The Gambettists rely upon the support of the Extreme Left,
which in Paris has become to a high degree Chauvinist. M. Rochefort is for making no apology at all, and even M. Clemenceau, in La Justice, says enough has been done,—that General Thibaudin ought not to have been dismissed, and that if the Powers wish France to respect them, they must respect her. All this is very foolish, as is also the breaking-off of negotiations with China. They have ceased, and the French Government issues reports of victories in Tonquin, which, how- ever, amount only to this. M. Harmand, the Civil Commis- sioner, finding, as is officially admitted, that his troops could not move, "from the state of the roads," bought off some of the Black Flags, or Tonquinese Francs-tireurs, who accordingly dispersed. The road is therefore clear to Sontay, and the French think that when the reinforcements arrive and occupy that station, the Cabinet of Pekin will be intimi- dated. They do not in the least understand the patient policy of China, or the impossibility that the Government of the Empress-Mother should surrender Tonquin to anything but superior force. The dynasty would not be safe. In this matter, again, much, if not all, depends upon the Chamber, which meets on the 22nd.
