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hines being opened in Kuangtung must, of course, in accordance with the Conventions (referred to by the French Consul), address herself in the first instance to French establishments and mining engineers. The present is not, however, an opportune moment for discussing the matter.
With regard to the proposed construction of a railway from Canton to Wuchow, the Viceroy says the scheme is one of the greatest consequence, and as soon as peace is restored it will be necessary to confer on the subject with the Tsung-li Yamên and with the Governor of Kwangsi. Local conditions and the views of the gentry will also have to be taken into consideration before any decision is come to. From the above it would seem that the French claim to preferential rights under the Conventions of the 20th June, 1895, and the 12th July, 1897, is not contested by the Viceroy.
The French have lately displayed considerable interest in the West River, and within the last five months four French gun-boats have visited the port. Their former intention of visiting Nanning appears, however, to have been given up.
A good opportunity recently presented itself, and the Commander of the "Argus" wrote to his Admiral for instructions as to whether he should proceed there, but got no reply, and returned to Canton after ten days' stay here. The French Bishop for Kwangsi, formerly stationed at Kwei-hsien, has, within the last year, transferred his headquarters to Nanning; otherwise French interests in this province are, at present, absolutely nil.