hostile intentions
of the Dey beyond all doubt.

* * * * *

_Plan for the Conquest of Algiers._

The inhabitants of the plains are bigoted to the Muhamedan tenets;
but they would readily exchange the iron rod that rules them for a
more mild and beneficial form of government. A well-disciplined
European army of 50,000 men, would assuredly effect their complete
conquest without much difficulty: such an army, directed by a
Wellington, would perform wonders, and astound the Africans. After
the conquest, an energetic, decisive, but beneficent form of
government, would be necessary, to retain the country, and to
462 conquer and annihilate the repugnancy which these people entertain
to our religious tenets. A system of rule formed on the principles
of the English constitution,--directed by good policy, benevolence,
and religious toleration,--would not fail to reconcile these
hostile tribes, and attach them to rational government. The
Berebbers would readily assimilate to such a government; and,
although by nature a treacherous race, they would rejoice to see
the country in possession of a government which, they would
perceive, strove to promote the welfare and prosperity of the
mountaineers, as well as the inhabitants of the plains; and their
own interest would thus gradually subdue the antipathy resulting
from religious prejudices.

A general knowledge of the African Arabic would be essentially
necessary; and I think a school might be established in England, on
the Madras system, for initiating youths (going out to Africa) in
the rudiments of that language. This would be attended with most
important advantages; and might be accomplished in a very short
time. The conquest of Algiers being thus effected, that of the
neighbouring states would follow, without difficulty, by a
disciplined army of European troops; keeping the principle ever in
view, of conciliating the natives, without swerving from an
energetic and decisive mode of government.

The advantages that would necessarily result from a successful
attack upon Africa, would be--
463
1. An incalculable demand for spices, and East India manufactures
of silk and cotton.

2. A similar demand for coffees, and for sugars, manufactured and
unmanufactured; as