There is little fresh information in regard to the execution
of the trader Stokes; but the more the case is examined, the clearer it becomes that the officers of the Congo Free State acted ultra sires. We believe that a full investigation of the facts will show (1) that even if Stokes sold the guns and powder to the natives, as alleged, he did nothing to which the death-penalty could attach ; and (2) that eves supposing, for the sake of argument, that the offence was a capital one, the tribunal which tried him was incompetent to hang him, and that the doctor who re- fused to take any part in the transaction, showed a correct appreciation of the legal position. As we said before, how- ever, we feel sure that the Government is fully alive to the gravity of the case, and will need no outside pressure to make them act strongly and firmly.
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