As the fundamental
rule of the Hovas had been that the title to all land was in the
sovereign and inalienable, the grants to Lambert and others are held to
be void. We believe this has not been officially stated, but Commodore
Dupre, who negotiated the treaty between France and Radama, says that
the treaty was almost unanimously rejected by the great council of
nobles, and was accepted solely by the king.
The last advices, 6th September, from Port Louis, are that the French
fleet at Tamatave maintains a semi-warlike attitude toward the Hovas,
not landing nor recognizing the authorities. Rumors are rife of the
intentions of the French Government to seize Tamatave, and apply other
coercive measures, unless the former treaty is carried into effect.
The case seems to stand thus: The emperor, availing of the weakness of
Radama II for his favorite Lambert, concluded a treaty, by which the
king was to entirely alter the laws of the kingdom, and to give the
French a controlling influence in the Indian Ocean. The people have
deposed their ruler, and refuse to be bound by arrangements made by his
will alone. Under ordinary circumstances, Napoleon would hardly brave
the anger of England in a matter in which the latter has so much at
stake. The prize, however, is well worth the effort. Any European nation
obtaining sole possession of Madagascar dominates the East. It is surely
time for our Government to awake to the importance of the steps now
being taken.
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