3-082-609 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Army of Madagascar, 1895. 'Artillery at Drill; The Army on the March...[Since] the French commenced hostilities...resistance has been determined on...As an instance of the spirit that prevails, it is said that the army has of its own accord insisted on the revival of the old law which condemns to death by burning all soldiers who should be proved guilty of desertion or cowardice before the enemy. The Prime Minister...has publicly declared that there will be no shirking or running away, and that all will fight to the bitter end...They are brave enough, and will fight well if compelled; but they do not like war, and if they were left in peace to pursue their ordinary avocations with a fair amount of protection from robbery and oppression they would not much care who were their governors. Moreover, the constitution and management of their army does not indicate eventual success in resisting the onslaught of the well-drilled and fully equipped troops of France. The soldiers are for the most part raw levies, who are practically obliged to feed and clothe themselves, and, being human, they will find it hard work to stand up before an enemy in a half-starved and semi-naked condition. They will be much exposed, too, to the ravages of fever. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.