The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-12-16
cIvIErSrNo MADAeAsC1R.
a New Chapter In the Diplomatic History
Of Recent TImes.

\ New Chapter In the Diplomatic HistorY
OF Recent Times.
NJ. Hanotsux. the French Minister Of Foreign
Affairs. told the Chamber of Deputies a few
days ago that Frances ultimate aim in sending
a great military expedition to Madagascar was
TO civilize the country. While not denying that
the island needs civiliZing, some Of the French
dailies have got their fun out Of this declaration
by contrasting 1t with the history Of French cx-
periences with the Malagasy berbarians. The
most curious of these experiences is a matter OF
rather recent diplomacy.
The French resident in Antananarivo, the
capital of tho island. had fallen out Of the
Queens favor and was receiving snubs right
and left. He had exhausted all the resources OF
French courtesy without appeasing her Majesty.
He had made the usual strong protest against
English influence. but 1t did not avail. For
weeks he devised new methods Of renewing his
friendly relations to the throne, but without
success. Finally one afternoon. while meditat-
ing upon the nckleness OF the savage and the
perfdy Of Albion, help came TO him In the form
OF a letter from Tamatave, on the coast. His
correspondent told him a long story OF q French
coniuror from Toulouse, who had been aston
ishing the natives by drawing fishes from
rocks and birds from the back of his neck.
The Resident sent at once for the con-
jurer, guaranteeing him n large salary
and all expenses. The man from Toulouse
came, wearing n flaming uniform hung with
decorations. He had the conventional nous
tache and chin whisker of Mephistopheles, was
tall and thin and dark, and talked glibly Of his
association with good and evil spirits. The
resident told him that he was to be a diplomatist
and would have two servants and a private sec
rotary to help him earn his salary. The con-
jurer was satisfied. lie agreed to use his lnfiu-
cnce at court solely for the residents benefit.
and then was let loose to dazzle the
Queen. He was introduced to her Majesty
as the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
PlcniDotentiGry CT the League of Peace and
Truth, which was described as a great interna-
tional concern which sent delegates wherever
there was war or revolution to bring II to an
end. His success was said to have been so great
that God had conferred upon him miraculous
lie was received ut first with scepticism
by the Queen, and was requested to demonstrate
his powers in the presence OF the court.
The c%onjurer performed his best thr ee tricks.
He exposed himself To the fire Of the Prime
Minister. who aimed at his breast. The magician
was not touched, aud produced the bullet from
tho palm Of his hand. This at once gave him
the reputation OF being invulnerable. The
Queen having written something on n piece OF
paper. burn. 1t, and scattered the embers oyer
his head. He reflected for n moment and then
guessed. every word she had written. This
earned. for him the title Of a diviner Of thoughts.
q wv INV Nv NlSptlit ~ hbuDl VI lllb buItT-
natural power. The magician tied mp and sealed
n small box. which he placed in a larger box.
five, , he said to tie Queen. This done. a shot
was fired, and he jumped out Of the small box
monies Of the Lcagde OF Peace and Truth. From
that day he became persona grata" Mt court,
lie also became the guide, philosopher. and
friend Of the Queen. who consulted him on all
his movements. and It was generally at
night time that he went to the Palace. The OBJ
js tot Of s this was Is to ou avoid any public aPgsarsnse
had with the Queen. he professcd to read in the
DIFFICULTIES which would arise between France
and, Madagascar. He exposed the Vaccinations
to his Influence that the Queen author
lied the French to establish telegrapllic
communication between Anta3anariyo and
the great "SaI feast Of the p year By sdispla S' Of iirse
that they were the works OF the devil; but the
MAGICIAN having assured her that he could defy
place. He particularly distinguished himself in
his diplomatic performances. The English were
now unable to establish themselves everywhere,
as was formerly the case. He likewise sue
Gissd nn IN IN h, Ghg important lSIr which
made her believe they had been stolen by invisi-
az ikAiN ~ Ni' IlN III IlNKl- I
as an impostOr. but the Queen believedin
works. They even tried to set up against him
Al amateur %conjurer 10 show the tricks in his
but the sleek Frenchman was too keen
for them.
The end of this extraordinary performance
brought about by the hero himself. lie
vas pulled up with pride, patronized the Resi-
lent, and became generally intOlerable. He
posed as the only true diplomatist on the island
md as the lord over peace and war between
rance and Madagascar. He drew large sums
rom the Queen while still rec Giving n salary
rom the Resident, lie lived In SDlenIOr aud !
saluted as a great man by, the
,uards at the palace. He intimidated the
queen. He was said to have torn up
treaty which she was negotiating with the
In short. he was fast turning every
hing In Antananarivo topsy turyy when the
was lucky enough to find him one day
u financial straits and was able to hire him for
200 francs TO go home.
The French reporters say that the magician
Toulouse still ~practlses his art In France. al
hough convinced that he ought to be in the
'abinct or the diplomatic service. He regards
mselt as the man who soliditied Frances hold
m the island, and expects to be decorated at the
nd oil the war now opening.