Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1913-08-30
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Recommendation have been so often
made in the past without result, but
the authorities now seem to be be-
stirring themselves and giving mat
tiers their attention.
The French colonial system is by
no means perfect, and in fact in some
respects 1t leaves much to be desired
In certain of the French possessions
conditions compare very unfavorably
with those in the colonies of neigh
bors, but the present government
seems determined to remedy matters
to a considerable extent, and more
over act promptly. One of the chief
reasons for the present backward
state of affairs is the difference of
opinion that so often exists between
the minister's at home and the colonial
governments, which frequently spells
delay in matters of pressing neces
sity.
The scheme which the minister for
the colonies has just explained in de-
tail to the commission for external af-
fairs includes the creation of harbors
in the colonies, and especially tho
Improvement of some of those al
ready in existence, which for one rea-
son or another, such as the Increase
Of trade or the development of the
mercantile marine, are no longer suf-
ficient for present needs.
Colonies viii Pay.
The cost of the projected works
will be partly betrayed locally, ex-
cept in such colonies where every
thing remains to be done, or partly
borne by the home government The
latter share, however, will be only a
small one, some of the colonies in
fact having complete financial auto
nomy.
Among the works to be shortly put
In hand are those in connection with
the great colony Of Madagascar and
ments of which have been delayed for
years owing to simple financial mis-
understandings between the home
and colonial authorities.
The island of Madagascar is one OF
Frances most prosperous possessions,
both economically and financially. Ac-
cording to ministerial report the
surplus of receipts from 1909 to 1912
has progressed continually. In 1909
the surplus amounted to $685., 600
francs, and reached by the end of
1912 nearly 100000 francs, having
thus doubled In the meantime. Trade
in general went up from 61h in 1909
to nearly Ill millions in 1912. and
still better results are looked for.
Madagascar is chiefly agricultural,
and produces the most varied commo-
dities. Her production increases each
year and in spite of lower rates the
profits of the railways rise simultane-
ously with the volume of trade.
On the other hand great draw
back Is the almost complete isolation
OF this island from the rest of the
world, owing to the want of port to
properly handle her productions.
Tamatave to be Port.
1t is to remedy this that the crea-
ton of the port of Tamatave has been
decided on by the ministry for the col
onies and the government of Madagas-
car. 1t will cost Is millions, which
will be paid from the profits realized
by the colony and also from the pres
ent cash reserves which exceed 10l
millions. Demands have been made
by representative of a neighboring
island that this work shall be carried
cut as rapidly as possible, this island
in common with others being obliged
at present to draw her supplies from
abroad, instead of from Madagascar,
owing to the lack of a port of ship
ment
The commission for external affairs
has also been occupied with the
schemes for the improvement of the
port of Djiboutil, the capital of French
Somaliland. on the Gulf of Alden Sit
uated at the exit from the Red Sea
and on the route to India, Djiboutil is
destined to become as prosperous as
her neighbors Alden and Obuk The
near completion of railway estab-
fishing communications with the CAPT
tai of Ethiopia will make of her the
emporium and port of shipment for
the produce of these countries, or give
her a trade that will rival that of any
OF her neighbors.
DJI8oUTIL PRosPERlNG.
The financial state of Djiboutil is as
prosperous as that of Madagascar, but
1t is only the finishing of this railway,
In which France has heavily invested,
that will make of the port the great
French center in the Red sea. The
works that will be required will be
considerable, as harbor will have to
be constructed in which ships of any
tonnage can berth, and even load
alonside the wharves. In this instance,
too, it is the colony that will cover
the cost in her budget, the required
outlay being estimated at $4,000, 900.
Mention, was recently made Of the
works required in the French colony
of Tahiti, half way between Panama
and Australia. These have been def
initely decided on, but in this case the
entire cost will be borne by the state,
the colony being unable to contribute
owing to her present insignificant vol
ume of trade. Four lighthouses to
mark the route to be followed through
the archipelago will be finished next
year as we'll as wireless station ra-
dating on the Pacific. Moreover the
Tahiti channel will be dredged to a
depth of IL meters to allowsany vessel
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