Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1883-01-25
THE MALAGASY.
characteristics and Customs of the
Ruling Race of Madagascar.

The ethnology of the oborigines OF
Madagascar has never been satisfactor-
lily worked out. Whether all the native
tribes have sprung from common or
igin, or are mixed race, are still moot
points. Judging from their physical
characteristics, the latter conclusion Is
irresistible; while on the other hand,
the remarkable identity of their dialect
proves that, if they have not sprung
from common stock the progress of
assimilation dates from very remote
times. The Hoyas, the ruling race of
Madagascar, who have established their
sway over nearly the whole Island, are
are distinguished by their light olive
complexion, intellectual features and
wel-made figure, from the other native
races. Their ethnology is undoubtedly
Mongol, and there are so many points
of similarity between them and the
Maylays of Polynesia, that, with the
cumulative evidence afforded by Ian
guage intercourse in very early times,
or, in the alternative, a common par
entage for these two distant people is
the necessary difference. The tribes of
the west coast, on the oGher hand, ex-
hibit strong negro aftinitjes in their
ebony color, thick lips and woody hair.
Some of the inhabitants, again, lay
claim to an Arabian origin, and others
on the east coast boast French or In
dian decent. These facts suffice to in
dictate some OF the initial difficulties
with which ethuology has to deal in the
Malsgasy. Philologists, on the other
hand, have much easier task. Mala-
gasy is undoubtedly closely akin to
Malay. The frequent occurance Of
CaAfeililioms is admitted, but this is
easily explained, since, FROM very early
times, the Malagasy were in the habit
Of making predatory raids upon the in
habitants of the Comoro Islands and Of
the African coast, and of carrying of
some of them into slavery. The virtual
identity of the language spoken in all
parts of the Island is, indeed, not lit.
tle remarkable. Differences of dialect
exist, but these are chiefly in accetua-
ton and pronunciation. and the inhab-
itants of all the different districts can
readily understand each other. A Ma
lay origin for the Madagasy Is princip-
ally supported by biological evidence.
Thus the name Madagascar may be,
etymologically, Malagascar-and Ma
lay word. 1t is however, admitted that
it is quiet impossible to fix the date of
the hypoterical settlement of the Ms-
lays here, and the distance between
Mallacca and Madagascar suggests that
the two races might have common
parentage in prehistoric time. 1t is of
course possible that the Malagasy de-
rive their Mongol strain from early nav
igators. The Malagasy of the present
day are naturally Industrious and in
telegent. They possess q hall civlliza-
ton of their own, and are strongly af-
fectionate in their natural relations.
They are physically fae people, ro-
bust and active, and are distinguished
by well,shaped heads, indicating high
intellectual and moral development.
Thus, the eye is clear and bright, the
forehead full, the back of the head al
most fiat, and the nose small aud often
pure aquiline. Historically, the
Hovas are the representative race.
They have not only assumed sover-
eighty over, practically, the whole H.
land, but have made it important
enough to excite the cupidity of
foreigners. Down to 1850 religious per-
senutions were of frequent occurrence.
Undr Radama, the Peter the Great of
Malagasy history, christianity was
taught in the island, but since then,
until the present reign, it has been per-
iodically closed to missionary effort,
and made the scene OF wholesale mar
trydom of christian converts. The How
as are still peculiarly attached to an
cient ussges. Polygamy is practiced
among them, but only those that are
well-to do can afford to keep more than
one wife, and no one, except royalty,
more than twelve. The native religion
seems to acknowledge q good and evil
principle, but its chief object of worship
are Idols, and the idolatrous priests
have long since terrorizsd over the peo-
ole. although, happily, there is reason
to bnlieve that the darkness of pagan
ism will soon cease to exist now that
the bible can be openly sold and dis
tributed. One of the most curious of
the old native customs was the ordeal
of the tanquin, or tanghin. This was,
originally, the only form of trial of
criminals, and of those VINO offended
the priests, and who were accordingly
charged with the capital otfense ofsor-
Gerry. The prisoner was generally made
to swollcw three bits of the skin of a
fowl, and then drink breath contain
ing the tsnghin, poison nut which acts
in small doses, as an emetic. II he
threw up the bits of skin he was aquit-
ted; otherwise he was condemned and
executed. The mode of execution was
precipitation over a'lofty cliff. NADIA
gafcar was long closed to civilization
and colonization. The dread of a for
eign yoke, which has for so long time
seen characteristics of the Hovas, was
encouraged by the idolatrous priests.
and, although the example of the ma
tive christian martyrs were never wholly
ehaced by the teachings of paganism,
the christians wre long regarded as
revolutionary subjects who would not
be averse to the destruction OF the ma
tive dynasty.