Chapter 11 CHAPTER 11 THE MARQUESE ISLAND
On the morning of August 29, the "Pearl of the Pacific" began to cross the Marquesas Islands located between 7°55' and 10°30' south latitude and 141° and 143°6' west longitude.
Another name for this archipelago is Mandana.That's because a Spaniard named Mandana discovered the southwestern part of the archipelago in 1595; it was also called Revolution Island, after the captain visited the northwestern part of the island in 1791; The third name of the island is the Nuka-Khiva Islands, which is due to the name of the most important island in the archipelago.However, if only in justice, it should be called Cook Island, because the famous navigator visited the island in 1774.
This is what Captain Sim Coyer told Frascolan.Frascolin found this to be the most plausible statement, and added:
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Indeed, the French have the right to regard the 11 large and small islands that make up the archipelago as a French naval fleet anchored in the Pacific Ocean.Among them, the largest Nuka-Khiva Island and Hiva Island can be said to be first-class warships; the small and small Hiou Island, Vapu Island and Uoka Island belong to different classes of cruisers; the smallest Motana Island, The islands of Fatuhiva and Tau-Ata are frigates; those round the islands can only be counted as reconnaissance ships.
As recently as 1842, Brigadier-General Dipatti-Toujars, commander of the French Pacific Theater, occupied the archipelago in the name of France.The Marquesas Islands are approximately 4,000 to 8,000 kilometers from the coasts of the United States, New Zealand, Australia, China, the Moluccas and the Philippines.In this case, is the commodore's actions to be commended, or blamed?The opposition condemned him, but the government praised what he had done.There is nothing wrong with France having a piece of the Pacific Ocean.In the future, the large French fishing boats can rest there and replenish supplies.If one day the Panama Canal is open to navigation, its importance in commercial trade will be more realistic.The Pamotus and Society Islands are extensions of Marquesas and should be occupied and declared under French protection to complete the territory.Now that the influence of Great Britain has extended to the northwestern waters of this vast ocean, it is only appropriate that France should extend its influence to the southeast to counter Britain.
"Now, are there any of our troops there?" Frascolan asked his eager guide.
"Until 1859, a naval detachment was stationed on Nuka-Hiva," replied the captain, "then the detachment withdrew. From then on, it was entrusted to the care of the French flag. To the priest, but they won't let the flag be lowered so easily."
"Then...how is it now?..."
"Now, you can still find a French resident in Taio-Jaé, except for a few local gendarmes and soldiers. These soldiers are under the command of an officer. This officer also performs the duties of the magistrate. responsibility."
"Adjudicating native cases?"
"Indigenous and immigrant."
"So there are immigrants on Nuka-Hiva?"
"Yes, there are 24 people."
"Hey! Can't even get a symphony orchestra together, not even a brass band, but a mediocre marching band!"
Indeed, the Marquesas, 195 miles long and 48 miles wide, have a total area of 13,000 square kilometers and an indigenous population of just under 24,000.This means that immigrants make up one-thousandth of the indigenous population.
After opening, is the population of the Marquesas Islands destined to grow?This issue will naturally be resolved in the future.But when it comes to population, the number of people on the model island has increased in recent days.That is because several Malays on the three-masted ship were rescued on the night of August 5.
Counting the captain, there were 11 of them.As mentioned earlier, the captain is a tough-looking man.He is around 40 years old and his name is Sarol.His sailors were hardy fellows, the kind that live on the islands on the western fringes of Malay.Three months ago, the man, who called himself Sarol, led a crew that brought a shipment of copra to Honolulu.As is the case with all archipelagos, when Model Island went to Honolulu for a 10-day rest, they were also very surprised at the appearance of this artificial island.They never got to visit the island because it was so hard to get permission.But everyone still remembers that their two-masted boats often go out to sea and circle around the 100-meter water surface around the island to observe the situation of the island nearby.Its frequent appearances did not arouse any suspicion at the time.Captain Sim Coyer did not pay much attention to the fact that Machine Island had followed it a few hours after sailing from Honolulu.Besides, is it necessary to worry about a small boat with a dozen people and only a hundred tons?No, of course not, however, it may be a mistake...
The brig was only two or three miles away when the gunshot caught the attention of the starboard port officials.By coincidence, the lifeboat that was going to rescue the captain and his men was rescued in time.
