The Franco-Annamese question is what different from the for difficulty. Whether it is decided to preserve pence or to declare war; to act on the offensive or defensive, the dangers on the south-west will ever remain unchanged. When foreign invasion is imminent, coast defence must not be for a moment forgotten, Annam and Kuangtung are connected with each other both by Innd and water, and troops have been ordered thither to guard (against any attack from the enemy). Military reports are now awaited fron Peng Chang Shu-sheng, anc plans will ised upon consulting them. view of tie const be taken.
l-yang (Northern Ocean) nee Taku and Pei-tang and slightly watches over Lu Shan (Port Arthur); but 5 they Kiangei more funds than ca The defence of
red; and if a tax is collected and militia instituted, people will ever be kept in a state of alarm and doubt. Therefore the Throne is petitioned to command the Futai of Kiangsu, under the head of Winter Defence, to able-bodied men from class in divisions of 300 exch or seven districts along the coast
be given rifles and arms and be thoroughly disciplined in that time. In peace they may detect and arrest salt-snuyglers; in war they can patrol the sea-paris. In carrying this After receiving n reply to this Momorinl, our Yamen will diligently study the naturally defensible points of the coast and the new inventions of foreign gunboats, consulting with the Board of ite venue with regard to funds, with the Board of War in regard to tactics and military affairs, and with provincial authorities on procuring able commanders, When the country can remain at pence (without dis to war (with confidence) tion for being powerful will be ostabli and rebellious projects will be When preparation (for const defence) begins, ton danger ceases, #46 An unpubl press is also sent to us, but it contoing nothing of importance, beyond an expre of opinion on the part of Her the schemes of the French ato insatiable."—Ep.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.