I Report of Commission to Africa APrOINl'ED BY 'rilE BOARD OF MANAGERS ^ OF THE AMERICAN BAPTIST FOREIGN AIISSION SOCIETY BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 1910 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2018 with funding from Columbia University Libraries https://archive.org/details/reportofcommissiOOamer_0 REPORT OF COMMISSION TO AFRICA RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF MANAGERS CHICAGO, DECEMBER 2, 1909 WJiereas, the Board of ^lanagcrs of the American Baptist ^Missionary Union at their session in June, 1909, at Portland, Ore., authorized the securing of special sidjscriptions to test the willingness of individual Baptists to assist in opening up a new mission in the Sudan, with the understanding that a response of at least $‘21,000 would be a minimum requirement for the first three years of such a mission, if undertaken; and Whereas, the authorized brethren, Joseph Clark and Thomas IMoody, have reported this test successfully met and a total of $39,000 secured; and WJiereas, the Sudan presents the largest unevangelized section of the world today and is in esjjecial danger of Ix'ing occupied by Mohammedanism, thus rendering its future evangelization much more difficult than at present; and Whereas, onr general policy in Africa shoidd l:)c the assumption of larger responsibility for its needs: Therefore, this Board, pi-ofoundly moved by the ])ressing needs of this great field, yet mindful also of the necessity of proceeding with utmost wisdom in the inauguration of a work which once begun must be carried forward with strength and |X“rsistence and will involve responsibilities extending to a distant future, hereby authorize the Executive C'ommittee to appoint a Coimnission of two or three comjjetent men whose duty it shall to visit the field of the contemplated mission in the Sudan and to report to the Executive Committee and to this Board fully concerning the facts of the situation and to make recommendations. The Board further express the desire that this Commission sail for Africa within three months of this date, if possible: and that the exfieases of the Commission shall be paid from the treasury of the Mis.siouary Union subject to the approval of the Finance Committee of the Northern Baptist Convention. Pending the re])ort of this commission, the Board request their .secretary to notify all subscribers to the s{>ecial Sudan fund of this action and to request said subscribers to concur in the action of the Board by extending the time when the payment of this subscription may be called for until the report of the Commission shall have l)een received and acted upon. In accordance with the above action the Commission was appointed as follows: Rev. W. Jj. Ferguson, D.I). of South India, Rev. Johnston Myers, D.I)., of Chicago, and Rev. J. II. Franklin, of Colorado Springs, Colo. Rev. Joseph Clark, of Africa, was ajvpointed guide. References in the above resolutions to the Board of Managers and Executive Committee are to tlie bodies bearing those names prior to the reorganization at Chicago May, 1910. The j)resent Board of Managers took the place of the Executive Committee. It was understood that the Commission should also visit the mission in the Congo State and report upon conditions there. 4 QUESTIONS AND SUBJECTS OF INQUIRY PROPOSED TO THE COMMISSION THE CONGO MISSION I. Are the changes desirable which were proposed at the last meeting of the Conference of the Congo mission, viz., the merging of the Lukunga field and the Palabala field with the work at Banza Manteke ? '■2. If this proposed merging of fields is made, will there still be embarrassment in territorial relations with other societies ? 3. Is the present force of Congo missionaries adequate for the work of that mission if it is to continue on its present basis ? 4. Would reduction of this force by withdrawal of Mr. and Mrs. Clark and Mr. and Mrs. Moody work serious injury? 5. Is it true that large sections of the interior are now unoccupied to which mission work may be extended when a norma! political situation is reached ? 6. To what extent are these districts so far preempted by the tentative ex¬ pansion of the work of societies now laboring on the upper river that our entrance Mito them would involve unfraternal action ? 7. What indications, if any, do you observe of injustice in the relations of the Government with mission bodies ? What in the dealings of the Government with the native peoples ? 8. May new sites be purchased and titles to land be secured by mission bodies in the country as a whole? In the lower Congo? In the vicinity of stations now occuj:)ied ? In unoccupied sections ? 9. Is it understood definitely that new sites will not be granted, or is the policy followed indicated only in refusal of sjiecific applications ? 10. (1) Is extension of our work {)racticable at present, or likely ultimately to be ]>racticable, in the territory south from IMukiinvika ? (2) In the French territory north and west from our field at Tshumbiri ? (3) In the field east and southeast from Ikoko? lu the territory immediately to the east of the Great Lakes? In the IJbanji River district? In the district beyond the upjjer river and Stanley Falls ? II. Is the cost of transportation a serious obstacle to extension of work to these .sections ? 12. How would a proposition for our withdrawal from the Congo be regarded by other societies ? 13. Are other societies prepared to take u]j our work in case of withdrawal? Are these societies prepared to assume entire responsibility for the country as a whole ? 14. Is there ground for just com])laint in the relations of Roman Catliolic missions with our own ? 15. In what way may embarrassment from this source be avoided or lessened ? 16. At what stations should medical work be provided ? 17. Is the transfer of Dr. Lynch to another station (e.g., Ikoko) desirable at least as a temporary plan ? 18. Secure a complete inventory of mission projierties. Is the title clear in all cases ? 19. What action, if any, would you recommend regarding the property owned by the Society at Ijcopoldville ? NORTHERN NIGERIA 20. What facts do you learn as to the population of Northern Nigeria ? 21. What races are represented? 22. What missionary bodies are at work in this country? 23. hat stations are occupied ? 21. What territory is commanded by these stations? 25. How much has been accomphshed ? 26. State any significant fact in relation to their work. 27. What is your impression as to the character and promise of the people of the country? 28. What part of the population is Mohammedan ? 29. What part is pagan ? 30. Is the Mohammedan element aggressively antagonistic to Christianity? 31. Is its influence rapidly e.xtending? 32. Is the Government likely to press the policy of neutrality so far as to proliibit missionary' work among Mohammedans ? So far as to restrict missionary work in sections partly IMohammedan ? 33. Is the practice of allotment and definition of territory by the Government as prevailing in other British protectorates in Africa followed in Northern Nigeria? 34. ^^ill missionaries, if observing projjer precautions in avoidance of irrita¬ tion of Mohammedan prejudices, be allowed a fairly free hand in organizing and extending their work ? If not, what restrictions are likely to be imposed ? 35. In case of the o])ening of work, what would be your judgment as to the numlier of stations to l)e occufued at the outset, the number of missionaries re¬ quired, and the financial expenditure to be contemplated ? 36. What center or centers of work would you suggest? 37. What is the area and population of the proposed field? 38. hat races are represented ? 39. ^^hat proportion of the population is Mohammedan? What proportion pagan ? 40. Arc IMohammedan antagonism and activity relatively strong or moderate ? 41. What attitude to missionary work is held by the British resident? 42. IIow' far removed is the j)roposed field from fields occupied by other societies ? 43. State the distance between the j^roposed central station and the central stations of other societies. 44. Report in general as to climatic conditions, healthfulne.ss and accessibility of resorts favorable to recuperation. 45. What language or languages should be acquired by the mis.sionary? Would this task be relatively easy or difficult? 46. What arrangements would naturally be made for transportation of suj>- plies ? \Miat expense would lie involved ? 47. Is the cost of li\ing relatively low or high? 48. Is the cost of building construction relatively low or liigh ? 49. Are other mission bodies favorable to occupation of this field by our society ? 50. Is the present time, in your judgment, favorable for entrance into Nigeria with a Gew to active effort to reach the Mohammedan population? 51. What in general is the prospect of effective, influential work if limited to the pagan population ? 52. In your judgment are the present crisis and opportunity in this field such that you would recommend the society to establish work here at the present time ? 53. Would you recommend this if it should prove to be possible only by dis¬ continuance or restriction of work in the Congo field? 54. Would you favor this course in case it w'ere to involve continued or in¬ creased embarrassment to the work now conducted by the society in other fields ? 