Colonial administrators paired railroads with health investment as twin civilizing duties

Evidence

Investment in modern health services as well as in railroads in West Africa, Roume noted, was part of the debt that “as a civilized power, republican France faithful to its tradition of generosity and human fraternity owes itself to honor.” In his speeches, he often coupled these two programs: “The most essential [means for progress] are … the creation and development of a communications network and the amelioration of sanitary conditions. It is toward the realization of these two objectives that we must devote all our energies; these objectives are sought and energetically pursued in all French and foreign colonies, that is to say, those that are progressing and prospering.” — Alice L. Conklin, A Mission to Civilize_ The Republican…, 187