The people already had acquired a taste for European luxuries, and were
desirous of an extended commerce. As they were rich in herds and flocks,
in grain and fruits, as their forests of ebony, rosewood, and other
valuable woods were immense, as their mines yielded coal and iron,
perhaps even gold, they were ready and anxious to open their ports to
the commerce of the world. England and France both recognized the king,
sent envoys with congratulatory letters and presents, and appointed
resident consuls. The United States alone, unfortunately plunged in
civil war, neglected the opportunity.
The king proclaimed freedom of religion, permitted the establishment of
schools, established freedom of imports and exports, and granted lands
to all _bona fide_ settlers.
It was with the greatest surprise, therefore, that we have learned, some
two months since, that a revolution has taken place, and that these fair
prospects have been darkened by the murder of the king. It seems that he
had made such lavish grants of land to his favorite, Lambert, that his
nobles rebelled. Lambert had been sent to France to obtain the regalia
for the coronation, and had organized a great company to hold these
concessions. Whether the feuds of the missionaries, Protestant English
and Catholic French, aided this, is not yet known.
It is clear, however, that the king and many of his personal friends
were killed, and that his wife, Rabodo, is the queen.
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