The French Chamber has had a two-days debate on Mada-
gascar, ending in a resolution, passed by 450 to 32 votes, "to uphold all the rights of France in the island." The Premier, however, in the speech which attracted this majority did not express extreme views. He explicitly repudiated the conquest of the whole island, which he said would involve an effort as severe as the conquest of Algeria. He preferred to continue negotiations with the Hovas, and to demand the Protectorate of the north-west division of the island, and the right for Frenchmen -of becoming freeholders of land throughout Madagascar, a right -conceded to other countries. Should the negotiations break down, however, then "the Hovas would have to be brought to reason." M. Ferry, in fact, does not wish to send troops to Madagascar, unless he finds that his real object—the right of opening sugar plantations in the great island—is otherwise unattainable. He did not define the territory to be included in his north-west section, and reserved a statement on the con- dition of the negotiations for a Select Committee.
Previous page