6 LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS TO THE COMMISSION Boston, Mass., April 15, 1910. Dear Brethren: Under the instructions given to the Executive Comnrittee by the Board of Managers of the American Baptist Foreign Alission Society you are asked to serve as a Commission to visit Northern Nigeria and the field of the Congo Mission in Central Africa. The Committee have for some time planned for a visit to the Congo Mission for conference with the mission body regarding the general interests of its work. The visit to the Sudan is made with a view to determining the tlesira- bility of entrance upon wmrk in that country by the Society and the selection of a field of work in case a favorable decision shall be reached. The policy ofo])ening work in this section has been considered by the Board of Managers of the Society at several recent meetings. The Executive Committee, prior to the action of the Board, deemed the policy inexpedient. This judgment was not due to doubt as to the greatness of the needs of extension of missionary effort in the Sudan, but to the painful inability of the Society with the recruits and the financial resources at its disposal to make proper provision for the W’ork to which it is akeady com¬ muted. In \dew of the deep interest awakened in the Sudan by addresses of Mr. ISIoody and Mr. Clark and the pledging of a guaranty fund for a term of three years, the action under which your Commission is constituted was taken by the Board. A copy of the vote of the Board will be placed in your hands. Rev. Joseph Clark has been asked to accompany you in your journey. His long residence in the Congo State and his familiarity with general conditions in Africa will make his service most valuable. The Coimnittee are very grateful that his help is available. Determination of all details of plans for the journey is left with the Commission under advice of Mr. Clark, who in the Congo will seek to meet as fully as possible the convenience of the mission body. We suggest that while in England you shall seek interviews with representatives of the Church Missionary Society and the Sudan United Mission regarding conditions in Nigeria, with the Baptist Missionary Society and the Congo Balolo Mission, and Mr. Hai'vey and Air. Bain, missionaries of our own Society, regarding the situation in the Congo; also with E. D. Alorel of the Congo Reform Association of Great Britain, Arundel Street, London, and Rev. J. II. Harris, also of the Congo Reform Association, and formerly a missionary of the Congo Balolo Alission in the interior of the Congo State. An interview with representatives of the government may also be desirable in the interest of an understanding as to the attitude held toward missionary work in Nigeria; in any case such interview shoidtl be sought wdth officials in Nigeria. A visit to Brussels is desirable in observance of courtesies toward the Belgian Government. Air. Clark has met the Belgian minister in ^^'ashington. It will be well to arrange for an interview with Air. Renkin, the Belgian colonial minister, and to meet at Boma the resident governor-general. At Brussels a \dsit may lie paid also to AI. Rochedieu and AI. Anet, representatives of two branches of the Protestant churches of Belgium. The Protestant element in Belgium is a small body. Recently it has contemplated missionary work in the Congo. AI. Rochedieu formally proposed that plans be shaped for ultimate transfer of all Protestant work to a Belgian society under subskh’es by the govern¬ ment. No one of the missionary organizations conducting w'ork in the Congo was able to approve this plan, and the thought, we understand, has been definitely abandoned in Belgium. AI. Rochedieu pressed also a proposition for constituting in Belgium a representative of Protestant mission interests who should be authorized to conduct all negotiations with government. The missionary societies have not been willing to relinquish their individual right of free approach to the government under the position secured to them by the Conference in Berhn in 1885 and by subsequent treaties. They suggested that they would entertain a plan for creation of a representative committee with advisory powers. Apparently no steps have been taken toward this. 7 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society It is understood that in Africa you will first visit the Congo territory, where plans will include a meeting with the entire mission body in a conference, to be lield preferably after your \dsits to missionary stations of the upper and lower river have been made, and that the visit to Nigeria will be made on your return journey. It is desirable that in the visit to the Congo all mission stations of the Society and the more important accessible stations of other societies shall be \asited. It is understood that in Nigeria ^^sits will be made to as many existing mission stations as practicable and that a tour will be made in the provinces deemed most favorable to occupation. A ^dsit to Zungeru, the seat of government, obviously is desirable. The two features of the double mission with which you are charged are not necessarily related to each other. Whatever decision may Ijc reached regarding the Sudan, enlightened and just action regarding the Congo work is earnestly to be sought. The association of the two issues is due, first, to the offer of Mr. Moody and Mr. Clark to undertake work in the Sudan, and second, to the thought enter¬ tained by some that resources heretofore devoted to work in the Congo may be diverted, at least for a time, to another field without serious loss to the Congo work. Their impression has resulted from a belief that the work in the district now occujiied in the Congo is embarrassed by the presence of an unduly large number of societies and workers, and that a plan for expansion in the interior of the country is not only precluded at present by the attitude of the Belgian Govern¬ ment, but is not hkely ultimately to be found practicable for our Society. In your visit to the Congo mission you are asked to hold in mind three main issues: (1) The general interests of the work of the mission as now conducted. These should be considered in the general conference with the mission body. It is desired that, as in the conferences held last year in the Far East and in those planned for the coming fall in British India, the discussion shall be full and frank concerning all mission interests. Dr. Ferguson, who was present at the conferences in the East, will be able to give valuable assistance in this. Pamphlets relating to the conference in the East and the policies followed by the Society will be put in your hands, also a program of topics arranged for one of the Eastern conferences which may be found suggestive. (2) The i.ssue as to embarrassment in territorial relations with other societies, the practicability and justifiableness of transfer to other organizations in whole or in part of the work now conducted by our mission, and possibilities in present or ultimate expansion of the work. (3) The policy of the government as related to freedom in the prosecution and extension of mission work and to just and humane dealing with the native l^eoples. In the visit to the Sudan, the issues to be considered will naturally include (limatic and other local conditions, the prevailing religious destitution, the policy of government as affecting freedom in mission work, the accessibility of the ^loham- medan jiopulation, the rijjeness or unripeness of opportunity for entrance upon work for Mohammedan j)eoples, the opening among pagan populations as related to the availability of fields, and the work begun or contem])lated by other societies. A list of questions and subjeets of inquiry covering in a general way the issues upon which information is desii-ed by the Committee will be given you. Additional j)oints will occur to you and will be suggested by missionaries and others. It is assumed that your investigations will be made with all possible freedom and thor¬ oughness in respect to all interests, affecting mission work in the two countries. We are grateful for your readiness to undertake the service to which you are appointed. We pray earnestly that God may watch over your health, that he may guide you by his counsel, and that the results of your mission may lie of lasting benefit to the work of the Society and the interests of the kingdom of God. In behalf of the Executive Committee, Very sincerely yours. Rev. Johnsio7i Myers, D.D. (Signed) Thomas S. Barbour, Hei'. IF. L. Ferguson, D.D. Foreign Secretary. Rev. J. H. Franklin. 8 REPORT OF COMMISSION To THE Board of Managers, American Baffist Foreign Mission Society, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. Dear Brethren: Your Commission appointed to visit the Congo Mission and the Sudan, having completed its labor, submits the following report; ORGANIZATION AND PRELIMINARY WORK The members of the Commission first met in London, on April 28, 1910, at the office of Messrs. Bride & Eastland, No. 39 City Road, where a conference was held with Mr. and Mrs. Harvey and Mr. Clark, all of the Congo Mission, regarding plans for the journey in the Congo, places to be visited, information to be sought, conditions to be investigated and topics requiring special attention. At a subsequent meeting the Com¬ mission organized by electing W. L. Ferguson chairman, and J. 11. Frank¬ lin secretary. Visits were paid to the headquarters of the Baptist Mission¬ ary Society and of the Congo Balolo Mission, and extended interviews were held with Secretaries Wilson and Forfeit! of the former, and with Secretary Wilkes of the latter, regarding Congo conditions and interests. Arrange¬ ments also were partially completed for the voyage of the Commission on the Congo River above Stanley Pool. Similar visits were made at the headquarters of the Church Mission¬ ary Society and of the Sudan LTnited Mission, where information was sought regarding the work of these bodies in Northern Nigeria, the extent of territory unoccupied by missionary societies, plans for future extension of the work, and attitude regarding the possible entrance of new societies into the province. The Commission also met the Rev. J. II. Harris, of the Society for the Protection of Indigenous Races, and a call was made at the office of Mr. E. D. Morel, of the Congo Reform Association. Unfortunately Mr. Morel was out of the city; but his assistants furnished the Commission with the latest publications regarding Congo reform operations, and later with a copy of a memorial, signed by some one hundred and fifty members of the British Parliament, which called for government action concerning Congo affairs. The latest maps, government reports and books pertaining to the Congo and Northern Nigeria were procured with the object of obtainincr the fullest information possible concerning the lands to be visited. 9 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society The third of May found the Commission in Belgium. After a brief call at the American Consulate in Antwerp, Brussels was visited, and arrangements were made with the United States minister, the Hon. Charles B. Bryan, for an interview with M. Renkin, the Belgian Colonial Secretary. This took place on the following day, and was purely a formal affair, no special discussion being had regarding political conditions in the Congo. While in Brussels calls were also made upon M. Anet and M. Roche- dieu, representatives of the two bodies of Protestants in Belgium, from whom it was learned that steps are being taken to establish a Belgian Protestant Mission to the Congo. The details of the plan have not yet been worked out; but it is hoped that within a couple of years a beginning may be made. In Brussels there is a permanent Congo Exhibition and Museum. A visit to this was very profitable in giving the Commission a glimpse of the country and the people towards which both thoughts and steps were tending. From May 5 to 26 was occupied in journeying from Antwerp to Matadi, during which there was opportunity for much reading and study, and for almost daily converse with a number of missionaries of different societies, regarding the Congo and various features of missionary life and work in that land. VISITATION ON THE CONGO During its stay in the Congo the Commission proceeded some eight hundred and fifty miles up the river, and sought to see as many of the stations and as much of the work of other missions as possible, in order to become familiar with conditions, types of work, and possibilities of suc¬ cess, and also for the purposes of comparison with our own. On its return from the ujiper river the Commission took a cross-country tramp of about one hundred and fifty miles, and was thus enabled to see much of Congo village life and to appreciate the difficulties which beset the missionaries in bringing the gospel to the people. The places visited were: The station of the Christian and Missionary Alliance at Boma; the stations of the Baptist Missionary Society at Matadi, Thysville, Ivinshassa, Bolobo and Lukolela; the stations of the Congo Balolo Mission at Leopoldville, Lu- langa and Bonginda; the station of the Foreign Christian Missionary Society at Bolenge; and the stations of the Swedish Missionary Society at Mukimbungu and Matadi. 