Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 March 1883 — Punishment and Pardon. [ARTICLE]

Punishment and Pardon.

Mr. Stanley tells, in his “Dark Continent,” how he dealt mercifully with a thief, who was one of his most valuable men, and at the same time prevented the demoralization of his followers. Uledi, the coxswain of his boat, and a most useful helper, was detected in a serious theft. He had stolen five pounds of beads, on which Mr. Stanley depended to buy provisions from the natives. Stanley was perplexed. He could not spare Uledi’s services, nor could he allow the offense to go unpunished, lest his clemency might injure tjie discipline of the corps. He thought the matter over and wisely determined to leave the matter to the company. The chief of the negroes spoke first, saying, if it had been one of the common men, he would have advised punishment by death, but as it was Uledi, always bold and faithful, who had saved thirteen lives, he should advise a whipping. Other leaders agreed with the chief. Mr. Stanley then asked the opinion of the boatmen. The first said the offense must be punished, even if the criminal were Uledi, but he hoped the whipping would be light. The next, the culprit’s brother, said, “Uledi is a thief. I have begged him not to steal. But he is Uledi, and has done so much for us. He must be whipped, but let me take half the whipping. ” The next said, “He is my cousin, and so useful; let me take the other half of the whipping.” Mr. Stanley, much moved by the offer of these two men to substitute themselves for the offender, answered: “Uledi is condemned. But, as Shumari and Saywa take his punishment, he is set free, and I pardon Shumari and Saywa.” Uledi, broken down by the generous offer and the pardon, said, “Master, it was not Uledi that stole; it was the devil who entered his heart. Uledi will be good in future.” From that time Mr. Stanley had no more honest or faithful servant than. Uledi. The love of brother and cousin, shown by giving themselves as his substitute, and the gentleness of his master, expelled covetousness from his heart and made him anxious to naerit. ft good' reputation