HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
57 1 
Remarks on the Isle of France , in 1800. 
First. The Isle of France imports from Europe almost all its necessaries and 
objects of consumption, except linen, cotton, and stuffs, which it obtains from the 
coasts of Coromandel and Bengal; China ware and silk from China; its corn is partly 
of its own growth, and of the Isle of Bourbon ; the surplus consumption of its bread 
and biscuit is imported in flour from Europe and New England. It imports its 
rice, (besides what it grows itself,) from Madagascar and other ports of India; its 
slaves, for the most part, are brought from the coast of Africa, and Madagascar. 
Second. In 1779, all the business was solely carried on in the commodities of the 
colony, or in piastres (a Spanish coin, value about five shillings English). There 
was still in circulation the paper currency issued by the administrators in the name 
of the French republic; but as it was constantly diminishing in value, the Colonial 
Assembly settled it irrevocably in 1798, by a depot of merchandize destined for the 
payment of the paper currency then in circulation; the value of which to money was 
only in proportion of one to a thousand: so that a stamp paper currency or note 
for ten thousand francs was then only worth ten francs in commerce. On this 
basis the redemption of the paper currency was ultimately fixed. 
Third. The plan of forming the Isle of France into a general entrepot has not 
been followed up ; 1st, Because it is more advantageous to obtain all articles of mer¬ 
chandize from the place itself, which produces or manufactures them. 2d, Because, 
although the Indian sailors have much less pay than those of Europe, this point 
alone does not render the navigation of vessels in India more economical, or more 
advantageous, than the navigation of European vessels; as the latter navigate them 
better, and a crew of European sailors does not amount to one-third of those 
required by the vessels of India. * 
* The principal advantage which the Isle of France derives from its ports and situation, is that 
of its being a military depot. On this account it would be necessary that its mother-country should 
have the superiority by sea. A commercial entrepot would then be the natural consequence. 
THE END. 
Printed by W. Bulraer and Co. Russei- 
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