Polynesian., 1863-04-25
Algeria.

1t has become habit with Englishmen, especi-
ally in the colonies to take for granted the inca
pacity of the French people for colonisation. This
suppostion is entertained by many who freely give
credit to that hig minded nation for enterprise,
skill, and courage. An opinion was expressed by
distinguished member of the Legislative Assem-
bly, of this colony, that the Latinised nations of
Europe were not only far inferior to the Anglo
Saxon, German, and scandinavian races as colo
nists but almost destitute of eolonising ability.
And Notwithstanding the worldwide memorials of
Portuguese and Spanish coonisation in the East
and the West, that opinion passes current with
many. 1t Is, therefore, but justice to the French
nation to take note of the ascertained success of
their great experiment in the colonsation of Age-
ria. Though commenced with a display of phys
iCal force not in keeping with the humanisng ten
denotes of modern international morality, and
marked by occasional deeds Of the ST. Arnauds and
Pellissiers, more relentless than the recognised
laws of war sanction, the rule of the French in
Algeria has been attended by results which must
be regarded, in cosmopolitan light, as highly sat
isiactory.
As the prejudice with which French colonisation
has been viewed, rendered the English somewhat
increduous on the subject of Algerian progress,
good service was lately rendered to the cause of
truth by Mr.. Caird, NJ p, who visited that colony,
and afterwards described, before the Royal Agri-
cultural Society of England, what he had seen
there. Algeria stretches along 600 miles of the
Mediterranean, and is inhabited by 5000, 900 of
people, of whom 80, 900 are Europeans, the re-
manning 2,750,000 being composed of Arabs,
Mocrs, and the remnants of those races.-Numi-
dian, Phenician, and Roman who of old possess
ed that country. The city of Algiers contains
100000 inhabitants, and is becoming fayorite
resort for the Europeans, who seek, in q mider
climate than their own, to escape from pulmonary
disease. The prosperous town of Mostenegama,
overlooking the sea, oontans 20 900 inhabitants
There are, according Go Mr.. Caird, "a 000, 900
acres of good cutivable land in Algeria that is as
much in England, OF which 5000, 900 are culti-
waited, leavilg very wide scope for the extension
of agricultural colonsation. 10000 900 acres are
occupied pasture land, and 1900 900 acres are
Overgrown with dwarf palms and underwood OF
the land under cult in 1861, they were
1000 900 acres of barley, or twice as much as in
England. Algeria lies between the 34th and 37th
degree of north latitude, and is said to be well fit
ted for the production of cotton Its capabilities
for the culture OF olives, wines, oranges, and
large variety of valuable products, have been al
ready tested. One Of the most gratifying proofs
of the improvement made il the country under
French occupation, is that the great plain of Me-
tidijah, which lies the city of Algiers and
extends ffty-six miles in length, and twelve in
breadth, once regarded 'the grave of French SOL
ders," has, through the energetic efforts made for
It's drainage and cultivation, become O healty dis
trict. The artesian wells which French engineers
have sunk in the very DESERT causing new cases to
grow in spots that have been desolate by ages and
making the wilderness rejoice and blossom as the
rose, furnish still more surprising and attractive
proofs of the benefits derived from this national
colonial enterprise.
1t is true Algeria has been far more costly to
France In the way of military expenditure, in the
drain of men and money. than any British colony
has been to our mother country. But then it must
be remembered that it has long been the policy of
France, and under the present dynasty is more so
than ever, to maintain for political and interna-
tional reasons large standing army and the na-
tion may as well sustain that army in Algeria as
at home. Among the objects perseyeringly pursu-
ed by the French Government in Algeria is the ac-
QUESTION of large supply of the best Arabian
horses for the cavalry of France.
The recent offer of the Emperor Napoleon to
give 10000 acres of good arabic land to cotton
growing company, shows that he is determined to
make use OF the present crisis to forward the in
terests of that colony. And since the commercial
advantages flowing from free access to all the
shores of the Mediterranean are added to all the
internal resources of Algeria it is evident that the
French occupy there position of great Importance;
of which both the ruler and the people have the
sagacity and perseverance to avail themselyes-N
II. DAILY Southern Gross, Sept. Is.