The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-03-10
THE MADAGAsoAR EMBASSY.
The Man with the Awful Name, and An
About What He Wants to Do.

N1Nf aHApR
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
RAMANIRAKA,
ANDRIAEISA,
RABIBISOA,
RANJALAHY,
MR.. A. TACCHI.
These names were on the register at the
Arlington last evening. They were the
names of the ambassadors from the govern
ment of Madagascar, who have come to make
a treaty of and amity, and to
strengthen the bonds of good fellowship and
business relations between this country and
their island home. They were accompanied
to the hotel by First Assistant Secretary of
State John Davis and Chief Clerk of the
State Department Mr.. Sevellon Brown.
These gentlemen met them at the depot on
their arrival, welcomed them to the seat of
government of the n alton with which they
trade most largely, and escorted them to the
hotel, at which they will be guests of the
nation during their stay. They were also
accompanied from New York by Colonel
Wickham Hoffman, minister to Denmark,
and Mr.. Robinson, United States consul at
Tamatave, in their island of Madagascar.
Observation-Disclosures the head of the mis-
sion, is a short, fat man, with a bronzed face.
His name, which consists of ten syllables,
signifies that God has blessed a thousand
times his parents in giving them so good a
son. At Tamatave he holds the foreign port
folio. He speaks English well, and is a Yves
leyan Methodist. The second ambassador,
Ramannaka, is a colored gentleman, whose
appearance, Notwithstanding his dark skin,
is described as very distinguished. Like his
chief, he speaks English luently, and is also
a Wesleyan Methodist. The S ~ecretary of the
embassy is a mulatto, who was educated at
Port Louis, in the Isle of France. He also
is a Protestant. The interpreter, the only
Catholic connected with the embassy, was
educated at the school of the Jesuit mission
at Tamatave, and afterward in a college of
st. Ignatius in France.
The object of the visit of these gentlemen,
as indicated above, is to form a commercial
treaty with this government and obtain more
formal recognition from the leading nations
of the world. Certain questions of a diplo-
matte nature have also arisen between the
government of Madagascar and the French
government, which has possession in the adj
joining islands, and it was hoped that this
tour, which has included France, Germany,
England and the United States, might bring
these questions to a satisfactory solution.
The hopes in regard to a favorable action by
France, however, have not been, it is under
stood, realized, and their stay in Paris was
not especially pleasant, and their PROPOSE
tons for a treaty were not accepted. In
demnity was claimed by the French for
the wreckage and pillage by natives of
Madagascar of a French vessel. On this
question, it is stated, they were instructed
to yield. The claim of a French family to
real estate left them in Madagascar they
were, on the contrary, instructed to oppose.
Lastly, the ENJOYS were to insist on the
recognition of their queen as sovereign of the
entire island of Madagascar, and on her right
to withdraw the privileges extended to the
French religious congregation. These claims
the French government was by no means
ready to allow. At last matters were brought
tn n crisis nv the aErnnnh uIfimofrJpo roorir-
ing Madagascar to recognize a French pro-
tectorate. This was refused, and the ENJOYS
started for London. In the British metropo-
lis their reception was much more agreeable.
Not only was a friendly understanding with
the government established, but the jovial
Britons, who are noted as good entertainers,
maintained their reputation in this respect
with the Malagassies, who were dined and
wined in a right royal manner. In New
York they have been treated with much
cour tesy, and during their stay here, as
above stated, they will be the guests of the
government, and will receive honors at the
hands of its officials and citizens. To-day
they will, it is expected, call upon the Presi-
dent, and tomorrow they will probably be
called upon by representatives of foreign gov
ernments located here.
The treaty which these ambassadors come
to ratify has already been formulated and
acted upon by the Senate 1t was before that
DOuy on TUESDAY OF last week, ana was con-
frmed, and it is probable that the ~ratifca-
tions will be completed by both governments
during the stay of the commissioner here.
This treaty regulates the question of leases of
land, so that foreigners can obtain leases
for any length of time required, by inserting
an agreement for renewals. 1t regulates
the native employee labor question, and has
labor laws. 1t has obtained the liberty
of the press, which has not heretofore
been conceded. 1t regulates the ques-
ton of duties on imports and how
such duties may be paid, a point of great i'm
portance to our present trade. 1t has secured
the privilege of the c~oasting trade. e., Of
trading by coasting vessels at ports which
are not regular ports of entry. 1t
secures for us the privilege of land
ing and storing coal and taking it
away again for the Use of our national and
private steamers without, payment of duties
or other charges. We obtain the privilege of
landing goods in bond, q valuable concession
for our present trade which has heretofore
been refused. 1t is probable that this treaty
will be accepted by the Representatives of the
Madagascar government, as the Queen and her
advisers are represented as very anxious to
see the already large trade of their country
with the United States increased.
The distinguished guests will remain in the
city some time, and may make a tour of this
country before returning to Europe and to
their home.