Excerpt from In the Heart of Africa, Vol. 3
A broad caravan road connects Beni with the Mawambi station, on the Aruwimi, and opens into the irumu-stanleyville highway (on the Congo). This direct communication with the greatest waterway of Central Africa lends considerable import ance to the settlements. The commercial traffic is extremely limited here, as is the case all over the' Congo State, on account of the difficult conditions prevailing. Naturally, many traders, mainly Indians, take advantage of the neighbouring forest, with its immense tracts and inadequate control, for smuggling purposes.
Beni is strongly garrisoned. During our visit the soldiers were most zealously drilled. At six o'clock in the morning the signal for parade resounded in the quiet air. Not only did the company itself respond to the call for daily duty, but also all the male and female hands on the station, about two hundred in number. Whilst the troops started their duties, the C kef de paste allotted to the labourers their daily tasks. Strict discipline was exercised at the muster. The presence of every individual was carefully checked when his name was called. Absence without excuse was punished, but this occurred very seldom. At eight o'clock the soldiers rested, whilst the Europeans assembled for breakfast. This meal was suited to African conditions, and consisted of coffee or tea, bread and butter, cold meat, fruit and cheese.
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