England, Germany, and France was necessary to bring her to terms. It was finally arranged that the Portuguese boundary should be extended to the south bank of the Congo as far as Wanga Wanga, a distance of ninety-five miles; then to follow a line, due east, on the latitude of Noki, as far as the Kwangu River, including also a small piece of coast-line near the French frontier. The others Powers readily recognised the Free State, which had thus a coast-line of 23½ miles. The Conference had meanwhile decided that the whole of the Congo Basin should be thrown open to free trade without any restriction, and added to the region a coast-line from Setta Cama to Ambriz. Avoiding the watersheds of the Nile and the Zambesi, it is extended to the Indian Ocean. The north bank of the Zambesi to five miles above the confluence of the Shire is included, also the basin of the Shire, and the Lake Nyassa. Thus both the Scotch Missions and the African Lakes Company are safe. Beside the most rigid injunctions enforcing free trade, absolute religious liberty and freedom of worship are guaranteed; special favour and protection is provided for all missionaries and religious and scientific enterprises. The slave trade also is not to be tolerated in any part. King Leopold of Belgium will assume the sovereignty of the Free State. We cannot fail to see the hand of God in this result. Those who have been watching the development of affairs can but wonder at the marvellous Providence which has guided all. Now with such a sovereign, and such a Charter of Freedom, we can but look forward with the fullest hope to the future of the Free State of the Congo (_l’Etat Indépendant du Congo_).