Nothing now has happened this week in the negotia- tions
between France and China. It is reported and denied that the Chinese reply to the French proposals has been re- ceived, and reported and denied that the Chinese have forwarded an ultimatum. What appears to be true is that M. Ferry is at last nearly convinced that China will not give up Tonqnin, and that he is doubtful whether to recede, or to protract negotia- tions till the meeting of the Chambers. The latter will pro- bably be the course adopted. The Ministry cannot hand in an ultimatum to the Marquis Tseng, to be adopted by a definite date under penalty of war, for M. Grevy's consent must be obtained. M. Gr6vy is constitutional, and under the Constitution the Chambers enjoy the old Royal prerogative of making war or peace. It is true, this proviso was partly ignored in the Tunis case, but a war with China could not be commenced without a very large previous credit for military equipments, and the engagement of transport. France has no store of coal in Asia, and coal is not cheap. We incline to believe, therefore, that M. Ferry will dis- cuss zones and the rest of his rather absurd proposals till the Session commences, and then ask the Deputies, formally or informally, whether they want Tonquin and a, war, or Anam without one. That has been the plain issue all along.
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