The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-03-14
THE MALAGAssY EMBASSY.
An Interesting Tnterview-Its Members an d
Delegation of Clergymen.

An interesting Interview-Its Members an d
Delegation of CIergymen.
WAsHINGToN. March 13.-The parIors of
the Arlington Hotel were the scene of an
interesting interview, this afternoon, be-
tween the ambassadors of madagascar and a
delegation of clergymen representing the
Pastors Union, of this city. After the
members of the delegation had been pre-
Rev. w. w. Patton, D. D., president of
of Howard University, referred to the inter
est felt by the Christian community in the
presence of the embassy in Washington
and their desire to aid in any way possible
in furthering the objects for which they
had come to this country. Rev. T. s. Wyn-
koop then read the following resolution,
whic had been previously adopted:
"Resolved, That we desire to express to the
ambassadors of Her Majesty, the Queen of Mad
agascar, in our own behalf, and as representa-
tives of The Christian people of the capital of the
United States, the deep interest with which we
nave watched the remarkable progress of the
government ana people of Madagascar in civil
llzatlon and Christianity, especially during the
reign OF the present sovereign; that have
learned with deep regret that the peace
periled by the present aggressive policy
of the government of France which must, if
persisted in. lead toa disastrous war, In which
the highest interests of religion, civil order and
education will suffer unspeakable damages; that
we request the embassy to convey to the gov
ernment and Christian people of the ir country
our salutatiOns and sympathies; uniting with
Christians in Great Britain and the cOnti
nent of Europe IN earnest prayer to \ lmIghty
God, in whose hand are the hearts OF men, that
this disaster may he averted, and the peace and
prosperity of Madagascar be assured
Chief ambassador Observation-Disclosures
then responded, and in a voice and manner
indicative of the deepest feeling, said Your
words are true gentlemen, respecting the
condition of things in Madagascar at the
present time, for if the intentions of France
to invade the land of our forefathers be car
ried out it will not be the Malagassy people
only upon whom calamity will descend for
1t will also fall upon that which is of more
value even than our lives. Civilization and
religion cannot be separated from
our cause, and they both will suffer
in the attack The French seek to
pluck us up as tares, because we will not
grant them greater privileges than those
which other nations are contented to recsve.
But they cannot uproot US without uproot-
ing the wheat also. The Island of Madagas-
car is our land by the gift of God, and the
French have no more right to set a claim
upon it than they have upon the United
States. In speaking to you, our Christian
friends, we frankly confess that our present
prospect is almost discouraging. If the
policy of France be the outcome of the white
mans civilization, then it were better for
us to remain in ignorance. There are only
too many in our land who wish to do that
already, and so we trust that the Christian
hearts of this great republic will oppose with
all their strength the outrage with which we
are threatened. We thank you for the kind
expression of your sympathy, and wish you
life and the favor OF God"