10 Report op Congo-Sudan Commission The Commission was able to visit all the stations of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society except Cuillo. The journey thither and return would have occupied a month or more; and since the station is only in temporary quarters which are at present unoccupied by a missionary, little seemed likely to be accomplished by such a visit. At Tshumbiri a part of three days, including a Sunday, was spent. A good work is evidently in progress here. Fully one hundred and seventy- five people were present at the morning service, at the close of which three baptisms occurred. The good order and attention were remarkable. Several outstations are supported by the offerings of the church and new work is opened as fast as contributions permit. The most pressing need is for a stronger and better school. At Ikoko two Sundays were spent, on the second of which fully six hundred people came together for the morning service. Thirty-nine people were baptized and some one hundred more have their names enrolled as enquirers and applicants for baptism. The singing of the people is en¬ thusiastic and inspiring. The needs are, a new chapel, special work for women and children, a stronger school, a physician and a hospital. This is a fine field and the time seems most opportune for a larger work and great ingatherings. Leopoldville work is at present in the hands of the Congo Balolo Mission and the property of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society is occupied by that society. Here we have the best equipped compound in our Congo Mission. Kimpesi is the scene of a joint effort of the Baptist Missionary Society and the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society in theological edu¬ cation. The Commission was very favorably impressed with the sub¬ stantial progress made in clearing the grounds and erecting the buildings, the quality of the students, and the character of the work being done. However, it is clear that only a beginning has been made. The need is to strengthen and develop the school in staff, material equipment and efficiency. Sona Bata. After many vicissitudes, during which the mission has occupied three different sites and lost heavily in the number of church members, a permanent abode and settled conditions for work seem at last to have been reached. The work at present is past the decline and the outlook in a very extensive field is hopeful. The most immediate need is for a larger and stronger station school. Lakunga. This was formerly a chief station on the old transport 11 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society route between Matadi and Stanley Pool. Since the coming of the railway it has lost its importance. At one time the church members on the field numbered about twelve hundred. Now there are five hundred and sixty. Population has decreased during the past years, so that now there are only about eleven thousand five hundred people within bounds of the mission. At the time of the Commission’s visit, some two hundred Christians were in attendance at a Sunday morning service. These were mostly from the near-by villages. A fortnight before there was a general meeting of workers and Christians from all parts of the field, when some five hundred people were gathered together for three days and twenty-eight persons were baptized. Buildings, with one exception, are in bad condition, and the missionary staff is sadly depleted. Schools and intensive work are needed. Banza Manteke. Because of its location, the size of its church mem¬ bership (1900), and the educational and literary work hitherto done here, this has been regarded as the premier station of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society on the Congo. Latterly several changes have taken place, which, taken collectively, affect the work most adversely; e.g., the absence of Messrs. Richards and Harvey on furlough, the closing of some of the schools, the lack of visitation and touring due to shortness of staff, and a revival of heathen customs among the people, in which a number of the Christians have become ensnared. The situation is critical and demands immediate and careful attention. The station needs rein¬ forcement, a school of higher grade, special work for women, and a con¬ siderable outlay for the repair of existing buildings and the erection of new ones. Palahala. The Commission found a work of grace in progress here also. On the day previous to its arrival some sixty converts had been received into the church. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are about to proceed on furlough. It seems particularly unfortunate that at such a time the station must be left without a resident missionary to press forward the good work, to conserve and develop what has been won. A new chapel is asked for. Matadi stands at the head of navigation on the Lower Congo. Here the large ocean steamers discharge and take on passengers and cargo, and here is the beginning of the railway which carries traffic past the cataracts and connects with the Upper Congo steamers at Stanley Pool. Here the Baptist Missionary Society, the Swedish Missionary Society, the Congo Balolo Mission and the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society have 12 Report of Congo-Sudan Commission headquarter stations for receiving and forwarding missionaries and their goods. A feature of our work there is the large native congregation which assembles for worship on Sunday. Some three hundred were present at the time of the Commission’s visit, all of whom, except three or four, were men. They come largely from the country to work on the railway, in the port, and as carriers. There is need for a new bungalow to be used as a guest-house for missionaries, and for a missionary family to look after the field and the entertainment of guests, thus leaving Dr. Sims free for medical work, the treasury, transportation, etc. Mukimvika. The most apparent need here is for evangelistic work on the field, and for this a missionary family should be set apart. A large hospital, which gives some ten thousand treatments a year, is in operation; the station is equipped with bungalows, outbuildings and chapel. No great outlay of funds would be necessary; but the opening made by the medical work should be follow'ed and results obtained in the villages round about. THE CONFERENCE Following the visits on the upper and the lower river was the Con¬ ference at Matadi, from July 12 to 18, in which all the policies, plans and needs of the Mission were considered by the missionaries and the Com¬ mission. The range of subjects and the general method of conducting the Conference were analagous to those pursued by Dr. Barbour in his recent visit to the missions in the Far East. Free, full and fraternal dis¬ cussion was sought concerning all interests, administrative, financial, inter¬ denominational and special. Inasmuch as the minutes and resolutions of the Conference have been forwarded to you through the regular chan¬ nels, there is no need here to speak in full detail. The Commission would call particular attention to the resolution of the Conference regarding closer relations between the home administration and the field, and would express the opinion that some form of supervision, mutually acceptable to the society and the mission would greatly add to the efficiency of the work. REPLY TO QUESTIONS Certain specific cjuestions were addressed to the Commission by the Executive Committee for answer. 1. The proposed merging of Palabala and Lukunga fields with Banza Manteke does not commend itself either to the Commission or to the missionary body. True, the Conference at a former session said that 13 American Bapiist Foreign Mission Society such a merging was possible; but this action was taken under stress of circumstances, when there seemed to be no hope of maintaining educational work at Banza Manteke, unless the missionaries from neighboring stations were called in. Both Palabala and Lukimga should be retained as mission stations, with missionaries in residence; and the educational and other needs of Banza Manteke should be supplied. 2. There is at present no embarrassment in regard to territorial relations with other societies, except in one instance, where the Swedish Missionary Society desires to enlarge its Mukimbungu field by taking over from the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society the Lukunga field. This does not commend itself to the Commission as a practicable plan. The wiser way would be for the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society to take over the Mukimbungu field from the Swedish Missionary Society if it would part with it, and in return give to the Swedish Mission¬ ary Society compensation for its buildings and grounds at Mukimbungu; and to surrender all that portion of Lukunga field lying on the north bank of the Congo River. If this arrangement can be effected, all question of boundaries between the two societies will be forever settled, as all of the Swedish Alissionary Society’s work would be on the north bank and all the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society’s work on the south bank of the Congo River. 3. The present staff of Congo missionaries is by no means adequate to carry on the work, even if it is to continue only on the basis of present organization. 4. As to the proposed withdrawal of Messrs. Clark and Moody from the Congo staff, it is the opinion of the Conference and the Com¬ mission that the withdrawal of any qualified missionary from the already depleted staff of the mission would work serious injury to the field. 5. Regarding possible new fields. On the Congo River itself, ex¬ cept in French territory, all the fields seem to be either fully occupied or preempted for occupancy by the various societies now at work; but off the main river there are now large areas, in the Congo Beige, in which missions may be established, if societies will supply the requisite means for entrance. 