Saturday press. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1880-1885, 1883-09-08


DR. G.. ". Parker, his wife, two children
and their Malagasy nurse, arrived in this city
last Sunday by the Australia, and are now
stopping at the Hawaiian Hotel. The repre
sentative of this paper called on Doctor Parker
last Tuesday and obtaiped from that gentle
man the following interesting information:
For eight years past Doctor Parker has
been government physician in Madagascar
being stationed mast OF the time at Antanana
revo, in the province OF Imerina. Antanana
revo is in almost the exact geographical centre
OF the island. This city is the capital of the
Hova tribe, now ruled by Queen Ranavalona.
Antananarevo is IoS miles in a direct line
from Tamatave, the principal seaport on the
eastern coast. The capital city occupies the
slipping sides of an oval crested hill, elevated
some 400 feet above an extensive marsh, which
has mean elevation OF 4, 900 feet above the
sea. This marsh is imperfectly drained by
the river lkopa which empties into the Indian
ocean about 400 miles To the north The city
itself has an estimated population of 10000.
though an accurate census has never been
taken. Its general altitude above the plain
makes it comparatively healthy, though the
marsh itself and the low foothills bordering il
are fruitful of malarnl fever. The natives,
without previous engineering experience, and
without European assistance, have built some
80 miles oil entertainments along the Ikopa
This embankment has an average height of 20
feet, and an average width at base Of 20 feet.
But in winter seasons this dyke is insufficient
to conhne the freshet water which overHows
and remains in stagnant pools during the rest
Of the year.
Concerning leprosy, the doctor said that it
had existed in the nation for many generations.
II was hereditary and contagious. lie men.
toned case where the proof was positive
that coniagion had followed the use of
leper's drinking vessel by healthy Malagasy
Of un,ainted blood In former years the law
OF the land recognised the necessity OF seere-
CATION; But, since many years previous to the
doctors arrival there, i, had fallen into disusc
although, for the most part, lepcrs KEEP,
within their own family circles ana did no,
mix with the populace generally, though per.
mitied to marry and intermary. No trust.
worthy statistics concerning Madagascar
leprosy are ob,ainabe but physicians con.
slider that Il has increased since Segregation
was done away with.
The complication with the French had the
following nominal origin For some years
pas, France has owned the islands of St Marie
and Nosibe, of the northeast coast. A tribe
surrounding the town Of Mojanga. on the
coast adjacent to the two French islands, re.
VOTED from the authority OF the lIoyas some
time since and claimed the protection of
France. IL was in nominal endorsements Of
the rights Of that tribe that the French have
occupied Moanga and have captured Tam.
aiaye. For the past 200 years both English
and French influence has been at work in
Madagascar. The former nation has done a
great deal Of effective missionary work. Al
the present crisis. however. England has de.
clined 10 interfere. as have Germany and the
United States. although all three governments
have expressed sympathy with the special
embassies sent them b, Queen Ranayalona.
The French must ultimately conquer the whole
island unless other powers interfere. ior the
Hosas. although athletic and brave. arc IN
skilled in modem warfare.
Doctor Parker. who is said to be an excel
'eni hngais', as well as an espssieneeJ
ph)s'e'an. intends to remain on these islands,
and will probably be given some medical
position IN tho employ Of the eoyesnmsn,
soon.
A plan 81 the kinau is nov on exhibition
Al the aiiee d Mes>rs. $ q. wildes \ Co.
~~r-
a ehiliseas ,sapesaaes soeis,y Is to bs
osganissd. particulars later.