The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-10-31
THE FRENCH IN ToNQUIN.
France TO Ask for Larger Credit for Ex-
penses of the Expedition-LiveIy Debate
in the Chamber of Deputies,

LONDON, Oct. 30.-A despatch from Paris
states that the French Government, in view of
the warlike attitude of China, will ask the
Chamber for much larger credit for the ex-
penses OF the expedition in Tonquin than was
originally intended. Even should China only
remain OH the defensive, larger reinforcement
Of troops will be required in Tonquin. The
Government does not expect a defeat in the
Chamber on its Tonquil policy.
PARIS, Oct. 30.-The Chinese Legation sscout
the idea that the arrival of French reinforce
ments in Tonquin will end all resistance to the
demands OF France.
In the Chamber of Deputies to-day, NJ Gra-
net, member OF the Extreme Left, inter-
pellated the Government upon its policy OBJ
jects sought to be obtained and the means of
conducting the expedition in that country. NJ.
Granet pointed out what were apparent contra
dictions existing in the information which had
been furnished by the Government and said
that contrary to the official declaration difficult
ties had been raised by China.
M. Granet reproached the Government with
coneeaing facts and compromising patriotism
OF the Chamber. Reverting to the Bouree
treaty he said China had threatened resistance
and there was danger of a war and the errors
of the Government had compromised the coun-
try. The present moment was critical one
and France should turn her eyes toward the
passages of the Vasgeo.
M. Challemel Lacour repudiated the idea of
the Tonquin expedition being an adventure.
The French were encountering more formi-
dable opposition than they expected, but the
difficulties were far from insurmountable.
China had availed herself of the blockade of
the coast of AMMAN to claim suzerainty, and
home opposition had used it as
At this point the speaker was interrupted by
Mon. Papon Clenenceau and Dauville who
protested against such remarks.
Resuming M. Challemel Lacour said that
the Government had no intention of advanc-
ing upon Hue but it became necessary to strike
resounding blow which justified the occupa-
tion Of Hue and Forb and had resulted in
treaty and clearing up of the situation. The
Government failed in none of their engage
ments. No important event had occurred ne
cesstating the early convoking of parliament.
The French were masters of three fourths of
the Red River delta and the enemy occupied
but two important place from which rein
forcements would dislodge them. 1t was clear
China never really sought serious comprom-
ise but simply wanted to gain time while
France sincerely endeayored to arrive at an
agreement without accepting an humiliating
capituation.
NJ Challemel Lacour said China had never
recognized the Bouree treaty and no under
standing between France az China had
been effected thereon. To sum up, China de-
manded a reversion to the state of things prior
to the year 1873 and France must prosecute
advanced. Negotiations with China had been
only interrupted and let events speak for them
selves. Perhaps the time will come when
China will be happy to find us still ready to
examine arrangements compatible with
Frances interests and honor. France has
never departed from the path Of frmness and
moderation. The force of circumstances rem
dered her representative interests all Europe
Ia the East. The Chamber had to express
confidence not in the Government, but itself,
for the policy of the cabinet had been indorsed
by the legislature.
PARIS, Oct 30.-The Figaro publishes re-
port that the governor of the Chinese province
of Yunnan, with $4,000 troops, has received
orders to enter Tonquin and occupy Gao Bang,
about $50 miles North of Hal MOI, the French
headquarters
The Gaulois says four French gunboats now
preparing for the Red River will be named
after French officers killed in Tonquin.
Mr. Perrin characterized the Tonquin affair
mere adventure of Frenchmen not afraid of
war with China but the necessity therefore
must first be shown.