In the upper French Congo, where European trade had not yet penetrated, the demand for rubber came with equal suddenness and was accompanied by the same results, but it was not until long afterwards that these results came to light. In Paris every effort was made to conceal the true state of affairs, and for three years the rubber saraband went on, a large quantity of that article finding its way to Bordeaux and Antwerp. As the new "System" took root, the morale of the Europeans involved in enforcing it followed the inevitable downward grade. Gradually the local Administration became demoralised from top to bottom. Reports from experienced officials of the old régime who, appalled at what was going on, communicated direct with the Colonial Office in Paris, were suppressed. The increasing vigour of the British agitation against the Congo Free State was an additional reason for keeping the truth from the French public. King Leopold's policy was bearing its fruits. The French Administration was committed to the hilt in a system of exploitation, which was being denounced in the Parliament and the Press of France's ally.
Up to this, time specific information was lacking, although the air was full of unpleasant rumours. A bombshell had been dropped into the Concessionaire camp by the remarks of the reporter of the Colonial Budget for 1904. The Colonial Budget in France is presented every year to the Chamber in an elaborate report drawn up by a deputy who is appointed for the purpose. M. Dubief, the reporter for that year, vigorously condemned the new "System," declaring that "slavery" was its "indispensable corollary." He was smothered in an avalanche of abuse in the French and Belgian Press, and his indictment was not discussed in the Chamber.
But murder will out. In this case the murders were numbered by tens of thousands.
Early in 1905 an "indiscretion" was committed, and a whole batch of suppressed official reports were precipitated into the light of day. The French public was edified to learn that crimes and atrocities similar to those with which the world was becoming familiar in the Congo Free State were of every-day occurrence in the French Congo, and apparently, although a& yet the connection was only vaguely understood, from the same causes.
