been succeeded by Admiral Sir W. Dowell, K.C.B, and Admiral Baron von der Goltz by Commodore Paschen. The Russian and American Admirals are now at Shanghai, but are expected shortly at Hong Kong. By constantly entertaining all these officers and their respective staffs at the Government House, I keep them in good humour with England and with each other.
4.
Admiral Lespès informs me that we may now expect at any moment to hear of the French attack on Bac Ninh in Tonquin.
I have nothing of importance to add at present to my previous reports on the condition of China. The outbreak in the Wei-Chau district referred to in my despatch No.71 by this Mail, and the fear of similar outbreaks elsewhere, keep the Chinese authorities in constant political uneasiness; but they are continuing with great energy their warlike preparations.
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