The France-Chinesa War.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 4995, 15 January 1885, Page 3

The France-Chinesa War.

Later news from China, via Australia, explains the information communicated by cable, that 12.000 troops are being dcs patched from France with instructions to clear Tonquin of Chinese, and then to direct their attention to'tho task of punishin? China itself. The Chinese, although inrariably beaten when they come to close quarters, are harassing the French very "lerioaaly. The French blockade of For moßa is ineffective, Chioese junks running it successfully continually, and instead of lessening, the trouble is daily increasing. China is making fresh levies. At Tonquin conscripts are being raised by tht authorities. Near the Great Wall of China, and in the vicinity of Tientsin, one in erery three males is being called out. and llO.GCfKmen have been enrollrd between Pekin and Tientsin. The - French force, which numbers only about 7000 men, is quite inadi qtiate for the work of subjugating Tonquin, and the approach ing TBiny season is fatal to "Europeans. The Chinese fleet, which includes two cruisers built by Armstrong, and capable of steaming 16 knots, was preparing, at date of last advices, to attack the French fleet at Formosa. Peport says it will be commanded by a German vice-admiral.