Effort to Reform the Kongo “Free” State
Effort to Reform the Kongo "Free" State. — A current press item says: "There has been organized in England a movement known as the Kongo Reform Association, which has for its object the securing, for the natives inhabiting the Kongo State, the just and humane treatment which was guaranteed to them under the Berlin and Brussels Act. It is sought to accomplish this by securing the restoration of their rights in land and products of the soil, of which they have been deprived by the Kongo State; also to secure the restoration of just and humane administration of the individual freedom of men, women, and children, of which they have been deprived by oppressive taxation, illegal coercion, and inhumane treatment. The means to be employed to achieve the object are: (1) The distribution of information through the press of the world; (2) by public meetings and lectures; (3) by inviting the influence, interest, and support of all humane persons who will help the cause. The association has for its president the Rt. Hon. Earl Beauchamp, K. C. N. G., and P. D. Morel, Esq., is the secretary."