Directory_and_Chronicle_1885 — Page 625

HANOI.

Hanoi, the capital of Tonquin, once an independent kingdom, but since 1802 a province of Annam, is situated on the Song-koi, or Red River, 110 miles from ita mouth. The city 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 water. The ci adel orcupies 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 defendel and manued by troops. Three of the five gates have been walled up sine the occupation of the cita lel by the French in 1882, The Govern ment buildings and barracks are all inside the citadel. The city is situated between the citadel and the river. The principal streets occupied by Chinese are wide and the houses well built of brick; in the other quarters of the city the shops and houses are mat erectims. The streets, with the exception of the Chinese quarter, are unpaved, and in wet weather are simply impassable on account of the mud. The Freach have, however, inade great improvements in this way. The street leading from the river bank to the citadel is well metalled and great part of the town is now lighted with oil lamps. Before the war there was plenty of life and business in Hanoi, and the shops and markets were well supplied with native goods and produce. The Chinese thon numbered more than 8,000. The French Settlement is separate from the city proper, and stands on the river bank to the south of the native town. The population of the city was estimated before the war at from 60,000 to 80,000; great part of it was destroyed during the troubles, and the town was almost deserted. Now, however, the population is probably as great as ever it was.

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 purpose to open up this route to trade when they have restored order and established their authority, but there is strong reason to doubt that as a waterway the river will ever be of any great value.

FRENCH RESIDENCY,

DIRECTORY.

Resident-Parreau, a Iministrateur prin-

cipal

Chancelier Wm. Rustant

Juge Suppl'int-Guiomar

Ministere Public-Duiréuil

Commissaire de Police-Ehrart

Chief-0. Frogier

Becretary-Broni

SERVICE ADMINISTRATIF.

Commissaire aux Reva-Charvein

do.

do.

Subsiste

Plivart

Fonds-Labrousse

TREASURY.

Agent Principal-Fellonneau

Commis-Farb urel

Treasury Paymaster-H. Massé

Assistant do. -Q. Fernier

Clerk-J. Court

Do.-J. M. B. Sens Olive

¦ Act. Paymaster, Haiphong-A.C.de Cestine

Do.,

Bacninh-C. He

Do.,

Nandinh-P. Berar

Don

Honghoa-J. P. Rolin

Do..

Thuanan-H.

Genour-

Prachée

DIRECTION DES AFFAIRES Čiviles

ET POLITIQUES,

Director-Silvestre

Interpreter and Acting Secretary-Robert Commie Redacteur-Vassal

Do.

Commis de Com;-tabilité-Ninwult

Do.

-Derlos

-Bernord

Спатома.

Chief-De Moutaignae

COMMISSARIAT.

Chief Fellonneau

I