New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-04-17
MADAGASCAR.

Madagascar has population more than
double that OF Greece and would be proud
feather In the Colonial cap OF France n that
country was able fully TO confirm its preten-
sions over IT, But that Is not at all likely, not
withstanding her great efforts and expenditures
French claims to some sort OF authority IN the
island date back 70 the time OF Richeneu ana
Anna Of Austria, but they have always peeh
greater than the islanders admitted and the
present campaign against them Is to secure their
recognition and enforcement. The progress which
the Nalagasy people have made in the last half
century has been very great but II cannot be
said that the French occupancy has been
chief or even an important factor In this ad-
vancement II is due mainly to the INTRODUCTION
and acceptance OF Christianity in the Island, the
commercial activity and enterprise or most OF the
sea going nations helping the country TO an OUT
side market for its productions. and TO the really
fine quality Of the people themselves, VINO seem
capable Of taking a high place In the scae-oi
civilization. They number about hve ana nan
millions divided among several principal tribes
the Uovss the Betsileo. the Betsimi-Saraka. the
Antsihanaka and the Sakalava. These seem
rather hard names at present. but they may
grow familiar and even meiruous when their
future achievements make the people better
known They have no history which dates back
much more than fifty years but In that time
they have written It's first authentic chapter In a
round bold hand Besides adopting Christianity
they have abolished slavery organized an equita-
bic civil policy and planted all the foundations
OF a Arm and stable state.
Madagascar has wise and sagacious Frirne
Minister Ralnilarivony who has In one way ana
another been In the public service for hfty-three
wears one OF his duties being TO marry the reign
Ing Queen and to hold himself in constant readi-
ness 10 espuuse one after another all her sue
cessors Queens have ruled in the Island, except
IN the case of one short reign. that OF Radama H.
for sixty-six years no sale interd.ct existing In
! their old or revised codes the latter containing
20, statutes dating from 1873 and forming most
respectable and adequate table OF Jurisprudence
The reasons for the marriage OF the queen ana
Prime Minister political II being a local con-
| vention that the former represents the MOBILES
| md the latter the people. and that proper bal
| ance OF power Is thus preserved between them
| Her present majesty was educated In the London
! Missionary Societys Girls School, and Is now
| thirty-three years old She dresses In European
costume and her palaces furnished In the
| European manner. Set I'm the circle OF all the
| European Queens and Expresses II Is asserted
nv local connoisseurs Of style that she would eX-
| hlbt as royal a bearing as any Of them. ana she
| 10 probablv behind few OF them In natural apii-
| ity. enlightenment and accomplishments. Much
| attention IL now drawn to her principally from
| far and near, and the sympathy OF the world out
| side Of France Ia with Its native rulers rather
| than with Its invaders.