THE RECENT MASSACRE IN MADAGASCAR.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 7128, 4 May 1891, Page 3

THE RECENT MASSACRE IN MADAGASCAR.

A letter from Madagascar, published in the Pans papers gives particulars of the alleged massacre of 278 persons by Ramiaktra, Governor of Bel.mona, a district three days' march from the capital. The massacre was of a most atrocious and remorseless character. It seems that the rule of Ramiaktra, governor of the province, became so unbearable a little more than a year ago that a deputation consisting of 100 notables was appointed to repair to the capital of the island and appeal to the Prime Minister for his dis» missal. When they reached Antananarivo, however, they were thwarted in every possible way, and prevented from laying their grievances before Queen Ranavolo's consort. They remained diily suppliants at the gates of the palace for a period of eight months. In the end their destitute and starving condition attracted attention, and the Premier granted an interview, in the coutse of which he promised that their complaints should be investigated. The notables then returned to Nossi-vey, but instead of leading to an amelioration of the situation, theirmission so exasperated the governor that soon after their return he ordered his soldiery to surround the inhabitants of the place, and a general massacre ensued. IUmiaktra directed the soldiers in person, and his brother Rasamuel assisted him. Before being actually put to death the victims of Ramiaktra's rage were tortured in every conceivable manner, the women being stripped naked and surrendered to -^fche Boldiers, The bodies of the dead •were thrown to the dog9. After the massacre Ramiaktra caused a trophy, composed of the heads of his butchered subjects, to be erected in a public placeTwo hundred and seventy-eight men, women, and children perished in the massacre. The news of the atrocity reached Tananarivoon the 9th of January. Some fugitives arrived on the 12th and threw themselves at the Prime Minister's feet. He was shocked at their story, and immediately despatched 100 men to arrest the governor.

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