European jealousies, however, prevailed to thwart this greed. The other Powers saw no advantage in allowing either France or Portugal to annex, and keep for herself, this newly-found continent; so, first, they agreed that the whole region of the Congo Basin should be thrown open to the commerce of all nations.
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).
The Livingstone Mission has, since the 1st of January, 1886, been transferred to the American Baptist Missionary Union. The best understanding exists between the two societies on the field; there is room for all the energy and force that each can bring. Although on the line of transport we are compelled to keep near to each other, on the great upper river we must keep far distant, if we would wisely and thoroughly occupy this vast field. As to its openness and readiness for missionary effort, let the last news received speak. Mr. Grenfell had recently returned from a voyage in the Peace (B.M.S.) over the whole length of the river to Stanley Falls, exploring several affluents, a journey of over 4000 miles, one third of the voyage being in waters never before visited by any European. One of the affluents, the Mobangi, he traced for 400 miles as far as 4.30° N. lat., and when he turned back it was still a great river, and navigable probably for a long distance. It is believed to be identical with Schweinfurth’s Welle, and if so, we have a highway to the Southern Soudan.
The Baptist Missionary Society intend, as soon as possible, to place ten stations, say 100 miles apart, along the 1060 miles of clear waterway to Stanley Falls, each in the best strategic positions, which shall be centres for further operations on the great affluents and surrounding districts. Mr. Arthington presented the Mission last year with a further donation of £2000, on condition that as soon as practicable its operations should be extended as far as the Lake Muta Nzige (about 250 miles), where we hope, before many years have elapsed, to join hands with our brethren of the Church Missionary Society, working westward from Rubaga in Uganda (distant about 200 miles), and our brethren of the London Missionary Society, working northwards from Lake Tanganika (about 100 miles).
There must be much patient work before that be accomplished; but the time is by no means distant when the workers from the east and those from the west shall join hands in the centre of the continent. If so much has been accomplished in ten short years, what may we not look forward to in the future? Our Great Master is with us, planning, guiding, strengthening, and sustaining. Cost what it may in life or treasure, we must not abate our efforts until we have won Africa for Christ.