i62 VARIOUS LETTERS late 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 j 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, ofconciliating the natives, without swerving from an energetic and decisive mode of government.

The advantages that ould necessarily result from a successful attack upon Africa, would be