After three months of arduous preparation, the French have succeeded
in. taking Bacninh. General Minot threatened the fortress in front, while General Negrier, with a heavy column, occupied the eastern road to Langson, by which, if the Chinese retreated in good order, they must retire. The Chinese, alarmed at finding their retreat cut off, made a feeble resistance, and fled by the northern road to Thang-linen. It is reported that the French will at once occupy Langson, the frontier fortress, which will give them access to Kwangsi, and greatly alarm the Chinese Government. To complete their victory, moreover, they must penetrate much further north, possibly to Man-Hoa, in Yunnan, or they will not acquire.their great object,—the power of levying duties on goods entering China by the Song-Koi. Nothing trustworthy is said of losses on either side.
Previous page
