The Birthplace Of Josephine

Fort de Franoe, Martiniqtie, is the ütrongest forti fied poiutthe Frenen own in America. It is botli a military and naval station, and a fort was erected on a mountain top there years ago, which has since been improved and strengthened by some of the most modern guns known in warfare. During the civil war tho United States cruiser Kearsarge chased the Confedérate blockade runner Alabama into the harbor, and was on the point of opening fire on herwheu theauthorities forbade it. Here they remained for some time, and during a stormy uight the Alabama slipped out and disappeared in the Caribbean sea. Several times the place has been badly damaged by tropical cyclones, during which hundreds lost their lives. It is noted as being the birthplace of the Empress Josephine ; a life size piece of statuary of her adorna the principal plaza. The fort has had for years but one family - the kiug of Dahomey and his six wives, vüom the French captured after great trouble in the African