Evening star., 1902-08-22
BEHANzIN, THE EXILE
DETHRoNED KING OF DAHOMEY
IN MARTINIQUE.
Careless as to Human Life-Vain and
Vulgar - Weary of
Captivity.
Paris Correspondence Philadelphia Press.

Paris Correspondence Philadelphia Press
During the reign of terror in Martinique
the world forgot that man of royal birth
lived on the island Behanzin. ex-king Of
Dahomey, has resided there since France
deposed him in 1894 but his home was out
OF the beaten track and the newspaper cor
respondents overlooked him. No one was
told whether he was alive or dead and the
paternal government in Paris failed to in
Quire.
Then came news not only of him. but
for him. A letter arrived here ten days
ago, written by the old monarch's WELL
educated son, and signed with the sprawl
that passes officially for the Behanzn au-
tograph. He found Martinique quiet He
yearned for society. His money held out,
Paris for a month. Not a word of the dis
aster at his very door which had DESTROYED
'ooOo lives and Mortified the world One
81 the Partisan papers took the matter up
instanter, and We now are told how a vol
cano Is regarded by the man who in his
palmy days. could claim to pose as a past
master in the gentle art of offering heca-
tombs.
"The eruption?" said he. "weu the neo-
pie of Saint Pierre were very kind to me.
Ihey came often to see men. They brought
me cigars 1 miss them, good friends AS
TOT the volcano. 1t was wicked" And the
~.
Ing mountain and spat.
Wanilo and His Ambitions.
Behanzin talks neither French nor Eng
Ish; he converses through an interpreter,
MS son, Wanilo, usually serving in that
capacity. This young man is described as
oelns possessed of charming manners, rare
distinction In his vocabulary, manly bear
ing and a creditable record He was edu-
I Of Coiy
closed tts doors for the summer recess only
three days before the eruption.
HIS narrow escape seems to have made
no impression upon him. His Indifference
TO the loss of human life may be heridi-
tary. but the fact remains that he REGRETS
the catastrophe only in that it DESTROYED
the buildings where he worked For he is
amolticus and in his brighter hours pic
lures a career in science or military art.
When he is despondent he shrugs his black
shoulders and says But what does 1t mat
ter Am I not a captiye?"
with his two children, Wanilo. the son.
ana Mekeoy. the daughter. King BehanzIn
lives In the suburbs of Fort-de-France
about mile beyond the Municipal HosDf-
tai. The house, built of wood In the stvle
OF architecture common to tropical coun-
trles, stands well up on the hillside and Is
pleasantly situated in a little grove The
garden that surrounds 1t is poorlv kent IN
Out offers the royal proprietor every
species of fruit and flower common to the
vicinity.
How the Ex-King Looks.
Behanzin himself is described as lone
OF the finest example of physical manhood
to be desired. He Is six feet tall. the
muscles ripping on his back and chest as
on some bronze figure of Hercules. His
eyes are bloodshot from excessive drinking
and smoking. but he shows no signs of his
grav hair
he Is vain to the extreme. makes an
eiaporate toilet before receiving even the
most commonplace caller. and is never
separated from his scepter an ivory and
siiFer wand. which he usually carries across
ms ieft forearm. His garments are of
procade. richly embroidered with f1owered
Designs, the points touched with silver. He
iaughs easily. constantly indeed but his
eyes are bestial and his tone and manner
vulgar" 'o'-''e'
he speaks of France as generous, ad-
mlts that all his needs are met. but adds,
die" o'ie ~