France and China.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 2, 9 May 1885, Page 3

France and China.

[Per Mail Steamer.]

The Chinese forces gained a victory over the French at Langson on 28 ih March. They carried the key of the French position and entrenchments, driving the French troops back beyond Dong Dong, from whence they fell back on Lan«kai. The Chinese force was estimated to be 50,000 strong, and the French lines were menaced m every direction. General Tteigner was 1 severely wounded m the chest, and is not expected to recover. The Fren h lost vast quantities of commissary and other stores. The excitement caused m Paris by the news of the disaster was tremendous. Long before the hour for convening the Chamber the streets m the vicinity were packed by crowds of excited men, and soon it became apparent that trouble was brewing, for the Government had a force of military on hand to preserve order. Notwithstanding these precautions, the galleries of the Chamber were crowded with people. When Jules Ferry, the Premier, arose to announce the decision of the Cabinet Council, he was loudly hissed. He had .hardly finish-^ ed his declaration, when a number of the deputies of the Ri^ht sprang to their feet, yelling " Down with tho wretch," while above the din could be heard the voice of Clemeiicnau, as he fairly screeched v Traitors !"