Directory_and_Chronicle_1881 — Page 465

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HANOI.

Hanoi, the capital of Tonquin, ouce an independent kingdom, but since 1802 a province of Annam, is situated on the Song-koi, or Red River, 110 miles from its mouth. The city is situated hard on the river, here about a mile in width, and, being embowered in trees, presents a pleasing appearance on being approached by water. The citadel occupies the highest site, and is surrounded by a brick wall twelve feet high and a moat. Five gates give access to it, and in front of each is a redan strongly def ned and manned by troops. The Government buildings and barracks are al inside the citadel. The city is situated between the citadel and the river, and extends beyond the form or in a westerly direction. The principal streets occupied by Chinese are wide and the houses well built of brick, but in the other quarters of the city the shops and houses are mat erections. The streets, with the exception of the Chinese quarter, are uupaved, and in wet weather are simply impassable on account of the mud. There is plenty of life and business in Hanoi, and the shops and markets are well supplied with native goods and produce. The Crinese number more than 3,000. The French Settlement is separate from the city proper, and is formed on reclaimed land. The buildings in the French Concession are of a very neat appearance and well constructed. The French Consul at Hanoi, as in Haiphong, has no real consular powers. There are 200 French soldiers stationed in the city. Hanoi would be an important centre of comm rce under an enlightened Government. Tue population of the city may be estimated at from 60,000 to 80,000, but anything like accuracy in numbers is difficult to arrive at.

The Song-koi is navigable for ships of very light draught as far as Mang-hao, a considerable trading city in Yunnan, some 300 miles above Hanoi, but the disturbed condition of the frontier has hitherto prevented any systematic attempt to open. communication by this route with Western China. The French Government bas given no encouragement to merchants to try and establish trade in this direction thus far, but it is believed that the prospects would be very favourable and an expedition is being fitted out, we believe, to open up the route, by force if necessary. The Tonquinese are indolent and apathetic, averse to any exertion, and totally devoid of enterprise, owing to the oppression they have so long suffered under mandarin rule.

FRENCH CONSULATE.

Acting Consul-Aumoitte

CUSTOMS.

DIRECTORY.

Chief Commissioner-A, de Larosière Olerk Messier

Tide-Surveyors-A. Montaignac, L. de

Larosière

SERVICE DES VIVRES

Chargé du Service-Felauneau

AGENCIES.

Schriever & Co., agents-

North China Insurance Company Union Insurance Society of Canton Transatlantic Fire Insurance Com-

pany of Hamburg Berlin-Cologne Fire Insurance Com-

pany

FRENCH MISSION. Père Laudais, prètre

Merchants, Professions, Trades, &c De Beire, café-restaurant

Bseume, photographer

Francois, café-restaurant

Perrin, restaurateur

Schriever & Co., merchants and commis-

sion agents

W. Schriever

O. von der Heyde

J. F. Schriever F. Ribeiro, P.

MILITARY.

Commander of the Troops-De Vougny

Captains-Megessier, Bouchet Lieutenants--Verger, Raybaud

Sub-Lieutenants-Audemar, Amboyrac

Paymaster-Oberheiser Surgeon-Espieux

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