From THe "Nortu-Ciina Dany Ne' or SEPTEMBER 17, 1877
The Royal Geographical Society have taken up the subject of African Exploration with great zeal, and have issued a Circular inviting special subscriptions towards the prosecution of that object. This document, of which a copy reached us by the mail, sets forth the especial objects of the movement—which has been conceived in sympathy with the recent action of the King of the Belgians, and which will be under the direction of a special Committee of whom Sir Rutherford Alcock, as President of the Royal Geographical Society, will be chairman, Ju introducing the subject, the Committee remark that "steam navigation is bringing Eastern Africa into close communication with Europe. The mail services recently established, and likely to be further developed, touch at various ports in Eastern Africa and cannot fail to stimulate European commerce with the interior, by affording increased facilities of intercourse, A trade has existed since a very ancient period between the opposite shores of India and Africa; and it must be of importance that all hindrances to its increase should be removed. A great development of enterprise along the Eastern coast may also be expected on the side of our South African Colonies, if the productive regions of the interior be opened up. The proposed scientific exploration of the capabilities of Africa, and the discovery of the best means of reaching its interior from the Eastern coast, will be a most serviceable step in this direction." They add in conclusion that, "in seeking to promote a national undertaking which may assume very large proportions, "they propose to begin with such funds as they have in hand, and to persevere to the extent which these and further contributions will allow. The difficulties to be anticipated in efforts to civilize Africa must not be underrated, considering how Jorge has been the proportion of unsuccessful attempts. But they feel convinced that persistent and simultaneous explorations from many sides, and of a scientific character, offer the best hope of ultimate success."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.