HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
173 
On this important subject, Mr. Hastie spoke freely. The 
king heard him patiently; and having narrated the conver¬ 
sation to his people, remarked, that slaves were fair traffic 
in Madagascar. Mr. Hastie explained, again, that the 
British government did not dictate any thing respecting the 
internal customs of his country; that Governor Farquhar 
considered him the most enlightened individual of his 
nation; that he was undoubtedly the most powerful; that 
the acts of a king should make his name live for ever; and 
that the system pointed out would certainly increase his 
power and wealth, and immortalize his name. He again 
explained to his people; and they consenting, he said he 
would enter into a treaty to prevent the exportation of his 
subjects. He appeared convinced by the arguments which 
had been used, and concluded the conversation with great 
good-humour. 
During the whole of this day there were many applicants 
to speak to the king, who heard every one, though the 
number amounted to a hundred and fifty. These all pre¬ 
sented money, some of them pieces not worth more than 
three-pence, to the people who were in waiting to receive it. 
It was rather curious, that while Radama was not too dig¬ 
nified to receive this tribute, he betrayed evident satisfaction 
at Mr. Hastie’s appearing not to see it. 
Amongst the presents sent to Radama by the governor 
of Mauritius, one of those which afforded him the most 
pleasure was a clock. It was at first a little deranged, and 
he could not conceal his chagrin on hearing it strike 
while the minute-hand was at the half-hour. While he 
was absent from the house, Mr. Hastie fortunately disco¬ 
vered the cause of the clock’s going wrong, and rectified 
it; and when the king returned, his joy was unbounded. 
The clock was placed upon a block, at the distance of four 
