The strangers who had made
themselves so detestable, were it not that the startling explosion
of gunpowder inspires them with terror.
Into what country soever the Arabs enter, they contrive to render
their name and race abominated. But the mainspring of it all is
not the Arab's nature, colour, or name, but simply the slave-trade.
So long as the slave-trade is permitted to be kept up at Zanzibar,
so long will these otherwise enterprising people, the Arabs,
kindle gainst them the hatred of the natives throughout Africa.
On the main line of travel from Zanzibar into the interior of
Africa these acts of cruelty are unknown, for the very good
reason that the natives having been armed with guns, and taught
how to use those weapons, are by no means loth to do so whenever
an opportunity presents itself. When, too late, they have perceived
their folly in selling guns to the natives, the Arabs now begin
to vow vengeance on the person who will in future sell a gun to
a native. But they are all guilty of the same mistake, and it is
strange they did not perceive that it was folly when they were
doing so.
In former days the Arab, when protected by his slave escort, armed
with guns, could travel through Useguhha, Urori, Ukonongo, Ufipa,
Karagwah, Unyoro, and Uganda, with only a stick in his hand; now,
however, it is impossible for him or any one else to do so.
