130 FROM THE NIGER TO THE NILE 



military expedition paralyses a country for several years, 

 and it should be the endeavour of all governments, especially 

 in the Mohamedan provinces of Africa, to sheathe the sword 

 as much as possible and by judicious and kindly means 

 win over the independent potentates and chiefs, and through 

 them rule their people. After all, they are the rightful 

 owners of the country, and the only excuse for interfering 

 can be on the grounds of protecting the community of trade 

 interests. Wadai may yet save his skin, if he choose to follow 

 the example of Ali Dinar. 



In the afternoon of June 4, at the end of a broad reach of 

 the river, Fort Lamy came into view. Peeps of brick wall and 

 thatched roofs nestled in a cluster of thick trees upon the 

 steep bank of the river, while crowning all, rose the graceful 

 chateau-like house of the Commandant, with the tri-colour 

 floating above. 



Fort Lamy stands upon the right bank of the Shari, 

 just below the junction with the Logone river. It consists 

 of little more than the French military post and a straggling 

 native town of mixed races, Arab, Kanuri, Baghirmi, Kotoko, 

 and Banda. It owes its importance to its position, being 

 on the road from Bornu and Dikwa whence rich caravans 

 from Tripoli on their way to Wadai pass four times a year 

 bearing coffee, kola nut, cloth and silk, arms, and gold and 

 silver ornaments. This road is also trodden by many pilgrims 

 on their way to Mecca. 



On my arrival Gosling, cheery and fit, turned out with all 

 the members of the Expedition and gave me a very hearty 

 reception. The next evening Colonel Gourand, the Governor 

 of the " Territoire du Chad," and his officers, gave a dinner 



