i6 
Le Plateau , 
the soundest of policy. The French hoped by it 
to secure their darling object,—exclusive posses¬ 
sion of the maritime regions, as well as the interior, 
leading to the gold mines of the Mandengas (Man- 
dingas), and allowing overland connection with 
their Algerine colony. The English also seemed 
willing enough to “ swop ” an effete and dilapi¬ 
dated settlement, surrounded by more powerful 
rivals—a hot-bed of dysentery and yellow fever, a 
blot upon the fair face of earth, even African earth— 
for a new and fresh country, with a comparatively 
good climate, in which the thermometer ranges 
between 65° (Fahr.) and 90°, with a barometer 
as high as the heat allows; and where, being at 
home and unwatched, they could subject a linger¬ 
ing slave-trade to a regular British putting-down. 
But, when matters came to the point in 1870-71, 
the proposed bargain excited a storm of senti¬ 
mental wrath which was as queer as unexpected. 
The French object to part with the Gaboon, as the 
Germans appear inclined to settle upon the Ogobe 
River. In England, cotton, civilization, and even 
Christianity were thrust forward by half-a-dozen 
merchants, and by a few venal colonial prints. 
The question assumed the angriest aspect; and, 
lastly, the Prussian-French war underwrote the 
negotiations with a finis pi'o temp. I hope to see 
them renewed; and I hope still more ardently to 
see the day when we shall either put our so-called 
