It is said to be understood in Paris that a
second and con- siderable expedition will be despatched to Madagascar. When the Treaty was signed at Tamatave, the French Plenipotentiary agreed to an appendix which explained away most of its clauses, but was not mentioned to the Chamber by M. de Freycinet. The new Resident, therefore, M. le Myre de Filers, finds his hands tied, sees the Hove Premier sign contracts with British firms, and after a bitter quarrel, has left the capital. Mada- gascar is therefore to be oonquered, and if possible, reduced into a colony. M. de Freycinet, we fear, does not quite understand what Malays are like, even when they have crossed their blood, and will find the subjugation of the Hovas no child's-play. He must carry at least 10,000 men through 150 miles of swampy forest full of malaria, and then begin the attack on the plateau, 7,000 feet high, which is the Hovas' stronghold. He can conquer the island if he likes, of coarse, and if the Chamber will consent ; but it will cost him 10,000 men, 28,000,000, and a garrison of 10,000 men for twenty years. France is not often so persevering, and the Hovas can, if threatened in their independence, make no compromise.
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