The subjoined translation of the proclamation issued by M. Io Commisanite General Harmand, on assuming the administration of affairs in Tonquin three woaks ago, indicates the future policy of France in relation to that country
the Republic of France, Plenipotentiary Ha (Harmand), Representative of Eu 4 te., ete., etc.
the mon of literati and mandarins of Tonquin, people, merchants, Franco is a groat and a powerful nation, whose name is feared and respected throughout the entire world, Having a power which is unconquerable, it is permitted to he without compromi hor glory, without belbin, her genius, to elf patient an 8 that she used 18 of conciliation, borne many grievances, "But, everything has a limit, and the time for patience has now passed. France lias decided to demo: strate, here (in Tonquin) as well as elsewhere, that troatien concluded with hor are of serious import, that while at the same time she herself specta them, Your country has for a long plundered by bauds of robbers (brigand and ruffians, the disgrace of all nations whom no people would acknowledge as their own.
These then, we will drive away and rid you of them, thus making them pay dearly the cost of ti crimes, Wo are going to establish amongst you that Peace which gives birth to riches, and to over it so that it will be troubled no mor We desire that each one may fruits of his own labour.
"It is not our intention, nevertheless, canguer your country, It is only the wish of France, that the Mandarins who rule over you be just and honest men, We also wish" that the taxes which you pay, may serve to strengthen the safely of the people and of the trods which is to be unrestricted in the interior and throughout all the provinces.
We will allow all those Mandarins to retain office who will conform to changed aspect of give sufficient guarantees of goud faith. These men we will protect and they will have waught else than to rejoice at our presence, But there are some, on the other hand, who, harboring in their hearts evil design against us, will be driven away unmerci fully, and if they still try to trouble us we will pursue them, if it be necessary, even to the centre of the citadel of Hud, which place shall fall into the hands of our sailors Idiers just as easily as will the o fortifications. Lhe fate reserved for th Intter makes one tremble, Have confid mee in us. France shall never forsake you, and you shall very soon see Touqitin recover its turmer prosperity,"
Haiphong, 28th July, 1883.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.