Directory_and_Chronicle_1882 — Page 520

Surgeons-Comme, Legrand

HAIPHONGHANOL

Officier d'Administration-Lepreux

"PARSEVAL," Cruiser of 3rd class, 4 Commandant-Pntillon

guns.

Lieutenant--De Faubournet de Mont-

ferraud

着家

SURPRISE," Gunboat of 2nd class,

2 guns.

Captain-E. Prouteaux

487

Ensigns-De Gantes, Moreau, Maestracci Surgeon-Nicolas

MASSUE," River Gunboat, 1 gun.

Ensigns-Dartige du Fournet, Chapelle, Captain-Thomasi

Deman

Surgeons-Sauvaget

Officier d' Administration-Lourtis

"CARABINE," River Gunboat, 1 gun, Captain-Dauzans

>

HANOI.

Inoi, capital of Tonquin, once an independent kingdom, but since 1802 a province of Aun, is situated ou the Sɔng-koi, or Red River, 110 miles from its mouth. The et is built close on. the river, here about a mile in width, and, being embowered in trees, presents a pleasing appearance on being approached by wator. The citadel occupies the highest site, and is surrounded by a brick wall twelve feet high and a moat. Five gutes give access to it, and in front of each is a redan strongly defended and manne by troops. The Government buildings and barracks are all inside the cita lel. The city is situated between the citadel and the river, and extends beyond the former 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 unpaved, and in wet weather are simply impassable on account of the mal. There is plenty of life and business in Hanoi, and the shops and markets are well supplied with native goods and produce. The Chinese number more than 3,000. The French Settlement is separate from the city prpy, and is formed on reclaimed land. Tao buildings in the French Concession are of a very neat appearance and well constructed. There are 200 French soldiers mattonel in the city. Hanoi would be an important centre of commerce under an enlightened Government, Tae population of the city may be estimated at from 60,0, 10 to 80,000, but anything like accuracy in numbers is difficult to arrive at.

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Tuə Song-koi is navigable for ships of very light draught as far as Mang-bao, a considerable trading city in Yunnan, soine 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 have 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 measures are about to be taken 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.