COCHIN CHINA.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 281, 29 June 1860, Page 3

COCHIN CHINA.

The French admiral (Page) has taken possession of thetown of Saigon, the Chief town of Cochin China, and published .a proclamation placing it under French authority. This step has been taken in consequence of murders and cruelties committed on-the French missionaries and others by the natives. In his proclamation the admiral says:—"l exerted myself strenuously to :S 6btain by a treaty that which is recognised by nearly all the nations of the earth, namely," a certain freedom of commerce, and-the guarantee that no. French 'subject would be unprotectedly-sacrificed to the caprice of the uncivilised mandarins.; I stipulated also, that in the precincts of the kingdom none, ?f duly obeying the laws, would be persecuted solely for. their religious principles. , I was not even granted these simple, and to them unimportant, conditions. The Annamese Government places itself without the pale of civilization, and obliges me to continue the war. My first act is to place the city and territory of Saigon under the French authority ; no Annatnese sqldier or mandarin will be allowed within it, and if captured, will be considered and punished as a spy. The laws and usages of the country vvill be respected, but; the administration, of justice and measures of public safety will be in the hands of the French authorities. The ulterior steps which 1 shall shortly take will be beneficial, and bring to this city a large tribe: the practice and equity of our laws, protecting equally the rights and interest of all men, will no doubt call from all parts numerous inhabitants, and you will soon learn to appreciate and rejoice at the blessings of the benign influence of European civilization.1' ; :