Madagascar in War Time; the 'Times' Special Correspondent's Experiences Among the Hovas During the French Invasion Of 1895

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter xi A service in A native church--among the maids of honour--I find A plausible pretext for getting to the front--capture of maravoay by the french--false reports--the prime minister'S despair--infatuation of the populace--the 'madagascar news.' On the day following my somewhat unsatisfactory interview with the Prime Minister I was present at an interesting function--the opening of a newlyerected place of worship by the Queen. This was a chapel of the independent native church, which has its own native pastors, and is established on the lines of English Congregationalism. At the appointed time I took my place in a gallery which was set apart for European missionaries, native pastors, and other persons of distinction. The Hovas near me all wore European dress, glossy black coats and trousers, and from the parting of their hair down to their square-toed shoes their style was strictly evangelical. The body of the church was packed with native men and women clad in white lambas. At one side of