These Malays speak fluent English.This was not surprising to the natives of the western Pacific, where, as we have mentioned, the British had an undisputed predominance.Since there was no language barrier, everyone quickly figured out why they were in distress at sea.It can even be said that if the lifeboat arrived a few minutes later, the 11 Malays would probably have died on the bottom of the ocean.
According to these men, twenty-four hours earlier, on the night of August 4, their brig had been struck by a fast-moving steamer.The ship failed to spot them despite the berth lights on their boat.It seemed that the collision must have been very slight to the ship, so that she felt nothing of it, and continued on her way.Unless it doesn't want to spend a lot of money to compensate for the loss and hear bad words, it would rather run away at full speed.Unfortunately, this kind of thing is not uncommon.
Of course, this kind of collision is not worth mentioning for a large-tonnage ship with a steel hull and moving fast, but this small Malay boat is miserable.Her fore-mast snapped in two and I wondered how she didn't sink right away.But the deck was level with the water, and everyone was clinging to the starboard side rail.If the sea had been more bad-tempered, the waves that passed over the wreck would have swept them all away without leaving a trace.Fortunately, the sunken ship was carried by the current and drifted eastward, and happened to be close to the model island.
When Captain Simkoyer asked Captain Saroll about the situation, he was surprised to hear that the half-submerged and half-floating ship did not sink completely until he saw the starboard port.
"Even I don't understand it myself," the Malay replied, "Your island must not have traveled much in one day and one night, right?"
"This is the only possibility, otherwise the explanation will not make sense." Captain Simkoyer replied, "However, this is not important. You are saved, and that is the main thing."
Besides, it was well timed, and the lifeboat sank within a quarter of a mile of the brig when it sank.
These are the narrations of Captain Sarol.When he and his crew were rescued on Machine Island and received the necessary help, he first told the port officer who commanded the rescue of him, then repeated it to Captain Sim Coyer, and finally He told the island governor again.
Now, how to send back those who died at sea has become a problem before us.They are said to have been heading for the New Hebrides when the collision occurred.Right now, the model island is going southeast, so it can't change its course and is heading west.Cyrus Picktaff therefore advised that the shipwrecked should disembark at the island of Nuka-Hiva, and there await the passing of merchant ships bound for the New Hebrides.
The captain and his men looked at each other, seemingly very disappointed.This advice makes these poor souls miserable.All their belongings sank to the bottom of the sea with the brig and their cargo, and they were empty-handed.Waiting for a ship in the New Hebrides, it is likely to stay for a long time, who knows how long it will take?Besides, how do they live there?
"Mr. Consul," pleaded the captain, "we don't know how to express our gratitude to you for saving us... But we would like to ask you a favor now to see if we can go back More convenient..."
"What can you do?" asked Cyrus Picktaff.
"When we were in Honolulu, we heard people say that after the model island sailed to the south, it would visit the Marquesas Islands, Pamotu and Society Islands, and then go to the western Pacific..."
"That's true," said the island governor, "and it is very likely that we will go as far as the Fiji Islands and return to the Bay of Madeleine."
"Fiji Islands, that's British territory." The captain continued, "It will be easy for us to go back to the New Hebrides when we get there. The two places are not far away... If you are willing to take us there... "
"I can't promise you that at all," replied the governor of the island. "Our island is closed to outsiders. Let's talk about it when we get to Nuka-Hiva. Then I will call the relevant authorities in the Bay of Madeleine." Call and say, if they say yes, we'll take you to Fiji, and it will be easier for you to go back from there."
In this way, until the Marquesas Islands appeared in sight on August 29, the Malays had been living on the model island.
The Marquesas Islands lie in the course of the trade winds.This is the same as the Pamotu Islands and the Society Islands.The trade winds keep the temperature right here, and the climate is very healthy.
Early in the morning, Captain Simkoyer commanded the model island to appear in front of the islands in the northwest of the archipelago.He recognized first a sandy ring, marked on the chart as a coral islet, and the current was pushing the water against it with great violence.
The circular island soon fell to the left rear of the machine island.The sailors in charge of the lookout soon spotted the first island: Fetuu.Its terrain is extremely steep, and the island is surrounded by cliffs as high as 400 meters straight up and down.Going further is the island of Chio.Its height is 600 meters. The side of the island facing the machine island is very desolate, but the other side is full of greenery and lush vegetation, and the scene is completely different.The island has two harbors where small boats can be docked.
