Time dealt gently with the able officer who was in command of the 2nd Brigade at Bac-Ninh in 1892; for this General, when at the head of the French corps3, serving ten years later with the allied4 army under Marschall Waldersee in China, was still the same thick-set, active soldier, whose rugged5 features bespoke6 the energy and determination of the man, and whose eyes held the genial7 light which did not belie8 the kindly9 nature of the soul within. Throughout the whole of his long career this officer was associated with France's colonial army. As a young officer he was severely10 wounded at the defence of Bazeille in 1870. He served afterwards under Faidherbe[Pg 340] in the Soudan and Senegal, and with Brière de l'Isle11 in Tonquin.
The man-in-the-ranks of all armies is never at a loss to find an appropriate nickname for a superior who appeals to his regard or dislike, and this General had not been long in command before he became known to the men, in the French and foreign battalions13 alike, as "Papa Voyron." It would, indeed, have been difficult to find another cognomen14 conveying with equal truthfulness15 the just, firm and fatherly manner in which he treated the troops under his orders.
It is a pleasure to do justice to the high military capabilities16 and admirable characteristics of this popular French officer; but it must nevertheless be stated that the speech made by General Voyron at Marseilles, on his return from Pekin in 1902, containing as it did several adverse17 and unmerited criticisms on the discipline and courage of our Indian troops, was a source of some surprise to me. However, when one takes into consideration that of late years politics have unfortunately occupied a predominant place in the minds of France's most capable military men, and also that public feeling was unfavour[Pg 341]able to England at the time this speech was made, it may be assumed that these aspersions, which tally18 badly with the character of the gallant19 officer, were but the result of a passing wave of popular sentiment, to the effects of which the Gallic temperament20 is always so susceptible21.
The Commandant of the Brigade, like many others of his profession, possessed22 a hobby, as far removed from le métier des armes as the not infrequent desire fostered by many old merchant skippers for keeping a poultry-farm is from the art of navigation. This hobby was horticulture. It should be mentioned that during the cooler months of each year in Tonquin—October to April—all the edible23 green stuffs of the temperate24 zones can be grown with success; though to obtain really good results fresh seed must be procured25 annually26 from Europe. General Voyron made it his special care that all the stations in the interior where white troops were garrisoned27 should possess a kitchen-garden. Thanks to this wise measure the men, to the benefit alike of their health and palate, were, and are still, supplied during six months out of twelve with abundant quantities of fresh[Pg 342] vegetables; and the quality of the crops obtained from the trim, well-kept gardens is a cause of emulation30 in each of these small garrisons31.
Whenever the General inspected the different forts situated32 in the regions under his care, he never failed to look round these gardens; and, when they showed proof that care had been bestowed33 upon them, he was lavish34 in his expressions of satisfaction; but there would be a mauvais moment à passer for the unfortunate officer who had neglected or ignored the Brigadier's circulars containing recommendations concerning the necessity of ensuring a liberal supply of vegetables for the men.
The internal organisation of the Brigade Staff was very simple. There were three departments, the first being the general office, the staff of which was charged with the elucidation36 of all questions relating to administration, promotion37 and discipline in the corps belonging to the Brigade, the printing and despatching of general orders and circulars, and the drawing up of the monthly reports concerning the available effectives, the existing stocks of arms and ammunition39, and the general health of the troops.
[Pg 343]
The Intelligence Department was the second section, and the duties of its chief were both numerous and delicate, some of the most important being the control of the surveying and topographical bureau, the interrogation of spies or prisoners, and administration of the Secret Service funds, the translation of code telegrams, the classification of the documents relative to the active operations of the Brigade, and the editing of the monthly confidential40 reports concerning the existing bands of rebels and brigands41, which gave detailed42 information as to their organisation, approximate strength, armament and zones of action.
The third department was the office of the Brigade Major, through which all completed work passed for inspection43 and annotation44 before being transmitted to the General for signature, and from which the first two sections received instructions.
The Chief of the Staff, who was at the head of this office, was also charged with the transmission of the General's decisions, relative to punishments or censure45 inflicted46 on officers under his orders; and to his care were entrusted47 the confidential notes concerning each of these[Pg 344] subordinates. These notes consisted of information concerning the past services, punishments, special aptitudes49 or failings, as the case might be, of each officer in the Brigade, and were contained in a little parchment-covered book known as the livret individuel, on the outside of which was written the name of the person it concerned. One such book is made out for every sub-lieutenant50 as soon as he passes out of St Cyr and obtains his commission, and this little tell-tale record follows him from corps to corps during the whole of his career. It will be easily understood that it is considered a matter of extreme importance that no officer should ever become acquainted with the contents of his livret individuel, and to this effect the only persons who are allowed to handle them are the commandant of his regiment51, who notes therein every six months his appreciations52 of his subordinate's military capabilities and moral conduct, the Chief of the Brigade Staff and the General.
