FRANCE AND MADAGASCAR.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1393, 17 September 1885, Page 3

FRANCE AND MADAGASCAR.

We (European Mail) wonder when France will tire of wronging Madagascar ! French troops have just been sent off there, but with what object we cannot surmise. The navy is surely equal to “dusting” anything in the shape of an enemy that may come within a couple of miles of the shore, so that, unless a visit to Antananarivo is contemplated, we cannot see the need of infantry to bring the Hovas to terms. But that the Frence have novel ideas of conquest is amply illustrated by the campaign in the East, from which it is going to retire with about as much “ honor ” as may be caged in the compass of a nut.' The growth of population in France is not so large that it can afford to make it food for powder, or the victims of fever engendered by poisoned swamps. Evidently, however, France has something to do in Madagascar that we “ wot not of.” And yet neither our Cabinet or those of continental nations have taken the trouble to enquire what that “something ” is—a reticence which suggests that after all statesmanship, whether Home or Continental, is neither practical nor far-seeing in the sense in which the “ highlytaxed ” manage their affairs. The world’s experience of French wars is that they have been fought as much for gain as prestige, and perhaps it is because there is hoarded treasure in the palace that the French are anxious to get there. For ourselves, we wish them a comfortable journey over the country with intervenes between Taraatava and the capital, more especially as the natives have a herb that is peculiarly potent when mixed with the springs 6ii voutu and which is suggestive rather ot death than victory. Willi a deficit ofsimething like twenty six millions sterling in the Budget, France might find something m<r.profiiable to do than to worry Madagaeear.