Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-06-01
FRANCE AND CHINA.
The Celestial Empire Prepared for
the Worst.
The Traditional Chiyalry Of France Arous-
ed - Interesting Interview with
An Eminent Chinese
Diplomat.

PARIs, May 3l.-The death OF Captain de
Rlviere, who, with a gallant little band,
held his own for months against over 4O,-
O0e Anamites, has aroused all the trad
tional French chivalry and kindled the
martial fervor of the nation. Leading ar
ticles abound in the newspapers with the
stirring headings, lie Drapeau en- Peril
AN Tenuuinm Meanwhile events in
China show what hard nut France
Has Undertaken to Crack.
The fact of the famous ii Hung Chang
coming into power was pretty sure sign
that John Chinaman is on the war path. Ii
is Ii Hung Chang-astute, never rash,
thorough Opportunist in fact, the Talley-
rand OF China-who is always placed at
the helm when things in the Celestial Em-
pire look squaliy. The following interview
between a distinguished European dipto.
post at Pekin, and the Chinese Charge
d'Affaires, now head OF the Chinese Lega-
ton here, is published in the French pa
pers:
"What does the Tsung III Yamen Com
mittee of Mandarins, presided over by
Prince Kung, the supreme court for all
Chinese foreign affairs, think Of the French
expedition to Tonquin?"
THE Tsurg Ii iamen considers Ionqun
asa
VassaI of the Son of Heaven,
and considers that it is the bounden duty
OF China to protect her vassals. 1t IS also
of the opinion that had France any grieve'
apce she should complain through dip
lomstic channels and not with arms in
hand, To-day it is the sacred duty OF the
Celestial Empire to help the people OF
Tonquin.
in case of war is China prepared to hold
her own against France
Certainly. We have ornaments OF
the highest order, krupp guns in the fort
resses and feet of ships equipped in the
best arsenals OF Europe, and in our Foo
Chico arsenal, which has been for several
wears directed by engineers Of the French
navy"
AN homage to the patriotism OF the
Chinese people, but are you
Sure of the DiscipIine
of your army ,,o =. wan. ouo.,;or
All YOU Europeans believe that China to-
day is in the same state of Gisorganlzation
as in 1860. 1t is a great mistake. II at
that time Montauban and the English Ad-
miral were able to diSembark at Takow,
invade our territory. pass by our forts on
the Peiho and enter Pekin, it was because
China was then in the throes of terrible
civil war. The Taepings had made them
selves masters OF the whole eastern por-
tion of the Empire. Our Emperor could
scarcely count upon three provinces. To-
day there is
Not q Single Rebel
throughout the length and bresdth OF our
Empire. Over four hundred millions OF
souls were devoted to cur august Emperor,
and we have an armament and military or
ganization capable of setting any foreign
invasion q. defiance"
What are the pavillions noirs who were
the cause OF Riviere's repulse and
DEATH"
They are not pirates or undisciplined
bands, as Europeans pretend; but are
regular soldiers of the Kingdom of An
nam. r,obilized by order of the King TU-
due"
Germany Taking Issue With France.
LONDON, May 31.-Bespite the assurance
of the French that there is no danger of
war between France and China the com.
merce of Germany with China is alresdy
much disturbed by the Tonquin dispute.
1t is hoped in Berlin that il France de-
clares a blockade Of the Chinese ports
Great Britain and America will refuse to
recognize il. A French blockade cannot
be effective, and Germany will certainly
support England and America In opposing
it The German Government Is consider
ing the question of sending more vessels
TO Chinese waters.
PARIS, May Sl.-The bembardment OF the
capital Of AMMAN is probable in revenge
for the death OF Capt. Revisse. 1t is stated
several German vessels will leave Kiel for
China next week.