New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-30
THE CASE OF Mr.. WALLER.

Foreign conqucsts often cause complications
The nation which subdues another takes not
merely its land and people. 1t takes upon IT.
self its obligations and contracts as well. These
must be disposed Of in some way. When they
concern some third nation or its citizens they
must be disposed Of equitably. or serious trouble
may ensue 1t is in such plight that France
now finds herself For some years she has had
n protectorate over Madagascar, by virtue of
which she controlled that nations foreign af-
fairs But all internal administration was left en-
trely TO the native Government Now she has en-
tered upon war of conquest. Apparently she
proposes to suppress the native Government and
10 make the island a mere colonial possession
of France But in doing she discovers GER
tain contracts or concessions which were grant
ed by the native Government in its days Of I'M
questioned independence They are perfectly
valid contracts, and they concern citizen OF
a third Power, a great Power a neutral Power,
and Power with which France is at peace and
on terms Of intimate friendship
Naturally and properly those contracts should
be respected and fulfilled. even though they are
not altogether to the liking Of the conquering
Power We cannot imagine the French Govern
ment deliberately pursuing any other course
Some OF it's local representatives in NADIA
gascar, however, have apparently done other
wise Whether they were moved by excess Of
patriotic zeal 0r by covetous greed to obtain for
themselves the concessions granted to another
is not clear But II the circumstantial and
sira ghtforward story told by Mr.. Bray in the
columns Of The Tribune be true-and that it Is
true there seems 1T present no reason to doubt
these French officers in Madagascar for one
purpose or another. did pcrpctratc upon an
American citizen injustice and persecution Of
a fragrant kim
They did not dispute the validity Of his title
to the concession which had been granted TO him
by the Madagascar Government. They did not
challenge the right Of that Government to grant 1t
10 him. Or If they did either. 1t was on grounds
that were sclfcontradictory. Indeed, they prdc'
tlcally conceded both. for they offered him
certain compensation II he would relnqush MS
claim. II his claim had not been valid, they
surely would not have made that offer The
Offer however, was made. II was ludlcrously
Inadequate and 1t was promptly declined. Then
they set out to rob him Of his property alto
gether They tried tc drive him out Of the
island, but hc would not so. Finally, by means
Of what looks like a deliberate pervcrson
Of Justice and nj best on the strength Of
n law framed by the notorious Bculangcr TO
serve purposes Of oppression. they arrested him
on fimsy charges hurried him through mock
cry OF trial and sentenced him to twenty-five
years Imprisonment.
Such is the case Of Mr.. Waller, as 1t appears
on its face Such 1t Is, as related by witnesses
whose truthfulncss has not yet been impeached.
What counter-testimony may be produced. we
know not But assuredly the case Is one that
demands the proilptest and most resolute dplo-
matte action on the part Of the United States
Government and its Ambassador to France 1t
demands Also for the honor Of France, the most
careful and impartial investigation by the
French Government. and instant and generous
reparation il Mr.. Walters complaints shall be
subsantiated The French Government can
easily enough afford to reverse the unjust de-
clsion Of It's minor representatives and TO make
amends for the injustice they have inflicted 1t
cannot afford to sanction such oppression as its
officers In Madagascar are now charged with,
and 1t is not to be believed that it will do so. A
proper presentation OF the case by this Govern
ment WILL We are confident. insure the doing OF
speedy and ample justice