He paused, for a hoarse murmur had arisen so that it was a few minutes before he could continue.
“I admit that I myself have made money through labor which has been procured by these means. My wealth is founded on the ‘red rubber’ which has come from the Congo. I tell you this so that you shall know I am quite honest in what I am about to say, for I shall speak against my own pecuniary interests. You have been discussing the effects of the annexation of the Congo by the Belgian government, and some of you have expressed the hope that matters may be improved thereby.”
He paused, and the silence was intense.
“Your hopes are doomed to disappointment. There can be no improvement in the conditions, for any improvement would necessitate the abandonment of the slavery which exists. I said slavery—but it is hardly the right word, for in modern history slavery has not meant work forced by the fear of death or torture. Wherever the late King held active sway, there the country was laid waste by the sword, and rubber was produced not with any idea of the future but solely for immediate gold. The abandonment of the present system can only be accomplished by the abandonment of the Congo by the Belgians. That they will not do unless compelled by superior force. Their present budget anticipates a profit of nearly a million pounds. If the land and produce of the soil be returned to the rightful owners—the natives—then, instead of a profit, there would necessarily be a heavy deficit. When the Congo budget provides for a deficit and not a huge profit, then and not till then will you know that the natives are about to receive fair treatment. That will occur only when the country has been drained dry. If you hear that a portion of the country has been opened to the foreigner, you will know that that portion is worthless, for the population will either have been killed or have fled from the fear of death, and the produce will have been exhausted.”
This statement made a profound impression, and all anxiously waited for Gaunt to continue.
“You are seeking the amelioration of the natives. To accomplish this you must remove the present officials. There must be no half measures and I am convinced that no amount of talk will have the slightest effect. Actions and not words are required, and it is for you to see that England does more than talk. A single gunboat at the mouth of the river would affect a change, while diplomatic representations will be swept aside as has been done in the past. Surely England is strong enough to act alone—or is it fear of Germany that ties her hands? If this be the case, it is not the spirit that won our empire, and as a race we are doomed. Let there be no more hesitation, let each of you use his influence and bring pressure to bear upon our government.”
“We have already done everything in our power,” a bishop interrupted vehemently.
“Then I fear that the reform of the Congo is impossible. But let us make an effort. I am a rich man—rich, largely through the Congo—but, if money is necessary, I am prepared to spend every penny piece of it on this work. More than that, I now publicly announce that from this moment I am the enemy of the governors of the Congo. Any ability that I possess shall be used to affect reform.”
There was a murmur which developed into loud cheers, and there was a look of defiance in Gaunt’s eyes as he listened.
“My lords, I feel that I owe you some personal explanation. You must have viewed my appearance here with mingled feelings, for I am aware that I am looked upon as one of the strongest supporters of the present régime. You all know the name of Edward Drake, who has done such good work in the East End of London, and I refer you to him should you have any doubt as to the honesty of my intentions. It is owing to his influence that I am here to-night.”