Frascorin, Yvernay, and Pancina left Sebastian Zorno to indulge in his incessant tantrums, and the three of them went to the tower of the observatory, where they met with Esther. Sal Simcoyer and his officers enjoy the view together.Not surprisingly, this name must have caused "His Royal Highness" to imitate a few times in a strange manner.
"Obviously," he said, "there's a colony of cats living on this island, with a tom as the leader..."
Chio Island remained behind on the port side.The Machine Island could not stop there briefly, so it sailed for the main island of the archipelago, whose name has already been mentioned.This remarkable island of machines intends to linger there for a few days.
The next day, August 30th, our Parisians were once again at their "posts" as soon as the sky turned white.The peaks of Nuka-Khiva were already in sight the night before.In sunny weather, you can see the mountains on the island when you are nearly 80 kilometers away from the archipelago.Because the height of some peaks exceeds 1,200 meters, it is like a huge spine rising along the island, clearly showing.
"You will find that the whole archipelago has a common feature." Captain Simkoyer said to the guests, "all the tops of the mountains are barren, at least in this area. This phenomenon is strange. Except for the tops, the remaining third The hillsides of Er are lush with vegetation. They reach into the depths of ravines and canyons, and spread to the white sandy beaches on the shore, presenting a scene full of life."
"However," Fraskolan pointed out, "Nuka-Hiva Island doesn't seem to conform to this general rule. At least, there are no plants growing on the mountainside. Judging from its appearance, it seems to be very desolate..."
"Because we are approaching from the northwest of the island," replied Captain Simcoyer, "but when we round the south you will be surprised to find a very different scene. There are There are lush green plains, lush forests, and a 300-meter-high waterfall."
"Ah!" Pansina yelled, "That's not the one that fell from the top of the Eiffel Tower! It's worth seeing! I'm afraid Niagara Falls will be jealous..."
"No way!" retorted Frascolan. "Niagara is much wider than that. The Great Falls has one side in the United States and the other side in Canada. It's 900 meters wide. You know it well, Pan." Cinna, haven't we visited before?"
"That's not bad, then I'll apologize to Niagara!" "His Royal Highness" replied.
On this day, the model island has been sailing along Nuka-Hiva Island, always keeping a distance of 1 mile from the shore.The slopes of the island remained barren and barren until the central plateau of Towij was deserted.The steep cliffs by the sea are continuous and seem to have no end.However, according to the navigator Brown, there were some safe anchorages there, which were later discovered.
In short, the appearance of Nuka-Hiva is rather deserted, though its name sounds like it must be pleasant.But, as Messrs. Dumoulin and de Graz, who accompanied Dumon de Vere on his trips to Antarctica and Oceania, accurately recounted, "there is all the beauty of nature hidden in bays, imprisoned in the In the ravines and ravines."
After passing the sharp point of the island that juts out to the west, Model Island ends its voyage along this desolate coast.It reduced the operating speed of the starboard thruster, slightly corrected the heading, and then began to circle the Chesakov Point named by the Russian navigator Lusensten.The coast of this section is concave inward, drawing an upward arc on the sea.In the middle of the arc is a narrow channel leading to the Teoa, or Yakanee, port.One of the harbor's coves is a safe haven where ships can escape the most feared storms in the Pacific.
Captain Sim Coyer didn't let Machine Island stop.In the south, there are two bays, one is Anna-Maria Bay, or Taio-Hae Bay, which is located in the central part of the island; the other is Controre Bay, or Taipi Bay, which is It is on the back of Martin's Promontory, the most southeast tip of the island.The model island intends to rest for 10 days in front of Tae-Hae Bay.
When we were not far off the coast of Nuka-Khiva, the depth sounder showed that the sea was still very deep.In the waters around several bays there is still 40 to 50 feet of depth for anchoring, so that the model island is easily moored next to Taio-Hae Bay.In fact, on the afternoon of August 31, it did just that.
As soon as the people on the model island could see the port, they heard a rumbling roar on the right, and then a billowing smoke rose from the cliffs on the east side of the island.
"Ah!" Pancina said in amazement, "someone fired a cannon to meet us!"
