e, trade, schools, &c.

v. It has passed laws for compulsory education throughout the central
provinces, by which the children in that part of the island are now
being educated.

vi. It has begun to remodel its army, putting it on a basis of short
service, to which all classes are liable, so as to consolidate its power
over the outlying districts, and bring all the island under the action
of the just and humane laws already described.

vii. It has made the planting of the poppy illegal, subjecting the
offender to a very heavy fine.

viii. It has passed several laws forbidding the manufacture and
importation of ardent spirits into Imerina, and is anxious for powers in
the treaties now to be revised to levy a much heavier duty at the ports.

We need not ask if these are the acts of a barbarous nation, or whether
it would be for the interests of humanity and civilization and progress
if the disorderly elements which still remain in the country should be
encouraged by foreign interference to break away from the control they
have so long acknowledged. It is very doubtful whether any European
nation has made similar progress in such a short period as has this Hova
Government of Madagascar.

It may also be remarked that although it has also been the object of the
French to pose as the friends of the Sakalava, whom they represent as
down-trodden, it is a simple matter of fact that for many years past
these people have been in peaceable subjection to the Hova authority.
The system of government allows the local chiefs to retain a good deal
of their former influence so long as the suzerainty of the Queen at
Antananarivo is acknowledged. And a recent traveller through this
north-west district, the Rev. W. C. Pickersgill, testifies that on
inquiring of every tribe as to whom they paid allegiance, the invariable
reply was, "To Ranavalo-manjaka, Queen of Madagascar." It is indeed
extremely probable that, in counting upon the support of these
north-westerly tribes against the central government, the French are
reckoning without their host, and will find enemies where they expect
allies.[23] In fact, the incident which was one of the chief pretexts
for the revival of these long-dormant claims--the hoisting of the
Queen's flag at two places--really shows how well disposed the people
are to the Hova Government, and how they look to the Queen for justice.

It will perhaps be asked, Have we any diplomatic standing-ground for
friend