It is believed that this race, presenting so many
characteristics of the Malays, is the result of some piratical colony
here, established by chance or the desire of conquest. That the Hovas
possess a high degree of intelligence, and are capable of as much
culture as the Japanese or Mavris, is indisputable.
Thanks to the muskets and military instructors with which England
provided him, Radama was enabled to extend his conquests in every
direction. He was indeed fitted to be a ruler, and, a savage Napoleon,
he devoted as much time to improvement of his subjects as he did to the
increase of his territories. Though not a convert, he allowed the
missionaries to preach the gospel, to reduce the Hova language to
writing, and to translate the Bible. He permitted them to establish
schools, to import printing presses, to instruct his people in
agriculture and mechanics. They rapidly availed themselves of the
opportunity, and with mines of coal, iron, and copper in abundance, they
became skilful artificers.
Unfortunately, Radama died in 1828, in the prime of life; and, by an
intrigue in his harem, a concubine, Ranavalo, was proclaimed Queen of
Madagascar. The advance had been too rapid, and, as in Japan, there was
a large party of conservatives anxious to return to the old regime. The
new queen dissembled for a few years, but finally expelled the
missionaries in 1835. Idolatry was again resumed, and Christianity
stifled.
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