The latest news from Tunis indicates that the French Government
is prepared for the occupation of that State. The preparations at Bona for the despatch of a French corps d'armee are complete, but the Boy shows no sign of giving way. On the contrary, he has despatched troops to the fron- tier, and declares that, while personally friendly to the French, he will not answer for his people, if invasion is begun. The Kroumirs are resolved to resist any attempt to chastise them, and the common people are growing so excited as to alarm the Europeans. It is believed that the French intend to occupy Tunis, but they may have a sharp campaign before they get there, as the distance by land is 150 miles, through an ill- supplied territory, in which the invaders will be harassed by the Desert cavalry. The French, however, command the sea, the Moorish horsemen will not face rocket batteries, and the Tunisian infantry do not carry arms of precision. So far as can be per- ceived, the Sultan does not intend to interfere, except by mani- festoes intended to convince his own subjects that he is not voluntarily giving up territory belonging to Islam. Nor is Europe interfering, though the Italians express a degree of indignation which delights Prince ]3ismarck.
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