The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1897-04-02
A QUEEN IN EXILE.

The French Justification of the De-
thronement of Ranavalona III.
To all who have followed the course
of events in Madagascar the dethrone-
ment and exile of Queen Ranavalona
III was no surprise. Already General
Gallieni had informed the colonial min
lister of the hostile attitude of the Nal
agasy nobility, who, it was said, were
trying to form an anti French political
party round Her Majesty. Although
deprived of her title of Queen of NADIA
gascar, and reduced to sovereignty
more nominal than effective over the
tribes of Imerina, Ranavalona, thanks
to the prestige of the dynasty to which
she belonged, might have become, in
the opinion of the French, a serious
danger to them in times of trouble and
revolt. 1t Is true such is not the case
dent chief to be on his guard, and pre-
pare for possible contingencies. Gene
raj Gallieni, on assuming the supreme
command at Antananarivo, pointed out
clearly to Ranavalona the line OF con-
duet which France imposed on her.
Her Majesty promised to obey, and to
assist the French IN the economic de-
velopment of the island and the civili-
cation of the people. Events have
proved, say the French, that she was
unable to keep this engagement. The
situation became more and more diff
cult. and ultimately General Gallieni
was forced to take the severe measure
alluded to, on the ground that the
name of Ranavalona was being made
use of to disturb the country and at
tack the French occupation. The
queen was forthwith banished to reun-
ion, where her uncle aunt and sister
had preceded her. The dethronement
of Ranavalona Is considered by the
French as the final confirmation of this
regime of annexation proclaimed at
Madagascar about year ago.
Henceforth, they say, they Will he SOW
ereign masters of the island. and no.
body will venture to dispute their
rights.
The queens departure, according to
the latest news from French sources,
did not give rise to any incident. 1t
took place under suitable escort, and
with the ceremony due to a sovereign.
She, however, wept bitterly as she left
r. 1T A a n cIJr1 n
will be raised from the budget Of the
island to pension her and enable her to
live in a style sufficiently sumptuous
Her deposition, say our neighbors. is
not likely to arouse the susceptibilities
of any foreign power her case being
identical with that of the celebrated
Behanzin. AS regards the native gov
ernor-general whom General Gallien
has instituted at Antananarivo, his
name has not yet been given. 1t is
supposed, however, that the choice oil
| the resident-ge will fall on Razan-
gi, who is said to have great influence
on the people, and who has always beer
a warm partisan of France.
Ranavalona I'LL, it will be remem-
bered, mounted the throne of Madagas-
car in 1883, and is now thirty nine
years of age. Before becoming queen
| to the detriment of her eldest sister
she was in a very humble condition
and, in spite of her royal origin, lived
| almost in poverty. One of her uncle:
was butcher at Antananarivo. A!
everybody knows, the Queens of NADIA
| gascar, according to the custom of the
country, did not govern; the prim,
ministers alone directed the affairs O.
| the island. The last premier was Rain
| ilaiarivony, who was eXiled to Algeria
where he died recently. For some TIM
past-that is to say since the annexa
| ton of Madagascar-the post of primt
minister has been abolished. and the
| direction of affairs is now in the hand!
| of the French. Ranavalona rarely lief
| her palace, perhaps not more than fivt
or six times in the year. The laws o
the kingdom. however prescribed tina
| she should pass a month every year il
| the sacred city of Ambosimanga, wher,
| the remains of her ancestors are bur
led. She was very clever in needleworl
| of all kinds, but she preferred tn,
| amusement of flying kites, which il