Chapter 2 Chapter Two Expedition Team

Conakry, the capital of French Guinea, is a very nice city.The residence of the French Governor-General is located here.It is a seaside city with many Caucasians, especially English and French. But at the time of the events described in this book, Conakry was not a prosperous city, but a large settlement. On November 27th, Conakry was in a festive spirit.Governor Green.Walton summoned all the residents to the seashore, and prepared to warmly welcome a group of famous travelers.The steamer Tuart they were on was about to dock. These travelers who made Conakry a sensation were actually an expedition sent by the French central government.Their mission was to visit a province in French Sudan known as the Ring of Niger.

A few months ago, in the French Parliament, when discussing the colonial issue, the members were divided into two factions that were evenly matched, and two opposing members led the two factions to engage in a big debate. One of these deputies was called Barsac, the other Baudrier.The first was a plump man with a shaggy, fan-shaped black beard, a vivacious disposition, and a sonorous voice, a southern Provencal.This Balsac was, if not eloquent, at least eloquent.As for Bautrier, he was a member of parliament in a certain northern province.He is thin, with high cheekbones, a few sparse beards, thin lips, and a gloomy face. He is a man of few words.

Both MPs had years of study on colonial issues, and both were authorities on the subject.Yet they seldom share the same opinion.If Balsac had expressed his opinion on a question, Baudrier would have held the opposite view. This time, Balsac and Bautrier were even more insistent.So the debate continued.The cause of the problem was that Barsak proposed a draft law to the parliament to establish five parliamentary local institutions in Celegambia, Upper Guinea and parts of the French Sudan west of the Niger River, giving blacks the right to vote and stand for election.As usual, Baudrier immediately objected.The two adversaries then launched a violent attack on each other with their respective arguments as cannonballs.

The first declared, after citing the observations of many soldiers and official travelers, that the Negro people there had reached a considerable degree of civilization.He added that it was not enough to abolish slavery, the conquered should be given the same rights as the occupiers.He chanted the slogans of liberty, equality and fraternity amid warm applause from some members of parliament. Another, just the opposite.He pointedly declared that the black nation was still in an extremely barbaric state, and there was no question of giving them voting rights.In any case, he added, at the present time, such experiments cannot be carried out; on the contrary, the forces of occupation must be strengthened.For there are many worrying signs that riots are likely to break out in this area before long.Like his opponents, he also cites the observations of many travelers to supplement his arguments.Finally, he said with patriotic fervor that what is bought with the blood of France is sacred and inviolable.He called for additional armed intervention forces to be sent there.His speech won warm applause from another group of MPs.

The Minister of Colonial Affairs was in a dilemma as to which side to favor.He was disturbed by news of riots and looting from the Ring of Niger and Celegambia.It is said that the residents of the entire village there have left their original place of residence without knowing where they are going or why.It is also secretly rumored that somewhere in Africa, an unknown country is being established. The debate never ends.Then, a congressman shouted impatiently amidst the quarrel: If they disagree, let them investigate for themselves! This suggestion was so fruitful that it was adopted immediately.The Colonial Department decided to organize an expedition to investigate the Ring of Niger.The decision was immediately approved by Parliament.

Who will be sent to be the captain of the expedition team?This again became a difficult problem.For two ballots gave Balsac and Baudrier an equal number of votes. To hell with him, send both!I don't know which congressman called out jokingly. The proposal was unexpectedly enthusiastically endorsed by lawmakers.Doubtless they found an opportunity of depriving themselves of debate on the colonial question for at least a few months.Both Balsac and Bautrier were elected, and it remained to decide who should be captain according to age.In this respect Balsac is slightly better, because he is three days older.Baudrier, who was wronged, had to succumb to the position of deputy.

The government also sent several people to join the expedition.These people are not very prominent, but they can be useful.Therefore, the members of the expedition that had arrived in Conakry were seven, including the two captains. Among the other members, Dr. Sartore deserves special mention.This is an excellent medical worker.He was over five feet eight inches tall and always had a happy expression on his face.Although he was only fifty years old, his curly hair was all white, and his bushy beard was like silver threads.Dr. Sartore was a wonderful man, sympathetic, lively, and always laughing loudly.

It is also worth mentioning that Isidore, a corresponding member of the Geographical Society.Denson.This is a geographer obsessed with his profession, small in stature but resolute in character. The other three members are Posain, Kiriya, and Heriye. They are all staff of various government ministries, some very ordinary people. In addition to these official members, there was an eighth traveler in the expedition.This is a fair-haired man with a vigorous and resolute appearance. His name is Ameijie.Floras is a special correspondent for the French Expansion.Such were all the important persons who arrived in Conakry on the 27th of November by the steamer Tuart.

Walton, the governor of Conakry, and his main officials held a grand welcome ceremony for the guests at the place where the ship docked.His welcome was brief and well-spoken.Balsak delivered a speech on behalf of the expedition team.Then everyone went to the governor's house.The expedition team will stay there for three days in order to determine the detailed itinerary. The province that the expedition team plans to visit has an area of ​​more than 1.5 million square kilometers, which is larger than two Frances[Note].In order to expand the scope of the investigation, the expedition team is going to be divided into two small teams halfway.Starting from Conakry, heading towards Kangkang, you will pass through Vasa, Jimpo (an important administrative center in the south of Forte Chalong) and Kanglusha (a station on the bank of the upper reaches of the Niger River, about 500 meters away from the river. Not far from the birthplace) several places.

