Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-11-20
TSENG GIVES WARNING.
THE CROSSING OF RED RIVER
THE SIGNAL FOR WAR.

Chinese Troops Capable ofgfvinp Franco
Hard Fight-Everything Ready for
Advancing Three Columns with Sur
prisin& Celerity-The situation Conn
parativelY Unchanged.
PARIS, Nov. 19.-In an interview with
Gaato's reporter Marquis Tseng, the Chi
hese Ambassador, declared that during
the last few days the situation between
france and China had become Very criti-
cal, owing to the proceedings ofthe French
Government, the repeated votes of the
Chamber of Deputies and the juxtaposi-
tlon OF the Chinese and French troops.
Many well-armed Chinese regulars have
crossed the frontier and encamped at Bac-
nlnh, where they are CLOSELY watching the
movements of the French. NOtwithstapd-
ing the presence Of.the French fleet three
army corps of 10000 men each. esuip-
ped in European fashion, can at
short notice march by three different
routes against the French. Among the
Chinese troops are many European and
American engineers. The French NAV be
able to throw a few bombsheIls into Can.
ton, but it will be difficult for their fleet
to approach that place, as the water is too
shallow. France must first give warning.
II she contemplates hostile demonstra-
ton, to merchant vessels of all nations
there. II the Canton mandarins are
energetic the natives will fight we'll and
the French will find them worthy foemen.
China is receiving encouragement and
offers of material help from all sides.
II have received no communication
from the French Government since nv
last arrival in Paris. [ shall return to
Folkestone almost immediately In
concluding, he said, ''Chna a.dehtly de-
slres peace and deplOres that the situa-
tion daily becomes more aggravated. She
will recognize, however regrettullv.
accomplished facts and leave to
France the towns and forts captured
south OF the Red river. China is deter
mined, however, to hold Bacninh against
all corners with the greatest energy. The
passage of the Red river will certainly be
considered a declaration of war. China
is perfectly aware that Admiral Courbet
is preparing for campaign against the
Chinese. He repeatedly sends telegrams
demanding boats Of light draught, and de-
pends entirely on France. To avoid war
France must stop at once"
The committee of the Chamber of
Deputies, charged with framing the re-
port upon the bill for the TOnquin credits.
to-day examined Prime MiHister Ferry
and Admiral Peyr0n, Minister of Marine,
who explained to the committee the
military situation in TOnquin, and affirm
ed that offensive operations by the French
forces were imminent, if they had not
already been commenced. NJ. Ferry
promised that he would place before the
committee all the diplomatic documents
relating to the Tonquin question. The
committee then adjourned until to-
morrow. The reports that have been
current to the effect that the French
Government had presented an ultimatum
tc China upon the Tonquin question, are
seml-Officially denied.
lie Paris urges the occupation of Foo
chow and the island of Hainan, if it should
be proven that Chinese troops are fighting
against the French in TOnquin.
LONDON, Nov. ia Paris dispatch
states that negotiations between France
and China upon the TOnquin question
have been resumed. The Chamber of
Deputies are debating the budget.
TOULON, Nov. 19.-rhe French trans
port Myth, with 800 sailors and 900 troops,
has sailed for TOnquin.
LONDON, Nov. 20, 2 A. MA Paris cor
respondent says that during the sitting of
the committee on the Tonquin question
Monday, which was a secret sitting. Ad-
miral Peyron said that the military dues-
tion must take precedence of the diplo-
matte question. NJ. Ferry will on Tuesday
present the diplomatic side of the question.
1t is expected that thes public debate on
the TOnuuin question will begin on Mon
day or Tuesday of next week. In case of
war with China it has been decided to
employ the steamers of the General Trans
Atlantic Company and the Messageries
Maritimes as transports.
PARIS, Nov. 20. l A. M.-The general
impression prevails here that the govern
ment has recently received bad news
from Tonquin.