253 
of St. Vincent were correct. “ Madagascar,” said 
he, “is capable of being made the first colony in the 
world, and would supply the loss of St. Domingo 
if the French government chose it. It possesses 
advantages far superior in many respects to that 
unhappy country. It would form a fine military 
position in any war that may ensue in the Indies. 
Its productions are infinitely more various—labour 
would be cheaper—its extent is more considerable-— 
and it would afford a good retreat to those Americans 
who, having lost every thing by the revolution, are 
now dependant on our government, who might dis¬ 
tribute lands amongst them, and the means of con¬ 
veyance and temporary existence there.” 
“ Many of the inhabitants of the Isles of France 
and Bourbon, who do not understand their true 
interests, imagine, that if France undertake to colo¬ 
nize Madagascar, it will interfere with their property; 
and that all the interest of the government, arising 
from their intercourse with the Indian colonies, being 
concentrated on a spot which would stand in need of 
all its protection, the other isles would be absolutely 
neglected. These alarms are unfounded; for the 
government can never have a more direct interest in 
protecting the Mauritius and Bourbon, than when 
having a more important colony in their neighbour¬ 
hood, they may fear that an enemy will annoy them 
in the possession of the principal by seizing the envi¬ 
rons. Besides, the Isle of France can be considered 
only as a military post, and Bourbon as its magazine. 