【Note】The land area of ​​France is more than 550,000 square kilometers. After Konkang, the expedition will pass through Fraba, Fraba Kula, Kiara, Vasula and Graduka before arriving at Sikasso City, the capital of the Sikasso region. Sikasso is one thousand and one hundred kilometers from the sea.The two teams of the expedition will part ways here.A detachment headed south by Boudrier.On the way, you have to pass through Sidarduka, Niambupo and many other large and small villages and towns to reach a provincial capital in the Congo, and then continue southward, passing through Baura to Gran Basha in the Ivory Coast.

Another detachment led by Barsac will continue eastward, its route is to reach Shay on the Niger River via Ouagadougou, then advance parallel to the river, pass through Mocia, and finally, via Kurma, Burka, End your journey by arriving in Cotonou, the seaport of Dahomey. Taking into account the difficulties and possible delays of the journey, the first detachment would have required at least a few months, and the second ten to twelve months, to complete the expedition.They set off from Conakry together on December 1, and Portrier's expedition should have arrived at Gran Bassa in the Ivory Coast in early October of the following year. Our story will tell of their long expedition. On November 30th, the eve of departure, Balsac returned from a tour in the tropical sunshine of Conakry feeling a little tired.He was about to rest comfortably for a while, when suddenly the waiter came to report that two people were outside asking to be interviewed. who is it?asked Balsac. The waiter waved his hand, indicating that he didn't know. Invite them in!Balsac ordered. It was six o'clock in the afternoon.Regardless of the time difference, the robbery of the Decker Office of the Central Bank of London, described in the first chapter of this book, happened at this moment. The visitors are a man and a woman.The male is around forty years old, and the female is between twenty and twenty-five.They were ushered into Barsac's lounge. The man was quite tall, with a short torso supported by a pair of long legs, and a head that seemed to be straightened on his slender neck.His eyes are flexible, his nose is high, his lips are thick, and the beard on his lips has been shaved clean by the ruthless razor. Hu.Although this portrait precludes the possibility of being called a handsome man, it is pleasing.For there was honesty in his thick lips, and a kind, somewhat mischievous gleam in his nimble eyes. The girl behind him was also tall.She was slender and graceful, with a lively and beautiful mouth, a thin straight nose, two big eyes, and luxuriant black hair on her head. She was a perfect beauty. Balsac asked them to sit down.The man spoke up: please forgive.Mr. Congressman, sorry to bother you.Let us introduce ourselves.My name is Arenor.De.Sunberling, a real estate owner in Rennes, France, is a bachelor.After expressing his social status in this way, Arenor.De.Xun Bolin paused for a moment, then pointed to the young girl and introduced: She is Ranna.Miss Morna is my aunt. your aunt?Balsac was amazed. Yes, Mademoiselle Jeanne is indeed my aunt.Arenor.De.Sunberling confirmed.At this moment, a happy smile slightly parted the girl's lips. The only fault with her pretty face was that it was too serious and suddenly glowed. De.Mr. Sunberling is my nephew by kindred.She explained in French with a touch of English that he never missed an opportunity to make a confession of our generational relationship. It makes me younger.he interjected. But, she went on, if the impression had been made and the law allowed, he would be willing to change places with me, and he would live in our house as soon as I was born, Uncle Arenor, according to family tradition. This is about my age.The uncle, who is actually a nephew, explained, but Mr. Congressman, please let us talk about our reason for coming.Miss Morna and I are both scientists, and my niece, who is actually an aunt, is also a brave traveler.My kind uncle who is actually a nephew let her drag me to this distant country.Our plan is to go deep into the interior of the country.Even if you take a little risk, you can get a lot of new knowledge and enjoy many never-before-seen scenery.We got ready and were about to set off when we got word that your expedition would be sharing a route with us.So I said to Morna, although the country is very peaceful, but if the expedition team agrees, we still want to go with you.The purpose of our coming here is to ask for your consent that we can travel with you. I see nothing wrong with that in principle, replied Balsac.But, you know, I have to discuss it with my colleagues. This is a matter of course.Sunberling agrees. Perhaps, Balsac continued, they would be worried about this lady, who might affect our progress and fail to complete the planned plan. Please don't worry about this!cried Uncle Arenor.Mademoiselle Morena was a real lad.She herself begs you to consider her a true companion. Of course, Jana.Morna confirmed, and I would add that in terms of material conditions, it will not trouble you at all.We had horses and porters and even hired two guides and interpreters.These are two Berbers, infantry from the former Senegalese province, you can rest assured. If this is the case, it is indeed good. Barsac admitted, I will discuss it with my colleagues tonight. If they agree, this matter will be decided. Where can I answer you? When we leave tomorrow morning.Because anyway, we leave Conakry tomorrow anyway. The guests took their leave. Balsac conveyed their request to his colleagues, and they readily agreed.So two new members were added to the Balsac expedition team.Now, apart from the porters and guards, the expedition team has a total of ten people.