FRANCE IN INDO-CHINA.

Kumara Times, Issue 2536, 7 August 1884, Page 3

FRANCE IN INDO-CHINA.

The French (observes the Spectator of May 24th) evidently intend to found an empire, and not a colony in In doChina. It is already explained in Paris that, although certain " Chinoiseries" that is, showy makebelieves—were allowed in the words of the Treaty of Tientsin, it was understood by both negotiators that it covered the full annexation of Aunam. The new possession is to be called " IndoChina," and administered by a Go-vernor-General residing at Hue, under whom will be three governors, two residents at Cambodia aud Laos, and a "Military Administrator of the Frontier," who will look after the Black Flags. It is understood that the territory will be entirely self-supporting, and will have a garrison of 5000 men, assisted by a Sepoy army, commanded entirely by French officers. The Chamber has been asked to vote a final grant of £1,200,000, which it will do unanimously; and M. Ferry, in his speech announcing the victory, takes credit for "moderation." He, however, proposes to raise the squadron off Madagascar from three vessels to eleven, and the force station there to 3500 soldiers and sailors, besides marines. He is, in fact, pushing relentlessly towards his end—an appreciably large extension of the colonial dominion of France.