A telegram from Shanghai was received by the Chinese Legation
in London on Thursday, denying that any settlement of the Tonquin difficulty had been arrived at. Li Hung Chang, the official entrusted with the negotiations with M. Tricou, had been so irritated by the Frenchman's rudeness, that he declined to meet him, and retired to Tientsin. "He sees no chance of falling into an accord with M. Tricon." This means, of course, that the Pekin Government has made up its mind that France- must acknowledge Chinese suzerainty in Tonquin, which is the specific point M. Challemel-Laeour has decided not to concede. War, therefore, would be inevitable, but that it is known the French Cabinet is divided. M. Jules Ferry, supported by the President,. and, it is believed by M. Waldeck-Rousseau, is strongly op- posed to the war, and M. Challemel-Lacour threatens to retire. The struggle is not yet ended, but as the Chamber is distinctly against any war of moment outside Europe, we venture to pre- dict that the concession required by China will be made, and that the expedition to Tonquin will be content with avenging M. Rivikre. The vacillation of the Republican Government upon this subject has been deplorable.
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