6. In the case of fields recommended by the Conference for occu¬ pation at once, as also in others, clearly our entrance into them would involve no unfraternal action. There is abundant room for expansion of missionary work in Congo territory. 14 Report of Congo-Sudan Commission 7. Missions seem to be receiving as fair treatment as existing govern¬ ment regulations permit. 8 and 9. Theoretically, new sites may be obtained: practically, the matter can be determined only by making specific application. Several societies have secured new sites in territory adjacent to their present fields. Another society has been unable, so far, to secure sites in territory it desires to enter, though its application has long been pending. 10 and 11. It is imperative that a man for evangelistic work be stationed at Mukimvika. If this is done, expansion is possible in the territory to the south. Dr. Lynch estimates the population to be rea^'hed at twenty-five thousand. Expansion from Tshumbiri into French ter¬ ritory is possible, provided the society complies with the requirements of the French Government. Regarding the possibilities in the Ubangi River district, the Commission was unable to procure reliable infor¬ mation. Ikoko offers a fine field for expansion; but the region bordering the Great Lakes and beyond Stanley Falls is too remote from our present fields to induce occupancy. Other societies now working much nearer to these regions will naturally expect to expand to them. The Baptist Missionary Society has applied for new sites in the Stanley Falls zone. The cost of transportation would be a serious obstacle to expansion in this section were there no other reasons. 12 and 13. A proposition for the withdrawal of the x4merican Bap¬ tist Foreign Mission Society from work on the Congo would meet with very great disfavor by other societies at work there. The spirit of har¬ mony and cooperation among the various missions is hearty and genuine. There is a wonderful unanimity among them in practice; e.g., all the missions on the main river practice immersion of believers only. More¬ over, other societies are not prepared to take up our work should it be laid down, as all confess that they are having a struggle to keep up their own work as they should. 14 and 15. There seems to be just ground for complaint regarding the relations of Roman Catholic missions with our own; but since the causes are inherent in the policy and system followed by them, we see no present way of remedying the evil. 16. Medical work should be opened at Ikoko at once. It is desir¬ able for the near future in Sona Bata, and possibly elsewhere. 17. The transfer of Dr. Lynch from Mukimvika is not desirable, even as a temporary measure. 18. The titles to all properties of the American Baptist Foreign 15 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society Mission Society in the Congo Beige are clear, and an inventory is here¬ with submitted. 19. The society’s property at Leopoldville should be held with a view to possible re-occupation in the future, since Leopoldville is a strategic center and is of growing importance. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The American Baptist Foreign Mission Society has in its Congo Mission a work, which, when judged by results, especially in evangelism, is second to none on the main river. The mission has suffered through inadequate support, particularly as regards staff, schools and material equipment. Better and larger results might have accrued and sad losses been prevented if the needs of the work had been better understood and supplied. Many of the other causes which conspired to hinder the work are now passing. With the opening of the railway the miser¬ able porterage system on the lower river, by which hundreds and thous¬ ands of men lost their lives, has practically come to an end; the ravages caused by sleeping sickness have somewhat abated; and the misrule of the old Congo Free State on the upper river seems about to be rejilaced by a happier and healthier condition of affairs under the Belgian Govern¬ ment. Missionaries of all societies take a hopeful view of the situation and believe that the bottom has been reached; that the country will see more just and prosperous times; that villages will gradually build up and population increase; and that the work will move steadily forward. The Commission recommends that all talk and thought of wdth- drawal from the Congo be abandoned. A good work has been done and is in progress. The present duty is to conserve and develop what we have and reach out in order to get more. The staff should be strength¬ ened at once by the return of all such missionaries as are now home on furlough, provided they have completed the usual stay allowed and are otherwise fit to resume their labors; and a sufficient number of new ap¬ pointees should be sent out to bring the force up to the required strength. Experience has taught the mission body many valuable lessons about how to maintain health in this very trying climate. The dangers, still great, are not as formidable as they once were; and those that remain can be further reduced by proving a better staff and a more generous equipment for the mission; but new candidates should be fully informed concerning the risks involved in appointment. It is earnestly hoped 16 Report of Congo-Sudan Commission that the new recruits called for by the Conference and the $10,000 needed to provide repairs and new buildings may be found at once, and that the mission thus reinforced may be supported in future on a scale commen¬ surate with the needs of a good and a growing work. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Especial thanks are due to the Baptist Missionary Society, to its missionaries in the Congo, and to Captain and Mrs. A. Stonelake for the use of the Steamer “Endeavour” on the upper river, and for hospitalities at stations on the way; to the Congo Balolo Mission and to Captain Mac¬ Donald for the use of the Steamer “Livingstone” and for other courtesies; and to the missionaries of the Foreign Christian Missionary Society, at Bolenge, the Swedish Missionary Society’s missionaries at Matadi and Mukimbungu, and to the entire body of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society’s missionaries for entertainment in their homes; and to all others who in any way or degree have assisted in making the visit of the Commission helpful and profitable. NORTHERN NIGERIA Having completed our investigations in the Congo field, we hastened without delay to Nigeria. Notwithstanding the difficulties of an un¬ usual route and the unavoidable exposure in the modes of travel which were available, we were able to proceed rapidly. In this way we saved much time in comparison with the original estimate for this part of the journey. As we review our itinerary we are grateful that in both Congo and Nigeria, where transportation facilities are so limited, we were able to complete our tour with extraordinary expedition and without the omission of any feature which seemed essential to satisfactory investi¬ gation of the two fields. At times the trying climatic conditions ap¬ peared to threaten both our health and our further progress, and some hardships were necessary in order to reach the sources of authentic in¬ formation. However, we regard it as providential that no member of the Commission has suffered from any critical illness during these months of itineration in the tropics, in lands where travellers are notably sub¬ ject to illness and serious delay. k ^ Our work of inquiry with reference to Northern Nigeria, begun 17 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society in London, April last, when we had interviews with representatives of the Church Missionary Society and the Sudan United Mission, has con¬ tinued to the moment of the completion of this report. Upon arrival in Nigeria we found missionaries, government officials, traders, native teachers, transport agents and others ready to assist us. To these we are indebted for much information which could not have been obtained through our own observation alone. In all Nigeria we conferred with no fewer than thirty-four missionaries. In Northern Nigeria we visited stations of all the societies at work there, save one. The General Secre¬ tary of that society had given us his views in a conference in London, and later by letter. The missionaries with whom we held conference represented every general section of the jirotectorate in which missions are to be found. Numerous native towns and villages were visited. Just previous to our arrival the meeting of the Northern Nigeria Inter¬ denominational Missionary Conference had been held at Lokoja. Fortu¬ nately we had access to the proceedings of this most important con¬ vention. Plans had been made for the difficult journey to Zungeru, the seat of the provincial government, which had been rendered quite inaccessible by the storms of the rainy season. We could not dejiend upon the railroad, whose service had been interrupted. A long over¬ land tramp at that season would have been hazardous. The slow ascent of the swollen Kaduna River offered the easiest and safest means of reach¬ ing the capital. In response to our telegraphic request for an interview with Ilis Excellency Sir II. Ileskith H. Bell, Governor of Northern Nigeria, the Secretary to the Administration advised us that the governor was in another part of the protectorate and could not be seen by us for some weeks. Although we were unable to interview the governor personally, we were particularly fortunate in securing information from men who had just seen him. To these men the governor had spoken freely regard¬ ing the missionary situation — more freely, doubtless, than he would have spoken to a visiting commission. The information in the possession of these friends was given to the Commission. Thus the same end was attained with a saving of time and expense. POPULATION It is impossible to ascertain accurately the population of Northern Nigeria. In some sections the natives are so ferocious that little has been learned concerning them. In other sections no census has been 18 Report of Congo-Sudan Commission taken. Government officials offer a general estimate of 7,000,000. But no one knows. Ten years ago the estimate was 20,000,000. Every year the calculation is lower. Recent figures for the fourteen provinces, taken from an official report, give a total of fewer than 6,000,000. The figures by provinces for area and population are as follows:— Province Area Square Miles Population Sokoto 35,400 600,000 Kano 28,600 2,400,000 Hornu 32,800 460,000 Bauchi 23,200 709,100 Zaria 15,800 179,000 Nupe 12,500 226,800 Kontagora (Borgu included) 27,000 75,500 1 lorin 6,300 163,600 Kabba 7,800 184,900 Bassa 7,000 175,000 Nassarawa 17,900 161,100 Muri 25,600 548,000 Vola 15,800 30,000 Totals 255,700 5,913,000 RACES The principal races in Northern Nigeria are the Hausa, the Fulani, the Nupe, the Gwari, the Beriberi and the Munchi. Besides these peoples there are certainly more than one hundred smaller tribes. The Hausas, who are traders, reside chiefly in the Northern prov¬ inces, though they travel wherever trade is possible. They constitute about one-fourth of the entire population of the protectorate and are solidly Mohammedan. The Fulani, or the governing tribe, is a nomadic race and is widely scattered. They number possibly a half-million and are strongly and solidly Mohammedan. The Nupes live in the southwestern sections and are estimated at about 750,000. Probably nine-tenths of them are Mohammedans. The Gwaris, the Beriberis and the Munchis are mainly pagan. The Gwaris occupy contiguous sections of Nassarawa, Zaria and Nupe Provinces, with numbers reaching into hundreds of thousands, perhaps 300,000 or more. The Beriberis are in the northeastern section, and the Munchis in the southeastern. Each race is estimated at about 500,000 —a guess at best. Much of their territory is unexplored, and the Munchis especially are far from being pacified. 