Ernest Deproge

Louis-Joseph Ernest Deproge, (15 August 1850 - December 1921) was a lawyer and deputy of Martinique from 1882 to 1898.

Political career In 1878, Deprogue and César Lainé assisted Marius Hurard in the publication of . It was the first newspaper founded and run by republican free men of color in Martinique. In 1880, he held the post of president of the General Council of Martinique for a year. In 1885, a rivalry between Deproge and Hurard caused the break-up of the Republican party. Ernest Deproge's assimilationist camp accused Marius Hurard of collusion with the autonomist Béké group. At the age of 48, Ernest Deproge left political life and Martinique. He became director of the and then of various institutions in France. After a long illness, he died on the 19th December in Sanvic (Seine-Maritime), at the age of 71.

Memorials and legacy Rue Ernest Deproge in Fort-de-France, MartiniqueA street by the sea, near his family home in Fort-de-France, was named after him. In 1925, bust was unveiled at Place Fabien, a plaza between rue Isambert and rue Victor Sévère in Fort-de-France, Martinique. The Martinique Heritage Database, a project of the General Council of Martinique, writes the following about how he is remembered:

Political career

Deputy of Martinique from 1882 to 1896 President of the General Council 1880 to 1881