"No," replied Captain Simkoyer. "Whether it's the Tai people or the Harpa people, the two main tribes on the island don't have cannons, and it's impossible to salute. On the coast in the middle of Martin Bay There's a cave in there. All you hear is the sound of the waves crashing into the cave, and the smoke is nothing but spray from the waves."
"It's a pity," said "His Highness" bitterly, "I thought it was firing a cannon, and that would be like taking off your hat."
Nuka-Khiva Island has many names, and it can be said that there are many Christian names. They are all given to it by various "Godfathers" who "baptized" it one after another: Ingraham called it "Federation Island", and Marchand called it "Beautiful Isle," Heggett called it "Sir Henry Martin's Island," Roberts said it was "Adam's Island," and finally, according to Porter, "Madison Island."The island is 17 miles long from east to west, 10 miles wide from north to south, and has a circumference of about 54 miles.The air on the island is fresh and clean, which is good for health.Its climate is no different from that of the tropics, with moderate temperatures due to the influence of the trade winds.
At this anchorage, the model island has no fear of storms, for it is only intended to stay here from April to October.During these days, the dry wind is basically blowing from east to southeast, and the aborigines call this wind "Tuatuka".The weather here is hottest in October and driest in November and December.Then, from April to October, the air flow from the east to the southeast dominates.
As for the population of the Marquesas Islands, mention must be made of those who first discovered the archipelago.They had exaggerated and estimated that there were 100,000 inhabitants on the island.
According to reliable data, it is estimated that the population of the entire archipelago is less than 6,000, and the population on Nuka-Hiva Island accounts for the vast majority of them.If it is said that in the Dimon-Divier era, the number of people on Nuka-Hiva Island has grown to 8,000 (they are divided into four tribes: Tai, Harpa, Teona and Taipi), it means that the population Later, it continued to decrease.What caused the population decline?Undoubtedly: genocide caused by war, men captured in Peru to farm, alcoholism.So after all, why not admit it?For all these misfortunes are brought upon them by the occupants, the so-called occupants of the civilized race.
During this week's stay, the residents of Yiwan City visited Nuka-Khiva Island many times.Europeans with status on Nuka-Khiva Island also visited Model Island many times. They were allowed to freely enter Model Island with the permission of the governor of Domon Island.
As for Sebastian Zorno and his partners, they went to the island several times and walked far each time. Although they were a bit tired, they had a great time every time, so they didn't feel tired.
The bay of Taio-Haé is circular, and its narrow water passage leaves a gap in it.The gap is too narrow, and it is difficult for the model island to pass. Besides, there are two sandy beaches in the bay, which divides the whole bay into two parts, making it difficult to accommodate the model island.The two beaches are separated by a precipitous hill-like cliff, on which still stands the remains of a fort built by Porter in 1812.While the sailor was conquering the island, American troops camped on the eastern beach without federal approval.
As for the city, our Parisians found only a very primitive village on the opposite beach.Most of the residents of Marquesas live scattered under the trees.But if you go further, you can find how wonderful the valley inside is!Among the other valleys of the Gulf of Tae-Hahe, the Nouca-Hivian Valley is especially popular with local residents who would like to choose to live there!It is simply too pleasant to walk slowly through the large expanses of densely shaded woods.There are coconut groves, banana groves, casuarina groves, guava groves, bread groves, hibiscus groves and so many others, the whole thing is alive.We tourists were treated graciously in the aborigines' mud huts.If they had come a century earlier this little mud hut would have been eaten, but now they can sit inside and taste many things with relish: banana cakes mixed with honey, breadfruit from the bread tree, the kind that tastes delicious when fresh. Sour yellow yams and the edible roots of arrowroot potatoes.As for the raw big ray dish called "Hawa" and the shark loin, the aborigines believed that the smellier the better, but they were intimidated and declined without even touching it.