The Secretaries on the Brigade took turns on night duty, for it was necessary that a man should be at the office from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to receive the telegrams when they arrived, and,[Pg 345] in event of their being of urgent importance, to send them on to the Chief of the Staff. We were so busy in the Intelligence Department that in the first week in September the Major decided53 to get another man, so as to relieve me and aid in the topographical work. To my delight Lipthay was chosen for the post, so that a few days later I was able to welcome my old chum into his new quarters. This increase in work was due to the state of affairs on the railway then in construction from Phulang-Thuong to Lang-son, for the region was overrun by bands of Chinese brigands, under the orders of the famous Luu-Ky, who attacked the working parties, and carried away into captivity54 several of the French engineers and contractors55. Encouraged by their success, the robbers ambuscaded several of the convoys56 going by road to Lang-son, and, after slaying58 the majority of the escort, carried off important quantities of treasure, several cases of Lebel rifles and a good deal of ammunition. In one of these engagements a major of the Infanterie de Marine60, Commandant Bonneau, was shot dead. So great was the mobility61 of these bands,[Pg 346] and such excellent cover was offered by the mountainous country on either side of the road, that all attempts to engage and scatter62 them, made by the little parties of troops garrisoned in the different forts, proved of no avail; and it soon became evident that it would require a strong and well-organised column to secure any favourable64 results, to ensure the security of the route, and to allow of the work upon the railway being continued. In August General Reste, the Commander-in-Chief at Hano?, made an urgent appeal to the Governor-General for permission to undertake operations against Luu-Ky, on a scale to ensure success; but M. de Lanessan refused to countenance65 any such movement, and declared that the military authorities ought to be able to crush the bands with the forces already at their disposal, in garrison28 along the Lang-son route. There is little doubt that the Governor in making this reply was influenced by political motives67. The recent successful operations in the Yen-Thé had been utilised to further his political aspirations68 in France, and the metropolitan69 press had repeatedly announced, with a great flourish of[Pg 347] trumpets70, that rebellion and brigandage71 were now dead in Tonquin. Indeed, in one of his reports to the Colonial Minister, M. de Lanessan had declared that, owing to the success of his administration, the pacification of the colony was now an assured fact, and it was possible to wander over the country with no other protection than a stout72 walking-stick. The absurdity73 of such statements was clear in Tonquin, but they found favour with the public in France, where people were only too willing to believe that an era of peace and plenty was at last to open in their Far Eastern possessions, with a consequent cessation of the enormous sacrifices of men and money that had accompanied the past ten years. The Governor, because of this advertisement, was declared to be the first of France's Viceroys capable of grappling with the situation; and as it was his firm intention to again contest, in the near future, the seat in the Chamber74 which he had resigned on accepting the high position he was now filling, he can hardly be blamed, in a country where men take up politics as a business, for fostering interests which would assure him a considerable[Pg 348] number of votes when the time came. That this state of affairs was detrimental75 to the progress of the colony is certain, but political influence, party hatred76 and electioneering jobbery have had much to do with retarding77 the development of Indo-China, since its administration was placed in the hands of a civilian78 governor and staff in 1886.
It is, however, possible that the Governor made these declarations in good faith, for he had hardly been a year in the country, and was obliged to rely for advice on the Residents and Vice-Residents; and these civilians79, hating the military element, were only too eager to throw doubts on the exactitude of the information contained in the reports coming in from the military territories, and they openly declared that the officers of the colonial army were intentionally80 exaggerating the gravity of the situation in the hope of provoking operations likely to bring them promotion and decorations. The contradictory81 advice of his civilian staff was possibly one of the causes which led the Governor to pooh-pooh the importance of this new upheaval82, declaring[Pg 349] that the Generals were alarmists, and that the well-armed and organised bands of Luu-Ky were "que des voleurs de vaches pour venir au bout83 desquels il suffirait de quelques gendarmes84" ("only cattle-stealers with whom a few policemen could deal"). These declarations provoked the anger and disgust of every officer and man in the colony, and very soon a veritable hatred reigned85 between the civil and military elements. The different newspapers sided with the parties appealing most to their sentiments or their pockets; for it was an open secret that some of these journals were subventioned by the Government, and a wordy warfare86 wherein neither insults nor invective87 were spared, was the order of the day. Doubtless there were faults on both sides; and it is certain that the Commander-in-Chief committed an unpardonable error by issuing general orders to the troops, to be read at parades and posted up in the barracks, in which the civilian authorities were belittled88 and reproached with having insulted the army. This necessarily added fuel to the fire; and the situation became so strained that officers and civilians came to fisticuffs in the[Pg 350] streets of the capital, and several serious duels89 took place.
