The Madagascar Consul in London told " Reuter" on Tuesday
that he thought M. de Milers would hardly ask from Madagascar so much as was proposed. He would ask an acknowledgment of the Protectorate, and this the Hovas would grant ; but if ha claimed any right of interference in internal affairs, they would fight. He denied that annexation was possible, as Great Britain would prevent it, but hinted that part of the northern division of the island might be ceded. The harbour of Diego Saarez, he con- tinued, threatens the British route to India, and in the event of war, would compel all British traders to sail under convoys, a plan which we believe experienced merchants consider inconsistent with modern trade. The French Press is inclined to believe that Lord Rosebery inspired the Consul, and profess that the French have no intention of disregarding or exceeding any Convention. On the other hand, the idea of an expedition to teach "our subjects" their place is strongly supported in Paris, where they underrate the Hova power of resistance. They think ten thousand men can con- quer Madagascar ; but it will take twenty thousand at least, half of whom will be invalided.
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