Immediately after the enforcing of these measures the State currency began to circulate rapidly, and merchants no longer hesitated to open retail stores, where the natives in the employment of the State and commercial companies, and other natives as well, came to exchange their money for European goods. At the present time, in the region south of Stanley Pool, the greater part of the commercial transactions between Europeans and natives is carried on through the medium of the State currency, and in the native markets it is no longer possible to purchase anything except with the silver or copper Congolese money—the preference being given to silver.[34] The native’s love of tinsel causes a large quantity of the silver and copper coins put into circulation to disappear from the sphere of commerce. Congolese vanity manifests itself in many forms. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets, and other ornaments are made of the State coins, and worn by the men and women of all the tribes which come in touch with the Congo coinage. Powerful chiefs are often buried with many coins placed upon their bodies. FOOTNOTES: [26] Descamps. [27] About twenty-two gallons. [28] Reported in the _Bulletin Officiel_, 1898. [29] 1 kilogramme equals 2.20 lbs. [30] Statistics of exports were not taken until after July 1, 1886. [31] The collection of import duty commenced May 9, 1892. [32] The revenue of the British colony of Lagos for the last three years available was derived as follows: 1898 1899 1900-1 _Fcs._ _Fcs._ _Fcs._ Alcohol 3,386,450.00 3,288,250.00 3,345,850.00 Tobacco 273,250.00 266,125.00 379,150.00 Salt 40,075.00 43,750.00 140,800.00 Cotton Goods 428,075.00 382,850.00 432,450.00 Other Articles 366,650.00 661,350.00 799,775.00 The following is a comparison between the alcoholic liquor imported into Lagos and the Congo Free State: _Lagos_ _Congo Free State_ Gin 463,380 gallons Rum 129,780 ” Whiskey 8,100 ” _______ 601,260 ” Total consumption = 43,300 gallons. Thus for every gallon of alcohol imported into the Congo Free State (1,000,000 square miles in area,) there are imported into British Lagos (3,460 square miles in area), thirteen and seven-tenths gallons, or as 5 per cent. is to 68½ per cent. of total revenue. [33] Report of Vice-Governor-General, July 1904. [34] Descamps. CHAPTER XXVII MISSIONS AND SCHOOLS [Sidenote: Berlin Act on Missions.]