MADAGASCAR. Letter from the Vicariate Apostolic of MAGAGASCA - Lot 585

MADAGASCAR. Letter from the Vicariate Apostolic of MAGAGASCAR, TANANARIVE, October 23, 1886, signed by Monseigneur Jean Baptiste CAZET, (First) Vicar Apostolic of TANA. 3 pages in-8°: "My dear Sir ... I was just leaving for the Betsileux Province, 8 days' walk from the capital. En route on my palanquin... I hasten to reply, thanking you first of all for your interest in Madagascar.... It would be difficult for you at a distance to form an exact idea of the actions of the English and the great influence they exert. You tell me that they should be removed from the Queen's Council (of Madagascar). You're a thousand times right, but that's the difficult part. Men in high places, who have an interest in the common peace and who are English subjects, have made and are making the Prime Minister understand that the real interest of the country is to walk in agreement with France. But the Malagasy is distrustful to excess; he usually suspects an ulterior motive in those who give him the best advice... How can we inspire a mutual trust that will enable capitalists to throw their money into Madagascar without fear? There is room for all, French, English, Germans, Italians, Americans... But by virtue of the Treaty, France, making sacrifices for Madagascar, must occupy the first place, and be able to inspire its direction in business.... France is obliged to provide military and other instructors if the Malagasy ask for them; but if they don't ask for them and prefer others (the English), she has nothing to say..."