19 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society MISSIONARY BODIES AT WORK IN NORTHERN NIGERIA The Church Missionary Society, nine stations. The Sudan Interior Mission, four stations. The Sudan United Mission, ten stations. The Mennonite United Brethern in Christ Foreign Mission Society, two stations. Total: Four societies, with twenty-five stations, excluding outposts. PROVINCES OCCUPIED BY CHRISTIAN MISSIONS The Church Missionary Society has stations as follows: Two in Zaria Province, four in Nupe Province, two in Bauchi Province and one in Nassarawa Province. Sections of Bassa and Kabba Provinces are occupied by outposts. New work is in contemplation by this society in the Provinces of Kano and Ilorin as soon as the government will allow missionary work in certain large Mohammedan centres. The Sudan United Mission has the following stations: Two in Bauchi, one in Yola, six in Muri and one in Nassaraw'a. Its General Secretary informed the Commission that the society is looking forward to the establishment of new work in Nassarawa and Muri Provinces. The Sudan Interior Mission has stations as follows: Two in Ilorin Province, one in Nupe Province and one in Zaria Province. New work is planned for Nassarawa and Bauchi Province, the site in the latter province to be held chiefly, though not solely, as a health resort. The Mennonite United Brethren in Christ Foreign Mission Society has two stations in Ilorin Province and hopes to open work in Nupe Province. TERRITORY COMMANDED BY STATIONS It is extremely difficult to ascertain just how much territory is com¬ manded by the twenty-five stations. The greater number of these posts have been opened within the last five years. Missionaries on most of the fields have been engaged largely with language work, so it would appear that these stations have not yet had time to become strong evange- listie centres, sending out trained teachers, and preachers. Judging from the extent of the territory which various stations in Congo regard as their own rightful fields, we believe that if the posts already opened should develop into strong centres of training, and if the fostering societies 20 Repoet of Congo-Sudan Commission should be able to realize their hopes for expansion, the greater part of the territory south of the tenth degree of north latitude would be well occupied ultimately by the mission bodies already there. How far, or how speedily, the hopes for expansion will be realized, or to what extent the central stations will be enabled to establish outposts, only the future can determine. APPARENT RESULTS At the Lokoja station of the Church Missionary Society, established in a pagan field in 1865, the results have been large. The self-support¬ ing church of 255 members is also maintaining eight outposts. The remaining eight stations of the Church Missionary Society reported nineteen native Christians in 1909. Another society began work at its first station in 1905, and at a second station in 1909. No conversions are reported. Both stations are in Mohammedan territory. A third society feels encouraged at an awakening in a pagan tribe, which resulted in thirteen conversions. Another station of this society, which we visited, reports one conversion in five years, in a field almost entirely Mohammedan. A fourth society, with a number of stations, has had a similar history with reference to conversions. Its .stations are in fields which are largely pagan, but the mission is as yet in its infancy. Excepting three or four stations, the results have been very meager. “I have worked nine years and have seen nothing,” said an able mis¬ sionary to the Commission. The conditions are hard, but the workers are hopeful. They believe the leaven is working. THE STRIKING FACT The conspicuous fact in the religious situation in Northern Nigeria is the Mohammedan invasion. The Moslem traders find the country more open for commerce every year, and as they go they preach Islam. On the other hand the Christian missionary is hindered by reason of the policy of the government with reference to Mohammedan territory. Nevertheless we found most of the missionaries devoted and hopeful. Although the general results have been small, the workers believe that after seed time cometh the harvest, and not one seemed willing: to leave his task. 21 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society THE CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE As might have been expected, moral standards are low among both pagans and Mohammedans. The people we saw in villages and towns gave evidence of only very slight physical, mental or industrial superiority to the natives of Equatorial Africa. The native traders from the Hausa states, who go everywhere in the pacified sections, are fine specimens of physical manhood with large, erect bodies, strong countenances, dignified bearing and mental alertness. They were well clothed in Oriental dress. All we saw confirmed the report that the inhabitants of the Hausa states are negroes of a superior type to those in the Congo basin or those on the sea coasts. CLIMATE Excepting the highlands of Bauchi Province, which are quite in¬ accessible from most parts of the protectorate, the climate of Northern Nigeria is deadly, being perhaps only slightly better in this respect than the Slave Coast immediately to the south. The terms of service for government officials, missionaries, soldiers and traders are shorter than in the Congo territory, which indicates that the climate is considered more trying for white men. Many are “invalided home” every year. Government appointees are expected to serve only twelve months without returning home. Only men of peculiar physical fitness should be ap¬ pointed. These men should receive liberal support and provision should be made for frequent furloughs. LANGUAGES As many as sixty-seven languages are said to be spoken in a single province and jiossibly two hundred in the entire protectorate. Only one of these had been reduced to writing before the advent of the white man. xAmong the pagans it is extremely difficult to secure a language teacher. Among the Mohammedans two languages are needed by the missionary — the vernacular and Arabic, the latter being very im¬ portant in meeting the Mohammedan teachings. EXPENSE IMissions in Northern Nigeria are expensive. For the establish¬ ment of a single station in the pagan section which is deemed most favor- 22 Report of Congo-Sudan Commission able to occupation, probably $5,000 per annum would be required to open the work in a simple manner, without allowance for permanent buildings. This estimate provides for three missionaries. In one Mohammedan centre, which seems to be the most strategic, the cost would be almost twice as great as in the pagan field, and only 'picked men should he sent. Transport would be expensive in either case, espe¬ cially to the Mohammedan centre. SIZE OF THE MOHAMMEDAN POPULATION The most reliable information obtainable indicates that three-fourths of the people of Northern Nigeria are nominally Mohammedan. A brief outline of the history of the introduction of Mohammedanism is given in the “Report of the Northern Nigeria Lands Committee,” pre¬ sented to the British Parliament, April, 1910, and is as follows; Mohamniedism was introduced into Northern Nif^eria by two stages. The Hausas and Bornuese, who, though tliey were not tlie aboriginal inhabitants, established themselves in parts of what is now Northern Nigeria very early in history, received the doctrine of Islam, as is generally believed, during the tliirteenth century. A further religious movement obtained an im|3etus some centuries later from the race known as the Fulani, whose missionaries entered the country in considerable numliers from the north and northwest. This movement con¬ tinued until it culminated at the beginning of the nineteenth century in a Holy ar, the result of which was to jilace under Fulani rule the territory expending from Kano and Sokoto south to the Rivers Benue and Niger. The proHnces under Mohammedan rule at the event of the British adminis¬ tration were: Gando (now included in Sokoto) Sokoto Kano (including Katsena and Katagum) Kontagora Nupe Bauchi Zaria ^’ola llorin IMuri Bornu > Under Fulani rule. Of the provinces grouped together, all save Yola, llorin, IMuri and Bauchi iK'longed to Ilausaland, and were therefore to some extent IMohammedan before the Fulani occupation. Gando became one of the great .seats of the Fulani Emjiire, but adjacent to it is the independent community of Argungu, which attained a relatively high state of civilization under its pagan rulers. Bauchi, Yola, and Muri contain a large pagan population under Fulani rulers, and also large pagan communities independent of the Fulani. Yola is jxx'uliar in that the Fmir has Ijeen cut off by the Anglo-German boundary from the majority of his Fulani chiefs, and is left almost alone with a large unsubdued pagan population. Bornu suc- 23 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society ceeded in resisting Fidani aggression, and the larger part of it is at the present day ruled by a Bornuese Shehii (or Sultan). The remaining provinces of Northern Nigeria, viz., Borgu, Kabba, Bassa and Nassarawa, are all pagan in various stages of development. An outline map showing the disposition of the various provinces is appended. Tlie results of our inquiry confirm the above classification of prov¬ inces along Mohammedan and pagan