23 DECEMBER 1882, Page 2

The French Cabinet has been seriously moved by an internal

dispute as to the expediency of the expedition to Tonquin. Admiral Jaur6guiberry, Minister of Marine, demanded a credit of 2440,000 ler the expedition ; but many of his colleagues, in- cluding, it is believed, M. Duclerc, dissented, and M.. Gr6ny finally declared that he disapproved the project, The Admiral thereupon resigned ; but after a discussion of two days, it wan

found that the opinion of governing men was so entirely in favour of the expedition, that the dissenting Ministers gave way, and on Thursday N. Gr6vy signified that in the face of their submission he should remain neutral. The expedition is, therefore, resolved on, as far as the Executive is concerned, although the Chinese Government has not yet withdrawn its very prononnced opposition. It remains to be seen whether the Chamber will assent, but we think it will. The Gambettists are all on that side, there is a reluctance to upset N. Duclere, and the Deputies are persuaded that a revanche for Egypt may be found in Tonquin and Madagascar. The question is of no importance to Great Britain, as we have no interests in Tonquin, .and as the Chinese Government is quite able to take care of its feudatories' rights.