The King of Dahomey has recently greatly provoked the French
by attacking a chief whom they protected, and threatening their trading-posts, which have, however, been successfully defended, the few Whites, with Negro followers, defeating the Negro Amazons with some loss. Their fero- cious bravery, it is found, is of no use against the magazine rifle. Six Frenchmen were surrendered in Whydah by the treachery of a Portuguese half-caste; but the King has retreated on his capital. It had been decided to despatch three thousand conscripts for his chastisement, most of whom would have died of fever and dysentery ; but it seems to be now agreed that if the King, as is probable, surrenders the prisoners, the French will be content with the occupation of Whydah, which they will fortify and make the depot of their trade. This will in the end give them the control of all com- merce with Dahomey; but we do not know why Englishmen should entertain any feeling on the subject, unless it be one of regret that Dahomey has once more escaped the subjugation it so greatly needs. Nothing improves these savage African States except conquest, after which blood " customs " are given up, slavery ends as an institution, and there is a possi- bility of cutting roads.
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