lines. However, it should be noted that certain provinces under Moslem rule, and mainly Mohammedan in religion, contain small tribes which remain pagan. On the other hand, in certain small provinces which are mainly pagan there are sections which have embraced Mohammedanism. Although three fourths of the people are classified as Mohammedan, most of the former pagans who profess to have been converted to Islam have embraced the name and forms but are ignorant of the principles. Many declared themselves Mohammedans to escape the sword in the days of the slave raids before the British occupation of the country. At present they join in both Moslem and pagan feasts and ceremonies. They would not be recognized as good Moslems by the Mohammedans of the East. The Commission met an educated and able East Indian, himself a Moslem, who is now employed in Northern Nigeria in govern¬ ment service. Without knowing our mission, he declared that the people of Northern Nigeria are Mohammedans in name only. He informed us that a movement is under way in India to send missionaries to Nigeria for the purpose of indoctrinating the nominal Mohammedans. PAGAN POPULATION Perhaps one fourth of the population of Northern Nigeria remains purely pagan. MOHAMMEDAN ANTAGONISM TO CHRISTIANITY The Mohammedan element is as aggressively antagonistic to Chris¬ tianity as it dares to be. Fear of the British Government prevents open violence. The opposition at present is secret. The leaders are alert to block the plans of the missionaries and turn the people from the schools, dispensaries and gospel messengers. Medical wmrk is almost a complete failure at Zaria, where the physician has now found that he must adopt other methods of work. While the opposition at present is secret, itjs 24 Report of Congo-Sudan Commission believed that but for fear of the British Government no Christian con¬ vert, missionary, government official or European trader would be safe in a Mohammedan centre. EXTENSION OF MOHAMMEDAN INFLUENCE Without question the nominal Mohammedans have increased in numbers quite rapidly within recent years, and there is promise of further increase. While the name has been widely accepted, the people in gen¬ eral hold to a very weak form of the faith. Yet there is a strong opinion that though Islam may mean little to the present generation, the next generation will be more genuinely Mohammedan unless the movement is checked. The inability of the mission schools to secure the attendance of the children of Mohammedan parents makes the task of checking the movement very difficult. In some pagan sections mosques may be found in almost every village. Ex-slave raiders (iVIohammedans) are made head men in securing laborers for railroad construction, as consola¬ tion for the loss of their prestige under the old regime. IVIany govern¬ ment positions are filled by Moslems. All this tends to give influence to Islam. The Hausas are traders, and every Ilausa trader is a mission¬ ary. The pacification of the country makes it possible for these traders to go where they dared not enter a few years ago. However, it should be noted that Mohammedan advance is more marked just now in South¬ ern Nigeria than in the more northern jirotectorate. THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY FOR MOHAMMEDAN TERRITORY By reason of the attitude of the government the unoccupied Moham¬ medan territory appears to be closed for the present. The policy of the government is expressed in paragraphs quoted herewith which were taken from the Report on Northern Nigeria, Annual Colonial Reports No. 594 , presented to the British Parliament, February, 1909 , by his Excellency Sir E. P. C. Girouard, at that time governor of the protectorate of Northern Nigeria. To apjireciate the position of the British Govern¬ ment one needs to know that the policy of the provincial staff in Northern Nigeria is that of indirect administration, conducted by native rulers under the advice of British authorities and as far as possible “in strict accordance with native law, custom and tradition.” As evidence of this statement we quote: 25 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society The Policy of tlie Provincial Staff, in practice as well as in theory, has been that of strict adherence to the principle of indirect administration. The civil administration of the Province, its policy, judiciary, and tax collection, are con¬ ducted by the native riders acting on and with the advice of the British Political Staff, in .strict accordance with native law. custom and tradition, in so far as such law, custom or tradition is not subversive of the principles of equity and good government; to this policy, adhered to unswervingly from the inauguration of the Province, and especially observed after the suppression of the regrettable outbreak at Satiru in 1906, is ])robably due the present satisfactory attitude of the three Emirs who rule the Province.—I’age 3+. The government has seemed to find it necessary to move most cau¬ tiously in all matters which pertain to the religious life of its Mohammedan subjects, whom they found in Northern Nigeria upon the establishment of the protectorate in the year 1900, lest there be an outbreak of fanaticism resulting in bloodshed, and in the end necessitating a punitive expedition. In the judgment of the administration it seemed advisable to make certain promises to the Mohammedans. Reference is made to such promises on page 70 of the report mentioned above. Ill the IMohammedaii States, following Lord Cromer’s policy for the Sudan, it apjiears advdsable to educate Mohammedans along their own lines, and com- puLsory attendance at a Christian school is inconceivable, and might prove dis¬ astrous. It is, moreover, in opposition to the promises of my predecessor. In view of the attitude of the government to Christian missions in Mohammedan centres, naturally a question arises as to how permis¬ sion was secured to enter several Moslem cities which are now occupied, and where a form of work is being done under very definite restrictions. In every case permission was given from four to nine years ago, before the government had taken such a strong position for those particular localities. Even then the opening was secured through the personal influence of some missionary of special influence and fitness, or through the favorable attitude of the local resident at the time. The residents are changed very frequently. A resident favorable to missions may be succeeded by one of opposite views. Moreover it should be said that most of the fields in which work for Mohammedans is now being done are so situated that they are more easily under the control of the govern¬ ment forces than the great centres of population to the north. The Church Missionary Society has been granted leave for some of its men to visit Kano, the great walled city in the northern part of the protectorate, for a brief period It would appear that this visit is largely to test the temper of the people. The missionaries have good reason to hope that upon the completion of the railroad as far as Kano they will be allowed to reside there. The completion of the railroad should enable 26 Report of Congo-Sudan Commission the government more readily to command the situation in the Province of Kano. While missionaries would go willingly without government protection, one hears it said in defense of the policy of the administration that the government is unwilling for the missionaries to reside where there is danger of serious friction until such localities are rendered more accessible, and consequently more sure of peace and order. Lady Lugard in her book “A Tropical Dependency,” page 45^, makes reference to the promise which was given by her husband. Sir Frederick Lugard, wLo was high commissioner of Northern Nigeria in the early days of the protectorate. She quotes a part of the high commissioner’s address delivered just previous to the installation of the new Emir of Sokoto, immediately after the surrender of that city to the British forces: “The government will in no way interfere with the Moham¬ medan religion. All men are free to worship God as they please. Mosques and prayer-places will be treated with respect by us.” The delicacy of the situation at that time is reflected in the oath of office for Moslem: “I swear in the name of Allah and of Mohammed his prophet to serve well and truly His Majesty King Edward VIT, and his repre¬ sentative, the High Commissioner of Northern Nigeria, and to obey the laws of the Protectorate and the lawful commands of the High Com¬ missioner and of the Resident, provided they are not contrary to my religion.” (From “A Tropical Dependency.”) It was understood that the Moslem official should promptly make known any objection to the plans of the British Government. This he swore to do. The government seems favorable to missions among pagans, espe¬ cially to industrial stations; but, judging from the experience of others, it would appear impossible at the present time for missionaries to secure the permission of the government to begin aggressive Christian work in Moslem centers. The policy of the government is expressed in the following paragraph from the report mentioned heretofore: Several missionary bodies and societies have established centres in the Pro¬ tectorate. Though tlieir assistance is welcomed in the pagan provinces, more particularly when their efforts are devoted to utilitarian objects, it has not been found possible, in the present state of the country, to encourage advances in the Mohammedan States. In this regard, the policy of my jrredecessor and myself is identical with that adopted with the full concun-ence of the Home authorities by Lord Cromer in the Sudan under almost similar circumstances. The latter policy is outlined in Lord Cromer’s report upon the Sudan for the year 1905, and is, I understand, still adhered to.