The French are finding out in Madagascar what we have
so. often found out in India, and what we are experiencing just now in South Africa,—i.e, that it is not the first, but the second, conquest of a native race which causes the trouble. Madagascar, outside the capital and the few coast towns held by the French, is in a condition little removed from anarchy. Accordingly, the Government have determined to recall M. Laroche, the Civil Governor, and to appoint in his stead a soldier, Colonel Gallieni, as virtual dictator over the whole island. No doubt that is a wise coarse under the circumstances, but it does not undo the very serious initial mistake made by the French. When they had entered Antananarivo they should have made it their prime care to keep up the Hova Government and to work through it. Instead, they elected to destroy the old framework of government and to try and put up a brand-new French administration. The result is what we see. We fear that France will not escape from her difficulties in the island without sending another expedition. Unless she keeps a really adequate military force in the island she will be worried by a constant series of little revolts. Tropical colonies cannot be organised on the cheap.
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