The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-04-25
Observation-Disclosures

ebony and probably weighing two hun
dred and twenty-five pounds, with mus
cles that look like whip cords. The loose
tunic or robe with a gilt border was
thrown carelessy about him: across his
chest was strip OF some dark stuff with
inscriptions denoting rank, while on ais
head, jauntily placed was curious hat,
on the style of cardinals
Behenzins face in repose Is utterly
without eXpresslon-denoting cruelty yet
when pleased the eyes twinkle, the
mouth opens showing perfect row Of
white teeth, and his face is not quite so
unpleasant 10 look upon. lie is most OF
the time, mOrose and IL is with the
greatest difficulty that he can be per-
suaded 10 answer qucstions-and then
they are generally given I'm monosylables
or perhaps a grunt
The women OF his suite-nOne OF them
could be called ''raVishing beauties are
none the less interesting, they are black
charcoal would make white mark on
any OF them 81 seems, with large dark
eyes and well formed teeth Their hair Is
kinky and arranged I'm curious styles,
with little knots of colored ribbon peep
ing out from the tangled mass.
Their dress consists OF roll OF gaily
printed stuff wound about their supple
bodies. under the arm-pits leaving the
breast and shoulders bare with the ex-
ception 0f a foulard about the neck. Huge
bracelets adorn the arms and the ears
are weighed down with MASSIVE rings.
tn Go this time the king had been
standing but al ~ once he sank 90 the
floor, fixed himself cross-le gged. and let
out his customary Erunt. AZ this one ot
head, Notwithstanding We were In
closed room another brought him his
pipe, filled and let It; while still another
held "a small cup into which he<HOuld
from time time eNDpctOTate.
There was very little doing I'm the con-
versauon line. and We sat for some time
examining one another. for ] was. TO
them, being from "the land across the
seas quite as interesting as they were
10 me. When the interview came la an
end, Behenzin arose, bowed in return To
my salute and through his. interpreter /
was told that the king was greatly
pleased 10 have met me and hoped that
we should. in the near future. again re-
sumo our friendly relations.
| afterwards saw considerable OF Be
henzin both al Forte De France and Saint
Pierre and became fairly well acquainted
with him. He, however. never warmed
mp much In the conversation line, but
his evident pleasure at meeting old
friends could be seen by the smile on his
face.
Even after two years acquaintance
with his wives they still retained their
naughty demeanor, but the daughters be-
came quite friendly and would g.ggle and
laugh as well as the American school
girl.
Throughout the island Behenzin Is a
well known character, yet he now canes
little excitement when seen strollng
about the streets His public appear
ances have been growing less numerous
OF late yearS--some say that he Is dying
OF a broken heart. but the truth or falsity
OF this will, perhaps. always remain
locked up i'm the bosom OF the old war
rior
During the last few years HIS mind.
however, has seemed To fail and he
imagined himself king Of Martinique"
Ia order to humor him the interpreter
told him this was so, and he remained
under this impression for some time.
shortly after my departure from Marti-
nidue he found out the truth from his
son, who is "A student at the Lyceum At
Saint Pierre. The boy, "A bright little fell
low OF 10 years. having made rapid pro-
gress I'm his studies and when old enough
10 ntelligently understand his fathers
case. told him that he was not king OF
Martinique" but a prisoner. BehenEin's
rage at this knew no bounds and he fell
upon the Interpreter. beating him so bad
ly that he was taken To the military hos
pital, where he remained for several
months and subsequently was sent home.
as the king swore he would take his life.
school. being first I'm the English class.
which is quite a distinction for a Daho-
meyitc He inherits his IA ather's temper
and I'm his romps with his playmates, ~
things do not go 10 suit him, they soon
Savage as King Behonzin is and truly
ma iestic. his natural dignity Is surpris-
ing. yet one. when looking upon this al
most perfect specimen OF the black race.
can but reCall To mind the tales of his
blood thirsty career. and hope natural
~ springs up I'm ones heart that some
day there may be a change i'm the poor
blacks of Dahomey--that they may, In
the near future. be brought out into the
light of civilization and God.