On Stanley’s first trip through Africa he came to the King of
Uganda, who most cordially asked, first of all, for the health
of Queen Victoria and of the German Emperor. Then he somewhat
disconcerted the great traveler by asking him, “What news do
you bring me from above?” This heathen king had a perfect right
to expect that his visitor was one in heart and idea with that
greater explorer, David Livingstone. But as Stanley proceeded
westward he could tell the character of those with whom the
natives were acquainted. The first question put by the natives
nearer the West Coast was, “Have you any gin?”
(2287)