3-082-929 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Queen of Madagascar's Proclamation to her people, 1895. 'It is a little more than twelve years since Ranavalona III., the present sovereign, was raised to the throne and immediately afterwards married by Rainilàiarivòny, Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief, the Warwick and Queen-Maker of Madagascar. He has, however, not found her quite so plastic in his hands and subservient to his wishes as the estimable lady who formerly enjoyed the honour. Having become a Christian while under the instruction of the missionaries of the London Society, she zealously follows in the paths of kindness and benevolence which her illustrious predecessor Ranavalona the Good so notably trod before her. But, though still very young, she manifests far more independence of character, and rumour has it that the disagreements between herself and the Prime Minister have of late become more marked...it was her duty on several occasions during [the last war] to appear before the assembled thousands of her warriors, and stimulate them by a few energetic and stirring words to a brave defence of their fatherland. "I am a woman," she said; "but I have the heart of a man, and I myself will stand up and lead you to fight with those who would take away our land".' From "Illustrated London News", 1895.