The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-11-03

France ana HOmquIMs
HONG KONG, Nov. 2.-Admiral Courbet left
Hal Phong on the oath of October, with 500
marines for Hal MOI, where he will await the
arrival Of reinforcements from France before
making an attack lon Sontay. The French
forces are expected to occupy Kouyang Yen, a
town forty miles Northeast Of Hal Phong, in
short time.
PARIS, Nov. 2.-It is reported that the first
secretary of the Chinese legation here has
stated that war between China and France is
now certain.
The Cabinet Council to-day discussed Gen
Bonet's account of the French position ON the
Red river and measures which were advisable
to adopt for strengthening their position, and
the question of the amount of funds which
would be necessary to bring the campaign to
successful issue. Nothing was definitely de-
cided. The Chamber of Deputies will prob
ably be asked to vote new credit.
In his account Gen. Bonet states that 10,-
600 men all in arms, infantry, cavalry and
artillery will be required, especially cavalry,
because the movements OF Black Flags are
very rapid. Everything went TO prove to Gen.
Bonet that the leaders of the Black Flags are
well supplied with artillery. just before leav-
ing Gen. Bonet heard of the arrival of strong
Chinese force with Krupp guns. II the Chinese
intervene he says it will be necessary to send a
large force. Gen. Bonet concludes by saying: 1t
is impossible to form approximate idea of the
number of Black Flags.
Gen. Bonet expresses strong hope OF being
sent back to TonqIin to finish the work of the
expedition.
II is believed Sontay and Hanghoo win be
easily captured. Bacniah, however, which Is
strongly held, cannot be easily taken.
The Moyas Treating for Peace.
PARIS, Nov. 2-The government has re-
ceived a despatch from Tamatave, Madagascar,
announcing that the Hovas have asked per-
mission to come to terms with the French au-
thorities there, and that negotiations have
IL. aw.1 H.
Malagese. Admiral Galiber, the French COM
mander in Madagascar, has begun negotiations
with the Hova delegates.
The Explosions.
LONDON, Nov. 2.-The government has
offered $500 reward for information leading to
the conviction of the authors Of the two ex-
plosions on the underground railroads Tuesday
night. The Metropolitan and District railroad
companies have offered an additional reward
of a500.
The Queen has sent telegram from Wind
sor asking concerning the condition of the
victims of the explosions on the Metropolitan
railway.
DANTzIo, Nov 2.-The Gazette announces
that man named Plotrowski has been arrest
ed at Dirschau, who was charged with and has
confessed to having been sent by Nihiists to
murder Prince Bismarck. Piotrowski at
Judicial examination said he was Russian
actor; that Nihilists had provided him with
money to travel to Dantzic via Riga, and the
money had been stolen from him at Dantzic.
An instrument for injecting morphia and
Nihilist poem were found upon the prisoner.
Foreign Notes.
John Davis Waters, a broker charged with
stealing and receiving bonds Of the London
and River Platte Bank in connection with the
defalcation of Manager Warden, was commit
ted for trial in London yesterday.
1t is reported thai the members Of the
Chinese legation in Paris are considering the
question of demanding their passports.
Municipal elections occurred throughout
England yesterday, and the results show large
Conservative gains
A Cairo despatch says the report OF the de-
feat of El Mehdi, the false prophet, with great
slaughter by Hicks Pasha, is doubted by the
military authorities. who calculate that Hicks
Pasha and the army were seven days march
from El Obefd at the time.
The forces of Abdul Aziz, brother of the
Sultan, which have beon laying siege to that
city, have been repulsed and have fed