The French Government is endeavouring to establish a new precedent
in the way of governing. It has made a new treaty with the Hove Queen, and announces that while she will con- tinue to govern Madagascar, France will control all foreign relations and all external fiscal arrangements. That is in- telligible; but will France also be responsible for the treat- ment of those who settle in the island, and who, probably as miseionaries, concessionaires, or traders, will have many complaints to make P The Resident-General will, it is evident, have his hands full, for not only is the pressure for appoint- ments already severe, but the military expenditure will be much larger than was anticipated. The dominant people, the Hovas, show strong symptoms of resenting their subjugation ; the Sakalavae, and other subordinate tribes, are already in arms ; and all alike are taking to a guerilla warfare, made easy by the configuration of the island.
Previous page
