The Times of Saturday published a long letter from Mr.
Andrew Jameson, in defence of his brother, the African ex- plorer. The letter, which is admirable in tone, exactly confirms the view we took of Mr. Jameson's share in the scene of cannibalism. Mr. Jameson, it appears, related the story in the diaries which he sent home, and declares that, though he was present when the girl was murdered and eaten, he never believed that such a tragedy would really be enacted. He says : "I have heard many stories of this kind since I have been in this country, but never could believe them, and I never would have been such a beast as to witness this, but I could not bring myself to believe that it was anything save a ruse to get money out of me until the last moment." We
entirely believe that statement, and have always main- tained that the different one made to Mr. Bonny was a self-accusing exaggeration which Mr. Bonny did not under- stand. We cannot, however, admit that Mr. Jameson was justified in sitting still, and making no effort to prevent the cannibal feast. Tippoo Tib himself, the Governor of Stanley Falls—not of the Congo State, as Mr. A. Jameson says—was actually on the spot, and a threat to report the transaction to the King would have induced him to interfere effectually. He dare not have seen Jameson murdered in such a cause. The truth is, we believe, that, as he could not save the girl's life, she having been killed before he believed in her danger, Mr. Jameson saw no harm in gratifying his curiosity as to the subsequent proceedings ; and for that, as well as for the reckless gift of the handkerchiefs, we must continue to condemn him.
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