Atanaz Doremy sometimes accompanied them on a stroll around the island.This nice gentleman visited the archipelago last year and was just right to be their guide.Maybe he is not very familiar with natural history and botany. He often compares the big green betel nut that looks like an apple and the sweet-scented vanilla (it really deserves the description) with wood as hard as iron. Toshiba tamarix, hibiscus whose shells are used to make clothes for indigenous people, papaya tree and gardenia.In fact, when the plants of Marquesas appeared before them, the Quartet did not need his dubious scientific knowledge to recognize them.Among the flora there are handsome ferns, beautiful water keels, Chinese roses with red and white flowers, various grasses and nightshades, among others tobacco, purple clusters of lip flowers (nuka-shi Vian's young for elegant ornaments), tall castor plants some ten feet high, dracaena, sugar cane, tangerines and lemons, which have only recently been successfully transplanted to this thoroughly tropical land The many streams that come up from the mountains and rivers just irrigate it, so it grows very well.
One morning, the "Quartet" walked through the Tai village and wandered along a stream to the top of the mountain.Overlooking the mountain, the valley where the Tai people, Taipi people and Hapa people lived appeared in front of them, and they couldn't help exclaiming in praise!If the instrument is in hand at this time, they will definitely play a lyrical movement to echo this outstanding natural beauty!Of course, only a few pairs of birds will be lucky enough to hear their playing!How beautiful are the white pigeons flying on the mountain with their mouths grunting!How cute is that little swiftlet!Tropical birds soaring in the blue sky, frequent visitors of Nuka-Sivian Canyon, how free they are!
Besides, in the depths of this wood, there is no need to fear any poisonous reptiles.Don't worry about pythons that are barely two feet long and are as innocuous as water snakes, or birds of prey with tails as blue as flowers.
The appearance of the natives is striking.Asian features can be found in them, which makes their ancestry very distinct from that of other indigenous peoples of Oceania.They were of medium height, well-proportioned, very muscular, and broad-chested.Their hands and feet are very slender, their faces are oval, high foreheads, black eyes, long eyelashes, hook-shaped noses, white and regular teeth, and their skin is neither red nor black, dark brown like that of Arabs. .The expression on his face was cheerful and gentle.
The phenomenon of tattooing has completely disappeared (the method of tattooing here is not to cut a small hole in the skin, but to smash the charcoal fire of clover tung wood and sprinkle it on the skin).Now in place of tattoos are missionary cottons.
"These people are very beautiful," Yvernay said, "but they are probably worse than those in the era when they simply wore a piece of cloth around their waists, had long hair and bowed and shot arrows!"
Yvernay made these remarks when they were traveling with the consul of the island in the Gulf of Controre.Cyrus Picktaff had long intended to show his guests here.This bay is divided into many small bays, like those in the east.There is no doubt that if Nuka-Hiva fell into the hands of the British, it might have become Malta in the Pacific long ago.This place is populated by the Harpa tribe, because it is at the mouth of a fertile field with a small river running through it.The source of this creek is a tumultuous waterfall.Back then, this was the main battlefield where the Americans Porter fought against the aborigines.
Yvernay's words demanded an answer, and the island's consul spoke to him:
"Mr. Yvernay, you may be right. The natives of the Marquesas used to wear loincloths, brightly colored culottes, and an 'ahuban' - a long scarf that flutters in the wind. Wearing a 'tipita' - a cape like that worn by South American shepherds, it looks much more dignified. Surely, modern clothing does not suit them at all! But what can be done? Well dressed is the result of civilization! When our missionaries 'civilized' the natives, they encouraged them to dress more complicatedly."
"Did they do something wrong, Captain?"
"From the point of view of etiquette, they are right! But from the point of view of hygiene, they are wrong! Those Nuka-Silvians and other islanders have lost their dignity since they dress straighter than before. Their old natural vivacity, and their simple joy. You can't doubt it, it's true. They're getting vexed, and their health is getting worse. And they never knew it before. What bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis..."
"And they've caught colds since they stopped being naked..." Pancina exclaimed.
"You are right! It is an important cause of the decline of races."
"From this, I come to the conclusion," "Your Highness" continued, "I am afraid that Adam and Eve sneezed from the day they put on trousers and skirts after they were kicked out of the Garden of Eden! We—their degenerate descendants—develop chest inflammation!"
"Mr. Consul of the Islands," Yvernay began, "I always feel that the women in this archipelago are not as beautiful as the men."
"The same is true of other islands," replied Cyrus Picktaff, "but here you have the most perfect typical Oceanians. Again, for a race nearly primitive , isn’t this a universal law of nature? Doesn’t the same phenomenon exist in the animal world in terms of physical beauty? In our opinion, male animals are almost always more beautiful than female animals.”
