M. Ferry on Monday, in answer to the Deputy from
Cochin China, stated precisely the position of France in regard to China. Captain Fournier had brought home the text of the Treaty of Tientsin, and an Imperial order conveying to Li- Hung-Chang, the Plenipotentiary who signed it, full approval of its conditions. That treaty in Clause 2 expressly provided for the " immediate "evacuation of the frontier fortresses by all Chinese troops. Nevertheless, when the French troops ap- proached Langson, the Chinese beguiled them into an ambuscade, and then attacked them. Whether that ambuscade was arranged by local chiefs or by the central authorities the Government of Pekin must be held responsible, and must be made to understand that such outrages must be paid for. The demand for compensation had been made, and the French Government awaited the reply, confident that it was in 'a position to enforce the Treaty, and punish " madly imprudent violations " of its provisions. This declaration, which means immediate war, unless the reparation is made at once, was received with rapturous approval by the Chamber, and is hardly strong enough for the Parisian journalists. M. Patenotre has by this time reached Pekin, and long negotia- tions will not be allowed ; but no hint of the probable decision of the Chinese Court has yet reached Europe. The absence of even private telegrams on the subject from Shanghai is note- worthy. It is supposed that in the event of refusal, the French will at once seize Foo-Chow, the Woolwich of China, and occupy Canton ; but this is doubtful, and the Parisian journals hint that some hitherto unsuspected blow will be delivered by the French. We do not see how that is possible without an army.
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