MADAGASCAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5426, 29 November 1895, Page 1

MADAGASCAR.

■■-■■■ ' ...♦■■ '. . FRENCH INTENTIONS. [Special to P&bss Association.] PARIS, Nov. 28. M. Bartholot, replying to a question in the Chamber of Deputies, declared that no foreign difficulty was likely to arise over Madagascar. France intended to adhere to the agreements with the Powers, and follow international law with regard to the treaties with the Hovas. The Queen would retain her dignity, and the natives would continue the admin* istration of the affairs of the island. [Writing early in October, the Paris correspondent of the Daily News said:— As regards the future government of the island, Lord Salisbury should bear in mind that the desiderata of the French public, or rather the aoting portion of it, are as fallows, and that the French Government will carry them out if not overborne by international considerations— (l) Foreigners have large concessions in Madagascar. This is a pity. Wherever practicable they should; be cancelled on the ground that they were not bonafide conoesaionß and given to Frenchmen ; (2) at any rate foreigners need not hope for any further concessions. Foreigners will be allowed to bring their capital go French Mining Companies in the event of real or bogus discoveries of gold talcing place, but the Companies will have their seat in Pariß with a majority of French directors. 1 (3) A determined attempt will be made to abate foreign trade by means of hostile tariffs, subsidies to, French lines, privileges to French commercial and industrial companies, and a' reduction in postaga rates. An attempt'will be made~-although it has' failed elaewhere~to plant ESenoh emigrants, who' have: been a failure in their own" country. . . (iy/j-Catholiciam; ..may be expected to make great progress among the nativea.] ' "- ■-••• -'" "•