Franco-Chinese War.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 224, 1 September 1884, Page 2

Franco-Chinese War.

PANIC AND EXODUS FROM SHANGHAI. CHINESE AND FRENCH NAVAL LOSS. [Revtbb’s Telegbams.] Hong Kong, August 29. The French fleet, under Admiral Courbet, has left the Min River and will probably proceed northwards. A panic amongst the Chinese has occurred at Shanghai, and an exodus is taking place in consequence of fears of bombardment by the French warships. August 30. Intelligence is to hand to the effect that the Chinese Government have ordered the commanders of all treaty ports to attack any French war vessels or merchantmen either entering or leaving those ports. London, August 30.

It is reported that the French have captured the Chinese fleet, and also that two boats belonging to the French were taken by the Chinese.

Further, particulars of the action at Foochow shows that nine French warships disabled eleven Chinese transport vessels in seven minutes. The French refused to accept a surrender, and continued the shelling for hours. Two Chinese gunboats and the batteries stationed at the arsenal vainly attempted to reply. The French Admiral also bombarded the forts and villages in the neighborhood of Foochow. The Times special correspondent telegraphs pronouncing the whole affair as a sickening massacre. The French loss was six killed. They also had one of their gunboats injured, and a torpedo boat sunk. Yesterday the French shelled the barracks at Quantar, to which the Chinese offered no resistance. Commenting on the affair, the Times says that Admiral Courbet is the idol of civilised warfare.