The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-01-15
THE TAKING OF ANTANANARIvo
Description of the French Victory by
an Eve Witness.

After months of somewhat unnecessary
Trocrastination and wearisome delay, the
FTanco-Malagasy so-called campaign was
brought 10 a welcome, if not timely, finish
this afternoon (September 30).
Al daybreak heavy mist, as usual lay
thick upon the valleys that surround An
tananarivo Away 10 the east, upon the
SUBMITS of the distant ridge overlooking
Ambatombe, one could discern officers of
the French intelligence department taking
ranges and other observations of the Hova
lines. The French force appeared 10 have
been drawn up in four columns on the side
of the aforementioned hill, each body of
troops 80 10 Loco strong. The artillery
was drawn up in front, their mules and
transport service in the rear. 1t was quite
in accordance with all previous strategy
emanating from Malagasy intellect that
the Hovas should have chosen for their
last stand a position directly commanded
by the higher and strategically superior
heights which the French had been al
lowed TO occupy the previous day without
the slightest opposition. 1t was. If posi-
bic, still more characteristic Of the native
authorities TO postpone any and all at
tempts at terrifying their position until ii
was too late. The whole Of the ridge from
Tsoavinandriana and Andrainarivo 20 the
Observatory was lined with Malagasy
troops and guns. An undulating valley,
5000 to 1000 yards across. separated the
French from the Maagasy position: a Sec
ond. sleeper and half its width interviewed
between the latter and the capital. While
the French staff were taking their OBJ
servations the Malagasy. like Balbus of
old were intently busy building a wall to
the north, for what object ii would be
hard for any European TO say As soon
as the mist lifted the French artillery
posted on the heights opened fire on the
Malagasy batteries. The latter replied all
down a ~ hg
guns of heavier caliher ensued. the din OF
battle being intensified by the mountain
echoes that carried on the deafening roar.
The French gunnery appeared fairly ac-
curate, while that of the MalagaSy, taking
into consideration the inferior shells and
ammunition used was not far behind that
Of their opponents. Still. l am glad
20 say, not much damage to life was
done 10 either party. Shells burst
ing in their neighborhOod soon had
the effect of clearing off the majority of
the Malagasy troops. which consisted OF
a vast rahble mixture Of soldiers carriers,
schoolboys and onlookers. all in their con-
spicuous white lauhas. covering the hill
side. without leaders object or apparent
Is the slightest organization. The Euro
peau trained cadets alone seemed 20
make any attempt a resisting the alta ok
They served their guns steadily, and many
81 them in soldier-lille manner worthy Of
the highest praise NJ a. m the artu-
lery fire having Slackened off little the
French infantry deployed and the line Of
skirm shers descended the hillside into
the valley and advanced on Andrainar,vo,
the central norton % tho Fova postti0n
Tbs firing limo was followed al due inter
Val9 ''v he supports. and later on reserves.
arl ~0 the attack proper had "a last be-
gun. The iNterEeuirc ridge Of hills OCcu-
ped tv tNo Malaeasy row concealed the
French from view from Nntaneqar.v0.