For not only is he
responsible for the atrocities, in that he does not try to suppress
them, but he is doubly guilty in that he has encouraged them. This
he has done with cynical, callous publicity, without effort at
concealment, without shame. Men who, in obtaining rubber, committed
unspeakable crimes, the memory of which makes other men
uncomfortable in their presence, Leopold rewarded with rich
bonuses, pensions, higher office, gilt badges of shame, and rapid
advancement. To those whom even his own judges sentenced to many
years' imprisonment he promptly granted the royal pardon, promoted,
and sent back to work in the vineyard.
"That is the sort of man for _me_," his action seemed to say. "See
how I value that good and faithful servant. That man collected much
rubber. You observe I do not ask how he got it. I will not ask you.
All you need do is to collect rubber. Use our improved methods. Gum
copal rubbed in the kinky hair of the chief and then set on fire
burns, so my agents tell me, like vitriol. For collecting rubber the
chief is no longer valuable, but to his successor it is an
object-lesson. Let me recommend also the _chicotte_, the torture
tower, the 'hostage' house, and the crucifix. Many other stimulants
to labor will no doubt suggest themselves to you and to your
cannibal 'sentries.' Help to make me rich, and don't fear the
'State.' '_L'Etat, c'est moi!_' Go as far as you like!"
I said the degradations and tortures practised by the men "working
on commission" for Leopold are unprintable, but they have been
printed, and those who wish to read a calmly compiled, careful, and
correct record of their deeds will find it in the "Red Rubber" of
Mr.
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