ABSTRACT
THE question of transport is a vital one for the development of Central Africa. The present system present system of human porterage precludes the export IMP0SSLBLEfrom the farther regions of the interior of anything but the most valuable articles. Africa possesses one such product-ivory; and probably there is no other country in the world which has even one single export which would stand the charge of some £200 per ton freight to the nearest port, and yet yield an enormous profit. Not only are the exports limited by this obstacle, which strangles all development of natural resources, but the
cost of the introduction of all material which does not yield an immediate return is likewise almost prohibitive. Thus barter-goods to exchange for ivory, or to advance at enhanced values, as part-payment to the men, can be advantageously imported, and the porters returning convey the ivory to the coast. But such plant as machinery for cotton, fibre, and oil-pressing, or for working minerals; steamers and boats by which to control the lakes and develop the trade along the waterways ; stores, medicines, tools and material for building, with which to add to the comfort and health of Europeans ; ammunition, clothing, and equipment for troops, with which to maintain a minimum police force at the highest efficiency,—all these necessities of administration and development render no immediate return, and their import, therefore, under existing conditions, becomes impossible without large capital outlay.