—Page 9. That this policy is being continued is indicated by the brief exjiression found in^the most recent Northern Nigeria report presented by the acting- 27 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society governor of the protectorate to the British Parliament, March, 1910: “The various missionary societies report good progress in their mission schools. The lines on which these schools would be welcomed were pointed out last year.” Not only does it appear certain that Mohammedan centres are closed for the present, but it is also clear that the government would welcome the withdrawal of Christian missions from some Mohammedan fields which they were allowed to enter a few years ago. The missionaries at work in Nigeria are protesting most vigorously against the attitude of the government with reference to IVIoslem fields. The following reso¬ lutions were copied from the proceedings of the Interdenominational Missionary Conference held at Lakoja, July last: Tliat, in accordance with the principles of religious toleration, this Conference respectfully maintains that the people of a country possess an inalienable right to choose their own religious teaching, and that the Christian missionary is free courteously and peacefully to present the claims of his faith wherever people are willing to listen, whether in Mohammedan or heathen districts. That, while this Conference loyally recognizes the responsibility of the govern¬ ment for the maintenance of peace and order in the protectorate, they are unable to recognize restrictions placed upon the work of Christian missions which are based on any other principle. Moreover they respectfully urge that in some cases an unfair use of this plea of the need for the maintenance of peace and order has been made in order to keep missions out of certain districts. That tliis Conference does not consider that the pledge of non-interference with religion given by the government to IMohammedan rulers is in any way violated by the presence of Christian missionaries, peacefully and tactfully setting forth the claims of their faith; and they consider that sufficient proof has already been given that the peaceful propagation of the gospel in Mohsmmedan centres, such as Zaria, Bida, Wushishi, and Shonga has aided rather than hindered in the promotion of good relations between the government and the people of those cities. That the present system of short leases, some for only three years, militates against the due development of mission properties and the erection of permanent buildings. The Conference respectfully asks that the period of the lease be ex¬ tended to 21 years as soon as practicable. ^ hlissionaries who are looking longingly in the direction of Moham¬ medan strongholds believe it is best to await developments, and they are very hopeful that the opening will come for them in the near future. THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IN SECTIONS ONLY PARTLY MOHAMMEDAN Where the Mohammedan element is very strong the Christian mis¬ sionary is allowed only under certain restrictions. A case in point is the City of Ilorin, in the Province of Ilorin, where Mohammedans pre¬ dominate. The Church Missionary Society has tried earnestly to begin 28 Report of Congo-Sudan Commission work there. It has been informed that missionaries may be sent to live outside the city. They may do personal work, hold meetings in homes if invited to do so, or they may conduct services on the mission compound, which would be perhaps a mile from the city. The restric¬ tions as to the methods of evangelistic work apply to all districts where Islam is dominant. The matter of securing permission to reside in any particular section for the purpose of doing missionary work rests largely with the resident for that section, and such restrictions are im¬ posed as may seem best to him. It appears that the first thought with the government officials is the complete pacification of the country. Sup¬ posedly they give freedom where there is little danger of friction, and im¬ pose restrictions where aggressive work by a Christian missionary would prove to be a serious irritant, as has been indicated already. Christian workers in Northern Nigeria believe that too often the plea for peace and order has been merely an excuse on the part of residents to keep missions out of certain districts. Recently it was suggested to the missionaries in Zaria that they take up their residence outside the city. It was replied that such a step was altogether impossible if any good results were to be expected from the work of the missionaries. ALLOTMENT OF TERRITORY TO MISSION BODIES The practise of allotment and definition of territory by the govern¬ ment does not prevail in Northern Nigeria. So long as the work is con¬ fined to the pagans the administration is content to allow the several missionary societies in Northern Nigeria to agree among themselves as to the boundaries of their fields. Presumably the same policy would hold in the Mohammedan sections if the government favored work for Moslems. “Why not go to the pagans?” is the reply the missionary is most likely to hear when he asks permission to enter Mohammedan territory. In this connection an extract from the governor’s report presented to the British Parliament, February 1909, is interesting: The Church ^Missionary Society’s school at Kuta, in the Gwari (pagan) country. IS making fair progress, on industrial as well as other lines. It is most desirable that the Toronto Industrial Mission, now making little or no headway at Wushishi —originally a war and slave-raiding camp and a most unsuitable site for a mission— should move to some pagan centre, where they would probably meet with success similar to that of the Church ^Missionary Society at Kuta.—Page 48. We were told that even if the government were disposed to allow a mission body to enter the Mohammedan field the officials would need 29 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society to be satisfied as to the character of the work in view, and the fitness of each individual missionary for his task, with special emphasis on the latter point. THE PRESENT TIME UNFAVORABLE FOR ENTRANCE INTO NORTHERN NIGERIA, WITH A VIEW TO WORK FOR THE MOHAMMEDAN POPULATION We do not regard the present time particularly favorable for en¬ trance into Northern Nigeria with a view to active effort to reach the Mohammedans. Entrance into a strategic Mohammedan centre is practically forbidden by the government. There is reason to hope that the attitude of the provincial administration will be more liberal in the near future. In the judgment of your Commission, the permission of the government to enter the Mohammedan stronghold can be secured most easily by those who are already on the field and are in close and friendly relations with the government. If these friends succeed in their plan a point of large importance will have been gained for all mission¬ ary societies. British societies already at work in Northern Nigeria are in a position to lead most effectively in the movement to secure open doors, and there is large possibility that an attempt on the part of a foreign society to force the issue at this juncture might delay matters rather than hasten the day of larger opportunity for which heroic men and women are working and praying. We have been profoundly impressed with the broad Christian spirit of men at work in Nigeria, and we are confident that any advantage gained through their efforts will be shared generously in the interests of the kingdom of God. Exceptionally wise and tactful men are now endeavoring to lead the government to a different policy. Should they succeed, our society would be given a hearty welcome to the great field under consideration. H PROSPECT OF WORK LIMITED TO PAGAN FIELDS There is opportunity for a large work in at least one pagan section where conditions invite effort on the part of some society. This society should be prepared to furnish men of ability, give adequate support, and be content to wait for results. The opportunity we have in mind is among the Gwari people, who occupy contiguous sections of the Nupe, Zaria and Nassarawa Provinces, and who in population reach into hun¬ dreds of thousands. Borgu is a pagan province, but the population, already small, is decreasing. The British Government looks upon it as an unpromising section and administers it as a part of the Kontagora Province. 30 Report of Congo-Sudan Commission The Miinchi people, occupying the eastern section of Bassa Province and the western section of Muri Province, number perhaps 250,000 and are without missionaries. The people of the western section of the tribe are not yet pacified, and very little is known about them. In the eastern section the Sudan United Mission is hoping to establish two central stations. The points in view were designated to the Commission by the general secretary of this society. In Bauchi Province there are large pagan communities, though the population in general is so strongly under Moslem rule as to cause the British Government to place Bauchi in the column of Mohammedan provinces. We learned that there are as many as sixty-seven tribes, most of which are small. There is no written language among any of these pagan peoples, whose tongues are entirely dissimilar. The pagan fields in Bauchi, which appear to offer the largest opportunity at present, have been entered already by the Church Missionary Society and the Sudan United Mission. Missionaries of these societies are now engaged with the problem of language. Except in sections which have been entered by others we are not informed of any pagan field in Bauchi which is open to occupation and which offers a very large population. In this connection a resolution adopted by the Northern Nigeria Interdenomina¬ tional Missionary Conference is of interest: That, in the opinion of this Conference, it is not advisable, save under excep¬ tional circumstances, to undertake work with a view to the translation of the Scrij)- tures amongst a tribe wliich dot^s not exceed a population of 50,000. Very little is known of unoccupied pagan sections to the far eastern parts of the Provinces of Yola and Bornu. Moreover, the cost of trans¬ port has prohibited effort there on the part of other societies. The four sections mentioned above appear to be the only unoc¬ cupied pagan fields where large expansion would be possible in coming years without reaching into territory which other missions may rightfully regard as their own fields for enlargement. W e see no reason why work in one or more of these sections should not be effective, though the conditions which obtain and the experience of other mission bodies in pagan fields of the protectorate lead us to the opinion that a long period of foundation work would be necessary. THE RECOMMENDATION For the sake of clearness we quote just here three questions which were given to the Commission. Following each question is our brief 31 American Baptist F'oreign Mission Society answer. The grounds upon which our recommendation is made will be set forth in later paragraphs. Questioyi: “In your judgment are the present crisis and opportunity in this field such that you w'ould recommend the society to establish work here at the present time.?” Answer: They are not. While we recognize that there are large opportunities for work in Northern Nigeria, and that need always con¬ stitutes a crisis, yet in the light of all the information we have obtained we are not of the opinion that our society should enter this field at the present time. Question: “Would you recommend this [establishment of work in Northern Nigeria] if it should prove to be possible only by discontinuance or restriction of work in the Congo field ? ” Ansxver: