THE FRENCH IN MADAGASCAR,

Hawera & Normanby Star, Issue 349, 20 November 1882, Page 2

THE FRENCH IN MADAGASCAR,

We have published several telegrams lately about' the French in Madagascar. Prom the Home News we glean some information that explains them. It seems that long ago a Frenchman, M. De Brazza, concluded a treaty with the then King of Madagascar, by which the latter ceded alinoat sovereign rights of colonisation to a French company. The people objected and slew their king by way of emphasising their displeasure. The French company was dispossessed, but was ultimately paid compensation iv return for a complete surrender of their treaty rights. After

this, French influence in the isla.nd was at the lowest point, and what with English missionaries and English trade, it was soon supplanted by ours. France made many efforts to win back the people, but without avail. She then tried force, and some French officers landed in the north part of the island, where they hauled down the national flag, and substituted the tricolour. This highhanded act was made the subject of a serious protest, and the Queen sent an embassy to Paris to advocate her rights. In reply, France raised certain counter clams, which are intended to re-establish the French influence in the island. One of these is the recognition of French rights to certain portions of the island with the concession of peculiar privileges to France. To-day's telegrams inform us that a Bill has been introduced in the French Chamber for the purpose of ratifying the De Brazza treaty, which seems to be a polite mode of showing that the French means to have their own way. The Queen of Madagascar will, of course, object, and the English also have interests, which the other day the Minister for Foreign Affairs said must be protected. Thus, it will be seen that there are not wanting the elements of an unpleasantness.