It is clear, however, that the king and many of his personal friends
were killed, and that his wife, Rabodo, is the queen. She is the sister
of Ramboasalama, and probably represents the party of retrogression.

It is not, however, too late for our Government to recognize the ruler
of Madagascar, and to obtain those indispensable advantages resulting.
In time of peace, we shall have safe harbors for our merchant vessels,
and we shall open a new field for our commerce. In time of war, we shall
have these neutral ports as a refuge, and should diplomacy go one step
farther and secure us a coaling station, we shall be on equal terms in
the East with the other great maritime powers.

There is certainly no time to be lost. A single English steamer, flying
the confederate flag, can pass the Cape, can coal at Mauritius, or
rendezvous at Madagascar, and could then destroy more shipping than the
whole fleet of pirates has yet done. It is at least probable that our
national vessels would be refused permission to avail of Port Louis for
repairs or supplies. It certainly does not comport with the honor of the
nation to have to rely upon the churlish courtesy of England. Already,
too, we see it announced that Napoleon will find in the massacre of
French subjects a pretext to seize on the island. If our Government will
spare a single one of the cruisers which have so uselessly sought the
Alabama, it may, during the present year, negotiate a treaty which will
at once advance our prosperity in peace, and increase our strength in
any future war.

It seems strange, indeed, that our statesmen cannot learn that we must
hereafter abandon our isolated condition. England has taught us the
folly of continuing indifferent to her aggressions in the East, in the
hope that she will not interfere in the West. No blow can be more fatal
to her supremacy abroad than the knowledge that we have secured a point
where we perpetually threaten her line of communication with her
colonies.

We have written thus fully, because so few persons have had occasion to
consider the subject. It seems probable, from the latest advices from
Port Louis, that some envoy has visited the island, but what we require
is a more imposing display of our power. The new queen, who has assumed
the name of Rahoserina, is but a puppet in the hands of the council of
nobles, of which Rainivoninahitriniony is the chief. Formerly all honors
were held subject to the pleasure of the k