New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-07-13
NOTES ON THE MAURITICS.
JJI-UJSTORY OF THE ISLAND.

III.-HISTORY OF THE ISLAND.
In 1903 the Isles of France and Bourbon were all
that remained of the French possessions east Of the
Cape AS they were so favorably situated for the
repairing and replenishipg of vessels bound to tie
East Indies, the English had long looked upon
them with coyetous eyes, seriously resolved to
obtain the Isle Of France at least.
As the English had attacked French ships during
their wars, the French had returned the compli-
mept when they could, and the people of the Isle Of
France were always ready to do all in their power.
In 1869 the British sent many ships and troops to
attack the Isle of France, but they suffered severely
in the encounter.
In one ship 10 men were killed, and every officer
either killed or wounded. After long struggle
the English were obliged to surrender TO the
islanders. The prisoners numbered 1000 soldiers.
seamen and marines, and 100 naval aud military
officers.
In 1910, all British India united aud raised an
army of more than 80 600 men to attack the valiant
little Isle They landed at small island near tenn
pest obliged their vessels to leave. The French
knowing their situation, some one proposed 10
poison the water OH that island and thus destroy
The English as their only hope Of safety, but the
Governor refused his consent. The English bad
been repulsed once by his tact in conceahng the
very small number of soldiers be had but alas, this
time it was impossible. They succeeded il landing
10000 men at Grand Port, and a severe struggle
took place near the Pampl -moraSses. The lnhah-
tants Of Port Louis knowing the impossbEity Of
further resistance against such force, agreed 10
surrender, which they did on terms most advan-
tageUus to themselves. The French laws were to
be retained and the soldiers 10 be sent 10 France
with their arms and equipments. When the En-
eish entered the city the French soldiers drawn
up ON each eide of the street; aud great was tie
modification If the captors 10 find that they had
been so vigorously repulsed and kept at bag by
OILY 3, 900 men.
In few days, the Governor OF Bourbon (Which
had been taken by the English the year beiere) ar
rived at the Isle of France. He at oBoe assumed
the government OF the island, telling the inhabitants
TO follow their usual occupations and obey the
orders of Their superioTs until the arrangements Of
TIE new government should be completed.
On the 9th of APRIL 1911 tho nan.e OF Isle OF
France" was changed to Nauntls (uslGly called
the Mauritius). In 1914 il was 6ehntigely cedsd to
Great Britain by an article Of the Treaty Of Paris
and at the same time Bourbon vas restored 20
France,
The next year diplomatic and commercial rela-
tons were enterediintO with Radana, the King Of
the Oyas, who, from being the king Of ouiy pse
tribe in Madagascar, had gradually extended his
and He was trnly great man, Of extraordinary
sagacity, courage and intelligence. The tn5e 70
which lie belonged is entirely Unlike the other tribes
Of Madagascar Although black, they have an the
rysica and mental characteristics Of tho Caucasian
rare: strsiglt or curly SHY ha.r, high intellectual
orebeass, thu lips add siFaet. loec'j i8tI bgGtes