65 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
bitants, as well as the purposes of the French government. 
It was founded on the conviction that a purely military 
establishment was unsuitable; and that it was only by con¬ 
ciliatory means, the confidence and attachment of the natives 
was to be gained. It is stated in this document, that “ there 
is no necessity for sending troops and squadrons for con¬ 
quest, nor for transporting a whole society at a great ex¬ 
pense : better arms, and better means, will promote this 
establishment, without expending much money. It is only 
by the force of example, morals, religion, and a superior 
policy, that we propose to subdue Madagascar. The society 
there is already formed; and nothing is necessary but to 
invite it to us, and to direct it according to our views, which 
will meet with no obstacles, as they will interest the 
Malagasy themselves, by the advantage of a reciprocal 
exchange.” 
Upon this principle it was proposed, that as soon as he had 
in some measure secured a footing among the natives, by a 
short residence at Fort Dauphin, the principal seat for 
colonization should be transferred from that place to Fran- 
chere. At this spot he proposed to establish his colony for 
the sole purposes of trade, on the principle of mutual 
advantage; and, as Copland observes, “had such an estab¬ 
lishment been formed when the French first went to Mada¬ 
gascar, there is little doubt that it would have been attended 
with success.” But the many acts of aggression committed 
by the French, had made a deep impression on the minds 
of the natives, they retained the most vivid recollections 
of the cruelty they had experienced; and, whatever pro¬ 
fessions of upright intentions and friendly feelings were 
made by Mons. Maudave, they were too suspicious, and too 
much alarmed at the mere probability of a repetition of 
their sufferings, to allow themselves to be again deceived. 
ii. 
F 
