Congo Free State

Congo Free State was the result of the efforts of the International Association just alluded to, and was recognised by the European Powers in 1884 and 1885, when its boundaries were settled. Among the conditions of its recognition by the Powers are that the rivers within it are free to all nations, that no duties be imposed on imports, and that the slave trade be suppressed. It has an estimated area of 900,000 square miles. The administration of its affairs is carried on from Brussels by three departmental secretaries under the King of the Belgians. The chief official in the state is resident at Borna. There are several other stations in the state for administrative and trade purposes. The revenue necessary for the public service is derived from a duty on exports, and an endowment of £80,000 a year conferred by the King of the Belgians. A railway was inaugurated in 1896. The chief articles of trade are palm-oil, ivory, india-rubber, orchilla, beeswax, and different gums. Bananas and other tropical fruits and plants are abundant; and though malarial fever is frequent on the coast, parts of the interior are habitable by Europeans. The natives are a peaceful race and given to trading.