New-York tribune., 1883-12-21
FIGHTING IN TONQUlN.
A FRENCH VICTORY NEAR soNTAY.
rIE rErycIPAL oUTrosTs cArruEEp BY ADMIRAL
COUEBET


Hose KONG, Dec. 2O.-Thc French forces have
captured the principal outposts Of Sontay, embrac-
ing five strongly fortified villages. The
enemy made stubborn resistance. The French
loss was two hundred men aud fifteen officers
killed and wounded.
Admiral Courbet. who commanded the cxpcdi-
tion, had 1000 mon, Of whom 1000 engaged
in the ThcHChncse still hold the fortress of
Sontay. action, the others being held in reserve,
PARIS, Dec. 2O.-Thc Government has received
unofficial adyiccs confirming the report Of the cap
turc of the villages outside Of Soatay.
dispatch from Hong Kong states that the fight
at Sontay occurred on December (. Two If the
OutwOrks were captured and the citadel was sur
rendered by the French forces.
THE SUPPLEMENTARY CREDIT BILL.
III the Senate to-day the supplementary credit
bill for 1900. 900 francs for the ouqun pcditon
was discussed, and was adopted by vote of 2ll
yeas against nays Subsequently the Tonquin
credit bill for 10000, 900 francs also adopted,
the vote being 2lj yeas against q nays
The FigarO of yesterday says that it is understood
that the Marquis Hsrng tie Chinese Ambassador.
has proposed to France the following a fresh
basis If negotiations for the settlement of the Ton
quin question: The delta Of the SOng-koi iRed
River, together with the city of SUntay, TO belong
10 France; the delta of the Song eau River with
Bac- Nnh TO belong to China; the northern and
western provinces of Tonquin 10 be neutral, and
China to renounce her suzcrainty of the Kingdom
of Auam.
RcinfOrcemcnts, consisting Of G.300 troops, will
be sent 10 lonquin within iilc next fortnight.
Tho Temps reports that at the weekly reception at
the foreign ministry to-day the Marquis G,cng and
Prime Minister Ferry had long and friendly CON
versation. The Temps asserts that the compromise
mentioned by the figaro as having been proposed
by the Marquis fscng has not been impaired 20 the
French Government and the Temps doubts whether
such Il compromise has been noOtcd.
THE NEW KING Of ANAM.
SAIGON. Dec. 20.-AccOrGing to adyircs from
Hue, dated December ii, YOcduc has been pro-
claimed King of Anam. The natives were greatly
excited, and attack upon the French legation
feared. The firm attitude Of NJ. Champcaux,
the French resident had alone prevented IN attack
by the natives One hundred aud fifty reinforce
nents have been sent to Hue from Fort Thuanan.
1t is considered urgently necessary to occupy Hue
with sufficient force TO withstand any attack that
may be made upon the french. No resistance. how
ever is expected on the part Of the natives.
Admiral PcyrOn, Minister of Marine, has received
the following telegram from Admiral Courbct,
dated, " Before Soutay. December 49," E" The
expedition left Hanoi on December / and captured
Fort Phusa and all the caTthworks erected on the
banks of the SOngkOi (ltcd River opposite Sontay.
The assault was carried out by the marine infantry
and Algerian sharpshOOters. The hOtia rendered
very efficient assistance. The enemy were very
well armed and resisted desperately. The condition
and spirits of the French troops are excellent To-
day we commence the attack on SOntay.