"Ah!" cried Pancina, "it's time to go to the other half of the world and make such a statement, and then our beautiful beautiful women will never accept it!"
There are two classes among the residents of Nuka-Hiva Island, and the people of both classes are bound by the taboo laws.This law was made by the rich and powerful to oppress the weak, deal with the poor, and protect their own privileges and wealth.The regulations regard white as a taboo, and ordinary people have no right to approach all taboos such as holy places, tombs, and houses of chiefs.According to this statute, priests, shamans (or "Tuas") and tribal leaders formed the non-taboo class, while most women and lower-class civilians were relegated to the taboo class.In addition, members of the taboo class are not only forbidden to touch objects protected by the statute, but are also forbidden to even look at them.
"And," added Cyrus Picktaff, "the statute is very, very severe in the Marquesas, as in the Pamotus and the Society Islands, so, gentlemen, I advise you Don't touch it."
"You hear me, Zorno, who was fearless that day!" said Frascoran, "hold your hand! And watch your eyes!"
The cellist just shrugged his shoulders and said nothing, as if these things had nothing to do with him.
On September 5, Model Island left the Taio-Hae anchorage.It did not go east to Huahuna Island (Kahuga Island), the easternmost of the first group of islands.You can only see the green peaks above from a distance, and you can see that the island is surrounded by straight and steep cliffs, and there are almost no beaches.Needless to say, when the model island passed these islands, it slowed down cautiously, because the size of the model island is so large, if it advances at high speed, it will set off a tsunami-like wave, throw the boat ashore, and destroy the coastal areas of the island. submerged.The distance between the model island and Wapu Island is only a few meters. The appearance of this island is eye-catching because of the exposed sharp basalt rocks everywhere.There are two bays on the island, one is called Occupy Bay, and the other is called Welcome Bay. As soon as you hear the name, you know that it was given by the French.In fact, it was Captain Marchand who planted the French flag here.
Passing Wapu Island, Captain Ethelsim Coyer commanded Model Island and began to pass through the waters of the second group of islands, heading for Hiva Oa Island.According to the Spanish name, the island is called Dominica.It is an island formed after a volcanic eruption and is the largest of the archipelago with a circumference of 56 miles.From a distance, the cliffs cut out by pieces of black and gray rocks are clearly visible. The hill in the center of the island is covered with vibrant vegetation, and waterfalls pour down from the hill.
A 3-mile-wide channel separates Hiva Oa from Tauata.Since the strait is not wide enough for the model island to pass, it can only bypass Taoa Island from the west.Madre de Dio Bay, Revolution Bay, as Cook named it, is over there.The bay once received the first European ships.The island is perhaps as far away from its rival as Hiva Ou.In that case, it may not be so easy for wars to break out between the two islands, and the residents of the two islands will not be able to contact each other, and there will be no such thing as vigorously killing each other and causing a large number of deaths.
Captain Simkoyer commanded the model island to sail from the east of the barren and uninhabited Motana Island, and then sailed straight to Fatu Yiva, the original Cook Island.Honestly, the island is nothing more than a gigantic rock filled with tropical birds that looks like a big cookie with a 3 mile radius!
This is the last small island that disappeared from the view of the model island on the afternoon of September 9.In order to follow the original sailing route, Model Island sailed southwest to approach the Pamotu Islands. According to the plan, it had to pass through the sea in the middle of the archipelago.
The weather is always pleasant, and September here is equivalent to March in the northern hemisphere.
On the morning of September 11, a small boat in Port Port approached a buoy on which a cable communicated with the Bay of Madeleine.The wire is covered with gutta-percha to ensure absolute insulation.One end of this wire was connected to the observatory's telephone so that it could be used to communicate with headquarters on the American coast.
On how to arrange for the escapees on the Malay brig, the Island Governor reported to the Headquarters of the Model Island Company and asked if he would allow him to take these people and let them go down when they passed Fiji waters, so that they could spend less money Return home faster.
The answer from headquarters is in their favour.The model island was even allowed to sail all the way west to the New Hebrides and send them there, as long as the dignitaries of Billion City felt that there was nothing wrong with it.
Cyrus Picktaff notified the decision of the headquarters to Captain Saroll, who then implored the island consul to convey his thanks to the headquarters in the Bay of Madeleine.
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