Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901 edition. Excerpt: ...answered these demands with arrogant, and to some extent ridiculous, counter-claims, thus showing no desire to reform its conduct. Le Myre de Vilers drew up an Ultimatum, but received no answer and set off for the east coast on the 26th of October, 1894. There he received a reply, sent after him by the Queen, that the French conditions were refused. After experiments had been made in Madagascar for 252 years without arriving at any tangible or lasting result it was indeed time that a decision should be arrived at. Either the island must be definitely abandoned or a solution must be brought about by force of arms. France chose the latter way. The young republic of France had had many internal troubles to deal with since its establishment; circumstances often enough presented a sad picture of discord, but in the field of colonial policy it began to display praiseworthy energy and made far more rapid advances than the monarchy which preceded it. A war with the Malagasy was decidedly popular in France. People did not conceal from themselves that heavy sacrifices would have to be laid upon the country. To lead a considerable force through fever-haunted swamps, through forests and mountain ranges, in order, sword in hand, to bring about the submission of the Hova at the capital, Antananarivo, was a hazardous affair and would cost many lives. Patriotism, however, was longing for an energetic deed on the part of the army, and the Chamber without serious opposition voted the sum of 65,000,000 francs for the subjugation of the Hova. This sum, sure enough, did not suffice, for in reality the whole campaign cost 95,000,000. It was not, of course, till the spring of 1895 that it could be undertaken, and it was necessary that it should be brought to a close in...
