The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-10-20

MADAGASCAR he had also signed treaties
for a protactorate with the Sakaiav chiefs
OF the mainland Attempts made repeat
edIy by the Hovss In 1854 10 impose their
authority on the chiefs placed under the
protection OF France were the direct cause
OF the conflict
By treaty made in Iss5 France recog-
nized the queen OF the Hovas as sovereign
OF the entire island. She renowned her
title as protector OF tRe Sakalavs OF the
Northwest These were placed under the
care Of the queen, who promised 10 obey
advices Of the government OF the republic.
In exchange for her concessions it was
stipulated that resident officer Of
France, installed at Tananarivo with
military escort, should preside over the
exterior relations OF Madagascar, but
should rot take part IN the interior ad-
nhnistration OF the states Of her majesty
the queen France reserved the right TO
occupy the bay Of Diego-Suarez, a mag
nificent military port situated at the north
ern point Of the island. The object OF this
treaty on the French part was to preserve
the Hova government. to retain as much
as possible the national manners. and en-
courage national progress without de-
stroying national traits. The treaty was
signed after a notifying defeat OF Ad-
miral Mott. September IS, 1885, before the
lines placed near Tamataye by the Hova
soldiers under the direction Of an English
officer. the famous Gen. WiIloughby.
The Hova government is simplicity itself.
One man. the prime minister. reunites all
the powers OF the state. This institution
dates from Ranavaio 1. One OF the favor
ites OF the queen. named Ravoninahitri-
niony. founded a real dynasty of mayors
OF the palace, who have for forty years d.
rected the government In 1852. after the
death of Ranavalo. this Ravoninahitrini-
ony was the soul OF the conspiracy which
overthrow Radama III. Then he married
the Queen Rasoaherina, who succeeded this
unfortunate prince. But soon her brother.
Rainiiaiarivony, took his place at the pal
ace near the queen He has since married
two other queens. Ranavalo II. and Rama
valo Ill. the present sovereign. whom he
chose at his pleasure among the descend
ants of Radama 1.
II tIlts f1DsdS biucDcofu, very
gent as smart as an Oriental. eloquent.
relatively honest, who has given to the
functions OF the prime minister their pres
ent character. His power is not counter
balanced by the organization OF castles. nor
by Kabars, or assemblies of freemen,
which formerly tempered the authority OF
the sovereign. The kabars are now only
sv41 no.
no political Importance. In fact, the noble
class, formed OF descendants of ancient
chiefs and of the royal family, is incapable
Of attaining power. since the family OF the
prime ministers. which has governed for
forty years in the names of the sovereigns,
belongs to the bourgeoisie. to the cast
properly called Hova. The mobiles have
only the privilege of elevated employ
ments. purely honorary, like those of min
listers. or effective, like those Of governors.
A year ago the French began active OPP
erations to insure control. Many were the
diplomatic excuses, but the end was always
the same. Horrible stories are told of the
excuses OF the French soldiers, and a local
paper reports at Tamatave the suicide OF
NJ. Menti, a French citizen because of the
violation OF his wife by some drunken gen.
darmes The act, it is said. was committed
before his eyes. despite his desperate
struggles.
The queen has been driven inland, the
government is overturned. and one cannot
but sympathize with the unhappy Hovas
who have prove that they merit the eulo-
gium passed upon them by the Right Hon.
Sir Charles Dixie that they are zone of
the most interesting colored peoples in the
world. not excepting the Japanese"