It is quite evident that although the French intend to
use the name of the Queen of Madagascar in all transactions, they regard the island as annexed. M. Laroehe, the Resident- General, is " invested with all the powers of the Republic ; " he will exercise most of the local patronage ; he will command all local troops ; and he will prepare the annual Budget. Under him again every province will be placed in charge of a "district-Resident," whom he will appoint and remove. It is further acknowledged that for some time to come the cost of garrisoning and governing Madagascar must be borne by France,—that is, by the French taxpayer, just as he bears the cost of governing Algeria and Indo-China. This is annexation to all intents and purposes, with the aggravation that whenever the French commit an oppression, or wish to obtain a monopoly of trade, they will be able to plead that the objectionable measure has been adopted by the Queen's Government, and that they are irresponsible. There will be trouble yet arising out of that dual system,—trouble, we venture to predict, not between France and Great Britain, but France and the South African Colonies.
