410 VISITS TO MADAGASCAR. chap, x v. 



integrity, and justice, energy and self-reliance. Integrity 

 or truthfulness will inspire confidence, encourage industry, 

 and insure unity and co-operation." He said he most earnestly 

 desired knowledge, and regretted that he could not read 

 ]^glish books so as to understand them readily. I told him 

 I regretted it also, but congratulated him upon the attain- 

 ments which, under great disadvantages, he had abeady made ; 

 and I urged and encom-aged him to persevere, adding that 

 from the teachings of history, and the maxims of wisdom 

 embodied in that language, he might learn the true sources 

 of the prosperity of nations. I stated that England was once 

 less enlightened and less civilised than Madagascar at the 

 present time ; but that by gradual yet steady progress through 

 a long series of years, and many severe ordeals, she had 

 attained the position which she now occupied amongst the 

 nations ; and why should not a similar coiuse issue in 

 corresponding results elsewhere ? The officer who was with 

 us, and who had been seven years at school in England when 

 a youth, observed that such indeed had been the past of 

 England's progress. 



In reply to further inquiries from the prince as to the 

 best means of promoting the progress of the people, I said, 

 " Seek to enlighten them ; promote education to the utmost. 

 Don't be afraid of the people knowing too much. Those who 

 are the best informed will be the most efficient members of 

 the commimity ; they will turn their own resources to the 

 best account; and they will render the best service to the 

 state. An ignorant people can only be governed by force; 

 an enlightened people by reason. The people that under- 

 stand the laws best, if they are just laws, will be the most 

 ready to obey them. Prosperity," I added, " is promoted by 

 encouraging industry, and protecting each man in the enjoy- 

 ment of the fruits of his own labour. This will make the 

 people contented ; and a contented people are always a loyal 



