Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1901-03-01
RANAVAlOMARY|KA
RAN|LAR|AOVOMY
Queen and Prince Con-
sort of Island of
Madagascar.
FREDERICK TAYLOR on
HIS EXPERIENCES THERE
Saw Queen Take Her Annual Bath
Life Was Sought Saved by
Superstition of
Natives.

Honolulu has had as a guest for sew |
eral weeks. distinguished traveller |
who did not consider his travels com.
plete without visit to the Paradise
of the Pacific. He Is Frederick Taylor.
originally of New York, but of late
years of whatever place or part Of tie
world to which his fancy takes him.
Mr.. Taylor is man of distinguished
appearance and is known among his
friends as The White King of NADIA
gascar," but casual acQuaintances not
knowing this, invariably dub him a
prince Of good fellows.
In conversation, on the eve of de-
parture for the Orient the White
King" told several visitors of some of
his experiences during his wanderings.
His recital of many stirring incidents
was so interesting that listener
might easily imagine himself taking
part in them.
Frederick Taylor Is the son of the
late Moses b. Taylor, of New York. He
Is multi-milionaire and disting-
uished man of affairs, n member of one
of the most aristocratic Knickerbock-
or families of the Empire State. He
Is n Fellow of the Royal Geographical
| Society. a member of Anthropological
Institute OF England. ireland. Scotland
and Wales and of the Folk Lore So
ciety.
Having a taste for travel and ample
means for gratifying II, Mr.. Taylor has
made it his business in life to see as
much Of the world as possible and,
from his own accounts, has succeeded
well in his undertaking.
I started out to tramp when | was
fifteen years old" said Mr.. Taylor.
"and have been at 1t ever since. Dur
ing my travels have gathered curios
and odds and ends for my museum III
which there are many things not to be
seen in any other. My plan of travel
ing is out OF the ordinary. | do not
rely on guides study the people and
find my way through their country by
myself"
In this way. II was explained. the
traveller has opportunity of studying
mankind by personal observation. In
explaining his title of white King OF
Madagascar" Mr.. Taylor continued:
Happening to be in Madagascar and
being personally acquainted with RAJ
navalomaryika III, the reigning queen
at that time and her consort Ranilari-
aovomy I was specially invited guest
at the Fandrona festival, when her
majesty took her annual bath in the
golden bath-tub, in the northeast cor
ner OF the palace at Antananarivo, the
capital of Madagascar.
Il got myself up for the occasion
for the purpose of creating a profound
impression and | succeeded. Having
with me my full dress suit. and all Its
accessories. and a large number OF
valuable pieces Of jewelry and medals
the latter having been given to me
from time to time in my travels.
literally covered myself with them
On entering the royal presence, was
covered with a dark opera coat and
having my attendant remove 1t,
blazed forth upon the astounded gaze
OF those assembled. | was immeli'
ately dubbed the white King" and as
such after the festival started on my
travels in the island
II went accompanied by an inter
prefer and bearing letters from the
Queen. Natives are very superstitiou'
and working upon this as ! proceeded
my Interpreter announced me as thu
white King and explained that they
might not address me or touch me fol-
fear of instant death.
Through my interpreter conversot
with them and, when they approache,
me. 1t was on their hands and knees
with faces near the ground
Several days out from the capita
city, my tent was entered one night y,
a party of men sent by the king TO sla,
me and take my jewels and medals
Acting the part of the White King
dissuaded the wouldbc murderer
from their purpose but it was only b.
my acting my part and the naturN
!. superstition of the natives that | sue
ceeded.
After this, no further attempt I
modest ME was made and l went al
over the island
AT that time, there were no beast
Of burden in the country nor wer
there any roads better than paths 0
q trails. The carrying was done by me
y using conveyance 'filjana,' whic
resembles the palanquin, so commonl
used in China In former years. Wit
g one Of these, four natives carry a ma
and light baggage forty miles in da!
The climate Is very unhealthful 10
foreigners and they are attacked wit
= very virulent fever II they renal
in the country any length Of time, A
result of my stay in the island an
the fever contracted there, my hal
: as you can see, Is white and, after
recovered from my sickness | was