12 JANUARY 1884, Page 3

It was . arranged that Admiral Courbet should attack Bacninh yesterday, but

it is, of course, possible that he required still further preparations. It is believed that Chinese troops are in the fortress ; but as yet there is no sign that China intends openly to declare war. No army has entered Tonquin, and the Marquis Tseng remains quiescent at Folkestone. The Govern- ment of China seem rather to expect a declaration of war from France, for the Viceroy of Canton has reduced the channel of the river to a waterway of ninety feet, and the Government has forwarded 2,000 troops to the Island of Hainan. They will not, however, be able to do much in the way of defence, if M. Ferry seriously means to seize the island as a material guarantee for his indemnity.