The Chinese Governmenthas not been alarmed by the destruc- tion
of the Foochow forts, but has placarded Pekin with warlike announcements, and has directed General Tso, who conquered Kashgar, to invade Tonquin in three columns of 20,000 men each, which will converge upon Bacninh. The French garrison awaits attack, but is suffering heavily from sickness. Admiral Courbet, after forcing his way out of the Min, has sailed into space, conjec- ture as to his destination being wholly at fault. The most probable theory, however, is that he has gone to the Peiho, intending to attack the Taku Forts, and so make his presence on the coast unpleasantly manifest to the capital. The Peiho is well de- fended, and even if the Admiral succeeds, the Chinese failing -to utilise their great stock of guns and torpedoes, he will pro- duce little impression at Pekin until he can land soldiers. China cannot be killed by prickings of the skin. The Japanese 'Government has taken advantage of the situation to demand the Loo-Choo Islands, but a Japanese Army, even if ready, a.n on the mainland only act as an auxiliary to a large French force which has not yet been voted.
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