Directory_and_Chronicle_1921 — Page 1178

INDO-CHINA-TONKIN

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The political situation in Indo-China is satisfactory in all respects, and it is hoped that the grant of a native Consultative Chamber will develop the aspirations of the Annamese people, who proved their attachment to France during the great war. Outside events, such as the operations in China in 1900, had no influence upon the imagination of the Annamites, and the fears once entertained as to its effect upon the populations of the borders of China proved unfounded. The

success of Japanese arms in the war against Russia, however, left an impression on the imagina- tion of the natives here as in other Asiatic countries, and in 1908 there was considerable apprehension. But the strengthening of the forces, and the arrival of M. Klubukowski as Governor-General, with his previous experience of the country, which enabled him at once to deal with the position in a firm and statesmanlike manner, quickly put an end to popular fears and restored public confidence. The exhibition at Hanoi (Tonkin), opened in November, 1902, of all products, manufactures, industries, etc., from France, French colonies and Far Eastern countries, was a pronounced success. The perman- ent Archæological Mission instituted by the decree of December 15, 1898, is now working under the new denomination of

new denomination of "Ecole Française d'Extrême Orient." Its object is the search for ancient articles of artistic or historical interest, and the charge and preservation of monuments of public interest. It also studies the philology of idioms, dialects, and ancient languages of Indo-China and neighbouring countries.

The total force of the French army in Indo-China in normal times is composed as follows: 17 regiments of Europeans; 17 regiments of natives; 18 batteries of European artillery; and sundry units-altogether about 12,000 Europeans, and 13,000 Natives.

The trade of the Colony is rapidly increasing and nearly fifty per cent. of the imports are of French origin. Less than four per cent. of the remainder comes from Europe, as much of the import consists of natural products from neighbouring countries. The Customs tariff on imports may be said to be the same as that in France. By far the largest export is rice,

Indo-China should attract the attention of travellers from all parts of the world, as it is an ideal field for the tourist. The Baie d'Along, in the gulf of Tong Hing, is widely famed for its scenery. Running along the Annamese coast by a motor road, the tourist reaches the town of Hué, the residence of the Emperor of Annam, and finds the sepulchres of the Emperors Gialong, Ming Manh, Thieu Tri, etc., a mine of interest. From Nhatrang the railway runs down to Saigon through the mysterious forest land. The week-end train starting from Saigon on Friday evening runs to Phanrang Station, where motor-cars are in waiting for travellers. After a splendid trip of three hours, amid fir-clad hills, the tourist arrives at Dalat Station, about 4,000 feet above sea-level, when there is a large hotel offering excellent accommodation. In the neighbourhood sport of every kind, including big-game hunting specially organised, may be in- dulged in, as well as excursions and motor trips. Nor must reference be omitted to the famous ruins of Angkor, which will bear comparison with those of the ancient kingdom of the Pharaohs.

TONKIN

Originally an independent kingdom, but since 1802 a province of Annam, Tonkin is situated between lat. 19 deg. and 23 deg. N. and long. 102 deg. and 108 deg. 30 min. E., bounded on the north by China, on the west by the Laos country, on the south by Annam, and on the east by the Gulf of Tonkin. The country near the sea is a rich alluvial plain, well watered by numerous rivers, and produces large crops of rice and maize, while sugar, cotton, spices, indigo, silk, and various other articles are also raised. It possesses valuable mines of silver, lead, antimony, phosphates and zinc, and gold and copper are also known to exist. Concessions were granted in 1887 for the working of the coal mines at Kebao and Hongay, and coal of good quality from the last-named is now largely exported. By the Treaty of Hué, dated the 6th June, 1884, the Annamite Government placed Tonkin under a French Protectorate, and its affairs are administered under the supervision of French Residents. It is, in fact, now practically a French Colony. Tonkin is divided