Gaunt paused for a moment and the Archbishop rose to his feet.
“I am sure that we have listened to Mr. Gaunt’s statement with profound interest. From one point alone what he has said is invaluable. His evidence will remove every shadow of doubt as to the atrocities that have been and are taking place in the Congo. I must own frankly that I looked always upon him as one of our bitterest enemies. I have been ashamed to think that an Englishman could have profited by cruelty and torture. Surely God must have brought him here to-night. We must all admire the courage with which he has spoken. It was no light thing to face us and frankly admit the sins of the past, and I honor him for what he has done. He has taken the only course open to a Christian, for he has promised to do his utmost to right the wrongs in which he has been a participator. Before Mr. Gaunt resumes his seat, I should like to ask him one question. Naturally he is in touch with the rulers of the Congo—would it not be possible for him to use his influence with them, to bring pressure to bear upon them that they should govern the natives equitably?”
The Archbishop resumed his seat and Gaunt continued:
“No personal influence or pressure would effect any change. There is only one effective weapon—force. The position of England has caused a good deal of cynical amusement in the Congo. The British government would only move if so great a feeling were aroused in this country that they dared not do otherwise. Much has been done in recent years by meetings and writings in the press; but the Congo is so far away that the truth has never been driven home. The question of Tariff Reform or Free Trade can rouse fierce passions, for the principle touches our pocket; but that thousands of human beings should suffer torture—that is a thing to read and be harrowed about—but a cup-tie is of much more immediate importance. Perhaps I am unjust to my fellow countrymen, for at times they have been aroused to white fury by the story of oppression and murder. Witness the Armenian atrocities. But then there was a great man with a silver tongue who could move a nation by his words. And the only chance for the people of the Congo is that such a man should rise again and tear from us our complacency. Make the British people understand that they have been cleverly swindled. The late King played the confidence trick upon America and the great powers of Europe. He deliberately hoodwinked them with his tongue in his cheek. But King Leopold was a master ‘crook.’ He was a born diplomat of the most unscrupulous type; and to his dying day he was a match for every foreign secretary that crossed swords with him. And he has left worthy lieutenants behind. I dare prophesy that we shall again receive the most specious promises that reform will take place at once—say in a month or two; but the date will always be a few months ahead until they have drained every grain of gold from this most unhappy country. Again I say that I am prepared to spend my last penny in helping you in your work.”
John Gaunt bowed and then stepped down from the platform. His face was set as he walked straight to the place where he had been sitting.
“Where is my wife?” he asked of Drake who sat alone.
“She went away with Lady Ethel about five minutes ago,” Drake answered, and his eyes were shining luminously as they rested on Gaunt.
“I think we had better follow them. Come along,” the latter said curtly.
And all eyes were fixed on Gaunt’s face as he strode from the hall. When he drew near the door a cheer arose which gathered in volume until it became deafening.
“Let us walk home,” Gaunt said quietly, and for a time they made their way in silence.