A Letter From Madagascar by E. C. Chapman

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 2, 1906

A Letter From Madagascar

By E. C. Chapman

E. C. CHAPMAN

THE following interesting letter reached us April 23 from a gentleman who occupies a position of influence and trust as the representative of one of the great powers in the chief seaport of the island of Madagascar:—

“DEAR SIR: Your letter of November 12 last has just reached this consulate, in which you are good enough to ask me a few questions about Madagascar, which I will try as best I know how to answer briefly, as follows:—

“At present the country is at perfect peace, the Hovas are pacified as far as I can learn, as well as the other tribes in different parts of the island, and I feel certainly more secure as to my life and property here than I would in Paris or New York. The colonial government grants the same civil and religious liberty to all foreigners who care to visit or live in Madagascar.

“The central province (the Imerina), where the Hovas reside, is about five thousand feet above sea-level, and very healthful for foreign residents. The climate is much like Southern Europe. The government of the colony has built a

number of good roads, and many new ones are in contemplation.

“Tananarivo and Tamatave are connected by a short railway and canal as far as Brichaville, where connection is made with the railway under construction by the government, which will carry one as far as Moramanga, whence Tananarivo is reached by mule wagons, automobiles, or pousse.

“One will find plenty of property for sale or rent at Tananarivo or elsewhere in the island. Business is and has been at its lowest ebb since 1903 throughout the island.

“I have been here for about eight years. I have heard of no antichristian demonstrations. From what I can learn from the members of the various mission societies, Christianity is on the increase, and they pronounce the work as progressive and hopeful for the future.

“There are a number of Protestant missions represented in Madagascar, especially English. The names of some of the missionaries follow. [List of eight.]

“The cost of living in Madagascar (I speak more especially of Tamatave) is somewhat higher than at home. Some things are cheaper, while others are more costly. It all depends on the scale on which one wishes to live, and the position he wishes to maintain.

“I should not advise any one to open up any business enterprise in the colony at present. The present depression, however, has a tendency to cheapen rents and the price of property. Should you contemplate buying any property, it could be bought cheaper at present, perhaps, than at any other time. But as far as opening up new business, I would not advise it.

“The authorities publish annually a large volume called the ‘Annuaire de Madagascar,’ which contains all sorts of information about the island. I will send you a copy if you like; it costs about $2.75, including postage.

“If this consulate can further serve your interests, you have only to command it.”

From the preceding it is evident that the way is clear for the message to go to Madagascar. We will correspond with the missionaries whose names we have obtained, but some one should go to this interesting land where the people know not of the third angel’s message. The time is certainly ripe for a move in that direction.

Cooranbong, N. S. W.