Abstract
M R. STANLEY'S latest letters, which have been exciting universal attention, present as fascinating a record of travel, adventure, and geographical discovery as any that has ever awakened the interest of civilized mankind. It is impossible to read them without the warmest admiration for the writer's resolute energy, inexhaustible resource, and dauntless courage. No previous traveller can have been confronted by a greater number of formidable—often apparently insurmountable—difficulties. Mr. Stanley never allowed himself to be disheartened by the obstacles in his way, but pressed steadily on, varying his methods to meet changing needs, until the immediate object of his great enterprise was attained. Not the least serious of his perplexities sprang from the reluctance of Emin Pasha to be “rescued.” It was not unnatural that Emin should hesitate to quit a region for which he had made so many sacrifices, and with regard to which he had entertained so many hopes; but it is certain that if he had remained he would soon have fallen a victim to treachery. Happily, Mr. Stanley, after many an argument, succeeded at last in overcoming his scruples and hesitations, and on April to the two men, accompanied by a party of about 1500 persons, including native carriers, started from the southern shore of Albert Nyanza on their homeward journey. No part of Mr. Stanley's narrative is more interesting than that in which he tells the story of his efforts to persuade Emin that he might with honour resign a task which had already been practically taken out of his hands. The tale brings out vividly a most striking contrast between two types of character, each of which in its own way commands our sympathy and respect.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mr. Stanley. Nature 41, 73–74 (1889). https://doi.org/10.1038/041073a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/041073a0