Through the Dark Continent, Vol. 2 (of 2) : $b or, The sources of the Nile around the Great Lakes of Equatorial Africa and down the Livingstone River to the Atlantic OceanStanley, Henry M. (Henry Morton)
History
Through the Dark Continent, Vol. 2 (of 2) : $b or, The sources of the Nile around the Great Lakes of Equatorial Africa and down the Livingstone River to the Atlantic Ocean
Stanley, Henry M. (Henry Morton)
Africa, Central -- Description and travel; Stanley, Henry M. (Henry Morton), 1841-1904 -- Travel -- Africa, Central
I should estimate the population of the country to be very fairly given
at forty to the square mile, which will make it 36,000 souls. The Liuché
valley is comparatively populous, and the port of Ujiji—consisting of
Ugoy and Kawelé districts—has alone a population of 3000. Kigoma and
Kasimbu are other districts patronised by Arabs and Wangwana.
The Wajiji are a brave tribe, and of very independent spirit, but not
quarrelsome. When the moderate fee demanded by the Mutwaré of Ugoy,
Kawelé, and Kasimbu is paid, the stranger has the liberty of settling in
any part of the district, and as an excellent understanding exists
between the Mutwaré and the Arab governor, Muini Kheri, there is no fear
of ill-usage. The Mgwana or the Mjiji applying to either of them is
certain of receiving fair justice, and graver cases are submitted to an
international commission of Arabs and Wajiji elders, because it is
perfectly understood by both parties that many moneyed interests would
be injured if open hostilities were commenced.
The Wajiji are the most expert canoemen of all the tribes around the
Tanganika. They have visited every country, and seem to know each
headland, creek, bay, and river. Sometimes they meet with rough
treatment, but they are as a rule so clever, wide-awake, prudent,
commercially politic, and superior in tact, that only downright
treachery can entrap them to death. They have so many friends also that
they soon become informed of danger, and dangerous places are tabooed.
The governor of the Arab colony of Ujiji, having been an old friend,
was, as may be supposed, courteous and hospitable to me, and Mohammed
bin Gharib, who was so good to Livingstone between Marungu and Ujiji, as
far as Manyema, did his best to show me friendly attention. Such
luxuries as sweetmeats, wheaten bread, rice, and milk were supplied so
freely by Muini Kheri and Sheikh Mohammed that both Frank and myself
began to increase rapidly in weight.
Judging from their rotundity of body, it may fairly be said that both
the friends enjoy life. The governor is of vast girth, and Mohammed
weighs probably only two stone less. The preceding governor, Mohammed
bin Sali, was also of ample circumference, from which I conclude that
the climate of Ujiji agrees with the Arab constitution. It certainly did
not suit mine while I was with Livingstone, for I was punished with
remittent and intermittent fever of such severe type and virulence that
in three months I was reduced in weight to seven stone!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account