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COCHIN-CHINA-SAIGON
The imports of Cochin-China and Cambodia combined amounted in 1897 to 51,922,684 francs, of which 20,825,931 francs were of French origin, and the exports to 94,691,687 francs. The quantity of rice exported in 1897 was 10,555,804 piculs, and in 1898 11,277,770 picnls. The number of vessels of all nations that cleared from Saigon during the year 1898 was 351, of 443,655 tons; adding the steamers of the Messageries Maritimes, Messageries Fluviales, and the Compagnie Nationale, the total is 541 vessels, and 714,875 tons. The British flag accounts for 156 vessels, of 215,735 tons, or about half of the tonnage employed.
SAIGON
Saigon, the capital of Cochin-China, is situated on the Saigon river, a branch of the Donnai, in lat. 10 deg. 50 min. N., and long. 101 deg 22 min. E. It is about 40 miles from Cape St. James and is accessible to the largest vessels. Since its occupation by the French the climate has undergone a very favourable change, owing to different sanitary works in the town, such as drains, the filling up of pools, marshes, &c. The town presents a fine appearance, the roads and thoroughfares being broad and regular. Amongst the public buildings Government House is the most remarkable; several millions of francs have been spent upon its construction and decoration. The other prominent public buildings are the new Palace of the Lieutenant-Governor, the new and handsome Post Office on the Place de la Cathédrale, the Custom House, the "Direction de l'Intérieur," the Treasury, the Land Office, Public Works Department, the Schools, and the Supreme Court." Military Hospital is a fine and handsome building, as are also the Arsenal, Barracks, and Artillery Parc. There is also a stately Gothic Cathedral of large proportions. A fine bronze statue of Gambetta stands in the Boulevard Norodom. Saigon has two public gardens, the "Jardin de la Ville," which is maintained at the expense of the Municipality, and the Botanical Garden. There is good docking accommodation, the Bassin de Radaub being one the finest docks in the world, capable of receiving the largest men-of-war, and there are two floating lifts. There are two steam rice mills. The population of Saigon in 1897 was 32,561 (exclusive of the Naval and Military forces, about 1,200 to 1,500 men). The French population numbers 1,753 and other Europeans 207.
The
The M. M. steamers call twice a month at Saigon on their homeward and outward trips. Easy communication is afforded with the principal towns of the interior by subsidized mail steamers, and there is a railway to Mytho. All the principal towns of Cochin-China possess telegraphic communication, and a submarine cable unites the colony with Singapore, Hongkong, Haiphong, &c. The postal organization of the Colony is very complete and efficient; correspondence can be sent daily to almost all parts of the country. The Journal Officiel is published twice a week, and there are usually one or two other journals published, but they frequently change their titles, and lead a spasmodic existence. The Gia-dinh-hao is the native issue of the Journal Officiel.
DIRECTORY
GOUVERNEMENT GÉNÉRAL DE L'INDO-CHINE
Gouverneur-Général, PAUL DOUMER (ancien Ministre des Finances)
CABINET
Chef de Cabinet-L. Faure, * Chef adjoint-L. Sargues, ✪
Chef du Secretariat particulier-Emery Attaché au Cabinet-Palant
Chef-Alby
BUREAU POLITIQUE
Commis-Gallais, Cellerier, Armand
BUREAU ADMINISTRATIF
Chef-Bellauf, archiviste
Commis-Ferrand, Jourdan
DIRECTION DE L'AGRICULTURE ET DU COMMERCE
Chef-Capus
Chef-adjoint-Brenier Commis-Abriac, Martin