It was at first imagined that the Cabinet Council had
been called in consequence of French action in Madagascar. There is no doubt that the French intend to blockade the island, to increase their direct possessions round Diego Suarez, to claim a monopoly of all concessions, and, if necessary, to reduce the Fiona Government to complete submission. Recent discoveries of gold have inflamed Parisian cupidity, and M. Le Myre de Vilers carries with him an ultimatum to be delivered to the Queen. The Hovas are alarmed and incensed, and are, it is stated, importing repeating-rifles and Gatling-guns from Great Britain. Such a trade is quite legal while peace exists, but it excites excessive wrath in Paris, and it was supposed that some expression of this wrath by M. Hanotaux might have furnished occasion for the Cabinet Council. That, however, is now denied, and is improbable because, as we have argued elsewhere, Great Britain has formally acknow- ledged the French Pretectorate of Madagascar with all its consequences. The Protecting Power has, we imagine, the right to prohibit the import of arms as well as spirits. At least, we do it in Zanzibar ; and unless we are greatly mis- taken, we did it in the " Septinsular Republic." It may be, nay is, an unfortunate business, for the South African Dominion will want Madagascar, but we must stick to our word.