We do not believe that Northern Nigeria has any field to offer which we should enter at the cost of discontinuance or restriction of the work in the Congo. Question: “Would you favor this course [a new mission in Nigeria] in case it were to involve continued or increased embarrassmnet to the work now conducted by the society in other fields.?” Ansiver: By no means. In recommending to the Board of Managers of our society that work should not be undertaken in Northern Nigeria at the present time we are far from being unmindful of the great need of larger missionary effort in that part of Africa. As has been indicated, there is at least one large, unoccupied pagan section already pacified and favorable for oc¬ cupation, which we might enter without involving ourselves in unfraternal relations with other societies, if we are prepared to furnish suitable men and adequate support, with no consequent neglect to other fields, and if we have faith and ability to continue large investments of life and money during the apparently fruitless years of cultivation which must precede a harvest. Then there are large, thickly populated Mohammedan provinces which are absolutely untouched by Christian missions. If there were not other questions to be considered besides the need of more missionaries in Northern Nigeria, we should be obliged to recom¬ mend that our society enter that field at once, but the Commission has been compelled to bear in mind other questions as well. From the resolutions adopted by the Board of Managers of our society, December 32 Report of Congo-Sudan Commission 2, 1909, calling for the appointment of this Commission, we understand that the desire to open a new mission in Northern Nigeria was prompted by two considerations: First, the relation of Northern Nigeria to the Sudan, which “presents the largest unevangelized section of the world to-day.” Second, the conviction that “our general policy in Africa should be the assumption of larger responsibility for its needs.” With reference to the first consideration, namely, the relation of Northern Nigeria to the Sudan, the cardinal fact is this: the problem of the Sudan is first and last the problem of Mohammedanism. Islam is in the as¬ cendancy in that part of Africa. The Sudan is not merely “in especial danger of being occupied by Mohammedanism.” Already it is recog¬ nized as Mohammedan, whatever may be said of the type of Moham¬ medanism that prevails or the spots here and there which are pagan. Therefore any movement which is planned for the redemption of the Sudan must deal ultimately with Islam. In our opinion, which is con¬ firmed by the views of men of experience in Nigeria, effective work with reference to the problem of the Sudan must be done in the midst of a Moslem population, and preferably in the large centres, but this is prac¬ tically forbidden for the present by the attitude of the British Government. We are aware that with the nature of the Sudan problem in mind it has been urged that if the Moslem districts are closed to us our society should begin work among pagans with a view to reaching out to the Mohammedans. We believe that such a plan is most impracticable, and, in the opinion of men on the field, is most certain to result in failure to affect the general situation in the Sudan. It is hardly possible to establish a work among inferior pagans which would prove to be a base for work with the superior Mohammedans. We are very strongly of the opinion that while certain pagan fields in themselves offer sufiicient inducement for earnest effort, they are not to be considered as starting points in a campaign to check Mohammedanism. The foundation work in one case would be no preparation for the other. We are aware also that our society is urged to occupy pagan fields in order to check the movement of Mohammedanism itself. Should this policy be deemed expedient we doubt whether Nigeria at present offers the most strategic point for the work of another society. Dr. H. Karl W. Kumm, General Secretary of the Sudan United Mission, has recently completed a journey of fifteen months’ duration through the Sudan, from the Niger to the Nile. Dr. Kumm was emphatic in his advice that any society wishing to enter the Sudan and occupy the most 33 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society strategic unoccupied situation at present should not turn to Nigeria. He believes that the next field which should be occupied is in the valley of the Shari River, southeast of Lake Chad and several hundred miles to the east of Northern Nigeria. He describes this section as compara¬ tively healthful. In view of the fact that Mohammedanism follows the avenues of trade and travel, and considering that the section which Dr. Kumm indicates is on the line of travel that the French have opened from the Lake Chad region to the sea by way of the Shari, Ubangi and Congo rivers, there appears to be good reason for his contention that the unoccupied position of greatest strategic importance in checking the spread of Mohammedanism in Central Africa is to the east of Nigeria. With reference to the second consideration leading to the appoint¬ ment of this Commission, namely, the conviction that “our general policy in Africa should be the assumption of larger responsibility for its needs,” we are aware that a part of this larger responsibility might be met in a new work for the pagans of Northern Nigeria. We have indicated that there is at least one large pagan tribe in Northern Nigeria, pacified and open to Christian missions, whose numbers are easily sufficient to justify another mission exclusively for them. At present only two stations are found among these people, which are on the western border of their territory. But if the assumption of larger responsibility for the needs of Africa is to consist in more extensive effort for the pagans, we believe this effort can be made by our society more successfully in the Congo than in Northern Nigeria. While the population is somewhat denser in the smaller area of the latter territory, the total pagan population of Congo Beige is several times larger than the pagan population of Northern Nigeria. There seems to be no need among the pagans in Northern Nigeria which cannot be duplicated in the Congo. Indeed, there are areas adjacent to some, of our own stations in the Congo which are unoccupied by evangelical missions, though they are several times larger than any unoccupied pagan field in Northern Nigeria, and with population of inviting density. Moreover, any one or several sueh areas in Congo Beige is as large as that section of pagan territory in the southern part of Northern Nigeria which is occupied at present by sixteen mission stations and not one of them crowding another. Such areas are to be found immediately to^the southeast of our Ikoko field and to the northeast of our new Kwango work (Cuillo station, established by Dr. Leslie). It is the opinion of our workers in the Congo, as well as the opinion of your Commission,^that 34 Report of Congo-Sudan Commission either of these unoccupied areas presents a large opportunity for expansion. In these circumstances we see no reason to open any mission in Northern Nigeria for the sake of finding work among pagans, when the possibilities for the expansion of our mission in the Congo seem almost limitless under normal political conditions. Especially should we advise against opening any new work for pagans if the new mission should mean restriction of our present work for the pagans of the Congo. We have discovered no great natural superiority in the Nigerian pagan as compared with the Congo pagan. We are firmly convinced that the opening of a new mission for pagans in Northern Nigeria at the expense of the Congo Mission would mean the sacrifice of the larger opportunity for the smaller. Many years have been given to laying the foundations in our African fields. These foundations have been laid at immense cost in human life, not to mention other investments. Churches have been organized, languages have been learned and reduced to writing. The Scriptures have been translated. Hymn books and numerous other volumes have been prepared, including text books for the schools. Teachers have been" trained. Native evangelists are at work. An educational system is being planned. Having laid these foundations, we should regard it as most unwise to go to a new pagan field where all this must be done over again, if the going means restriction of the Congo work. So far as we can see our largest opportunity for render¬ ing service to the pagans of Africa lies in the strengthening of our lines in the Congo. Until that can be done we believe it is unwise to open a mission in Northern Nigeria. It is a time of crisis in our Congo mission. We are in serious danger of losing much if we do not take steps promptly to conserve what has been gained. j As a denomination we have a peculiar responsibility and a corre- ponding opportunity in Congo Beige. Above Boma, fifty miles from the sea coast, all the evangelical societies at work on the great Congo River are immersionist bodies. All things considered, we are of the opinion that we can more suc¬ cessfully assume larger responsibility for the needs of Africa by the ex¬ pansion of our present work in the Congo than by opening a new mission in Northern Nigeria. j In closing these reports we wish to record our appreciation of the services which Rev. Joseph Clark rendered the Commisson. Without him such a journey as we made would have been exceedingly dangerous, if not impossible. No man living is more widely known or 35 American Baptist Foreign Mission Society more highly esteemed on the Congo than he. All were willing to do favors for him. His knowledge of the country and people gave us many advantages. He was always patient, thoughtful and watchful for our comfort. He is an able leader, a fine linguist and a consecrated Christian. (Signed) W. L. FERGUSON, (Signed) JOHNSTON MYERS, ; (Signed) JAMES H. FRANKLIN, C oinmission ers. LIST OF DOCUMENTS APPENDED TO THE REPORT I. Report of Messrs. Hartsock and Metzger re Liikanie trip. '2. Four maps, Tshumbiri, Lac Leopold II, Lukanie and Mfini Districts. 3. Seliedule and Inventory of A. B. F. M. S. properties, t. Report of the Congo Educational Commission. Report of the Congo Evangelical Training Institute. 6. Declaration by Dr. Sims re work in French territory. 7. Seliedule showing boundaries, ijopulation of fields, etc. 8. Petition of the Ikoko Church. 9. Petition of the Palabala Church. 10. Ivist of Extraordinary Needs. II. Rough Sketches: D) Ikoko Compound. 02) Tshumbiri Compound. 12. Translation of French Official’s letter to A. Billington. 38 CONGO Kn^ER ( SECTION ) CONGO FREE STATE Stations of A. B.M. IT. I Matadl Raiiroadfl I - Scale of Statute Miles. Cable Ltoes: . . ■ I Proposed — q ioo 200