Gordon in the Soudan. 3

mittocl them to continue this traffic despite every prohibition.

Enormous sums were expended in vain, for the ofovernors who succeeded each other in the Soudan sent misleading reports, and the Government, betrayed by its own officers in its turn, unwittingly deceived all Europe.

A report of mine made to the Governor-General, which the reader will find further on, will show that slavery, plunder and massacre still continued in August 1874.

The Khedive Ismail, wishing to avoid fresh blood-

shed, and also eager to put an end to such ignominy, came to terms with the traders and bought their stations, munition, cattle, ivory and slaves, setting these last at liberty. But this generous attempt was

of no avail ; the traders, after having pocketed the money, established new stations further on, and resumed their rapine as before. The officials cheated the Government, while the latter, wishing to give proof of its good intentions, did not shrink from any sacrifice.

After Sir Samuel Baker had terminated his explora-

tions in Central Africa, the Viceroy asked him in ISOO

to attempt the abolition of slavery, and to place com-

merce on a more satisfactory basis. Baker, who had traversed a part of the country and knew its miseries, accepted the mission. A poAverfui expedition was then organized with soldiers, cannons and steamers ; the leader had considerable sums of mone^^ and un-

limited powers at his disposal. Everything promised the best results.

Without wishing to detract from the merits of this eminent explorer, it is but just to remember that com-

petent persons did not hold Sir Samuel Baker's views, nor did they judge him equal to the mission entrusted to him. Wlioever read the reports of Sir

Samuel Baker to the President of the Royal Geographical Society, afterwards published in the

J! 2