Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 March 1877 — Later From Stanley, the African Explorer. [ARTICLE]

Later From Stanley, the African Explorer.

We are in receipt of three deeply interesting letters from Henry M. Stanley, the joint commissioner of the Herald and London Daily Telegraph, now exploring the equatorial regions of Central Africa, aud determining the location and character of the several sources of the Nile. Two maps accompany the letters, and illustrate the various routes and explorations made by Stanley since the date of the dispatches which were received from him In October, 1876. The letters are dated from Ujiji, on the the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, and on the 7th. 10th and 18th of August, 1876, respectively. After exploring the hitherto unknown region between Lakes Victoria and Albert N’yanza, and discovering the great River Kageera, which flows into the Victoria N’yanza from the southwest, Stanley took a southerly route toward Ujiji, the place where he first met Livingstone. In the course of his journey he discovered Lake Windermere, an enlargement of the Kageera, and also a body of water which he named Kageera Lake. But by the ferocious hostility of the natives of the region called the Warundi, and being brought to the verge of starvation, Stanley was forced to retire into a more hospitable country and abandon for the time being the further exploration of the Kageera and its wonderful valley, and his efforts to reach the southern eud of Lake Albert N’yanza. Pursuing his course toward Ujiji, Stanley crossed into the country of Unyam. wesi, and, after traversing its ridgebroken expanse, reached his destination in safety. The details of this perilous journey are given in his letter. After fitting together and launching the exploring boat Lady Alice, which rendered such good service on Lake Victoria N’yanza, Stanley commenced his survey of Lake Tanganyika. Starting from 'Ujiji, he made a complete circumnavigation of the lake, ahd verified many observations made on that portion whidli he had previously visited and explored in company with Dr. Livingstone. Stanley has settled the question of the River Lukuga, which Cameron supposed, was the outlet of Lake Tanganyika toward the west and into the system of lakes which form the headwaters of the Lomame or Lualaba of Livingstone. Stanley’s letters indicate that Cameron was both right and wrong with regard to the character of the Lukuga River. At presseut it is only a creek, running inland through a deep depression, which extends westward for a great distance. But the lake, bv constantly Increasing its area and risifig In level, will eventually find an outlet through the Lukuga River. Stanley’s Investigations on and around Lake Tanganyika are most curious aud complete. At the northern end of the lake he found a spacious gulf, which will henceforward be Known to geographers as “ Burton Gulf,” after the celebrated African explorer of that name. In his second letter Stanley describes some very important discoveries respecting the Kageera River, which empties into Lake Victoria N’yanza on its western side. He attaches vast importance to this stream as a feeder of the great lake. He compares the ShTmeeyu, which flows into the Victoria N’yanza from the vast swampy regions southeast of the lake, through whiqh he first /approached its shores, to the River Thames, but the Kageera to the Thames and Severn combined.

The purity and color of the water of the Kageera, he declares, indicate that it rises either far to the westward of Lake Tanganyika or that its course is interrupted by a lake, where the waters are purified as in a' neat settling basin. Stanley’s investigations go to prove the existence of such a lake of considerable extent, and Which is known by several names. To the river and lake Stanley gives the name of “ Alexandra,” in honor of the Princess of Wales. " r^'~~Twr r He proves that the Egyptian Nile is the issue of the united Blue and White Niles, the former flowing from die mountalnpus region of AbysSima and the latter from the equatorial lake system. The White Nile is the issue of Lake Albert N’yanza, which derives its waters from the vast watershed that immediately surrounds it. The Victoria Nile is the Issue of Lake Victoria N’yanza, which is fed by numerous rivers, such as the Shimeeyu, the Duma, thC Kuana. The Kageera or Lower Alexandra Nile issues from Alex* anara Lake, which latter body of water is fed from sources yet unexplored. The natives say that Lake Alexandra is two days’ canal sailing in width, and lies beyond the mountains of Ugufu. It is called by them N’yanza Chu N’gonia. Stanley’s latest letter, dated UjijL Aug. 18, reports an outbreak Of small-pox and fever in the district. This visitation obliges him to prepare for an early departure from the place. He proposes to cross the Country to N’yangwe, westward of the northern end of Lake Tanganyika and on ihe Lualaba or Webb’s River. He will there determine on his final course.— London {Marsh 12) Dispatch to N. T. Harold: —A New York doctor says that a person with a sore throat, shouldn’t kiss one whose throat is sit right, as the complaint can be communicated. Girls with sore throats should wear a bell. Taut man who takes the most interest in his business—the money-lender.— Bottom Commercial Bulletin.