Things were, however, brought to a climax90 towards the end of August by the abduction of three Frenchmen on the railway-line, one of whom, M. Vezin, was the principal engineer representing the big contracting firm, Fives-Lille & Co. The consternation91 in high quarters when this news was received was considerable, for there existed no possible chance of keeping such thrilling information out of the newspapers in Paris.
As soon as the coup92 had been successfully carried through, Luu-Ky retired94 into the security of his lair95 in the mountains of the Bao-Day range, and from here he sent out messengers to the nearest military station, announcing that he would release the prisoners on the receipt of a sum of $100,000 in silver; but he also declared that, in event of the troops approaching his encampment he would have the captives executed immediately. The excitement throughout the colony was intense, and party rancour was forgotten in the general anxiety felt for the three unfortunate prisoners,[Pg 351] as the cruelty of the Chinese bandits was well known to all. After three weeks of negotiation97 a slight reduction in the ransom98 was obtained, and the three gentlemen were released, after having suffered indignity99 and torture at the hands of their captors, with the result that their constitutions were wrecked100 by privation and exposure.
The Governor still refused, however, to authorise effective operations against the robbers; and it was not until several military convoys had been captured, and a good many officers and men slain101, that M. de Lanessan finally agreed that the bandits were worthy102 of more serious attention than they had previously103 received. When the column actually commenced operations its work was considerably104 facilitated by the death of the famous chief Luu-Ky, from the effects of a wound received during the attack made on the convoy57 when Major Bonneau was killed; but, owing to the rugged nature of the country in which the operations took place, it was fully93 six weeks before the brigands were defeated and scattered105. A good many of the bandits escaped into Kwang-si,[Pg 352] and others fled to the mountainous regions in the north.
The telegrams and reports, coming in from the column, were of great interest to me, as my company was taking part in the battue. I happened to be on night duty one evening towards the end of September, when a wire was received stating that a detachment of my comrades had been caught in an ambuscade, among the rocky defiles107 of the Kai-Kinh, at a point not far from Cho-Trang, my former garrison. This despatch38 mentioned that Captain Watrin, our commander, was among the slain. Both Lipthay and myself were shocked at this news. We experienced, however, a certain relief on hearing next day that the body of our chief had not fallen into the hands of the enemy, though seven of the men were hit while carrying the corpse108 out of a narrow defile106 to a place of safety.
Several months later I met a man who had assisted at this engagement, and he informed me that the Legionaries went raving109 mad when they learned that this popular officer was killed, and, after rushing the position—to gain which[Pg 353] they had to pass, one at a time, down a sort of narrow funnel110, 50 feet long, swept by the enemy's fire—they slew111 every Chinaman found behind the improvised112 ramparts. Our losses were very heavy, owing to the strength of the position, but the men would not be denied, and took a terrible revenge for the death of their Captain. In October the rebel chief began to give trouble again. He made overtures113 for peace, and, profiting by the confidence thus inspired, and the absence of the majority of the troops from the region, he left his retreat in the forest, and captured and occupied a strongly-fortified village called Ban-Cuc, about 10 miles south of Nha-Nam. He established his headquarters there, and ravaged114 the surrounding district, until, a fortnight later, he was driven from his fastness by a column under Major Barr, and again escaped to the mountains with the majority of his men.
Notwithstanding the hard work we were having on the Brigade, time passed agreeably at Bac-Ninh, for there was plenty to see in the town when we were off duty—that is, for any one interested in studying the native[Pg 354] industries and customs. Besides, to relieve the monotony of garrison life, the General had encouraged the French troops to organise63 a theatrical116 troupe117, which gave some very amusing concerts and dramatic performances in a temporary theatre in the barracks, the Commandant of the Brigade and his staff never failing to attend. In October General Reste was recalled to France, and General Duchemin took over the supreme118 command of the troops in the colony, after which the animosity between the civilians and military subsided119.
At this time I was often left in charge of the Intelligence Department, for Lieutenant Cassier and Lipthay were away three days in each week, making a new survey of the surrounding country. During one of these outings they were approached by the headman of a village, who begged them to come and slay59 a man-eating tiger that had established his headquarters in a cluster of trees inside the hamlet itself. The beast had been there three days already, and each morning had seized upon and devoured120 one of the unfortunate inhabitants, so that the remainder[Pg 355] were afraid to leave their houses. The natives declared that they had employed every available means of driving the fierce brute121 away, but the beating of drums and gongs, the throwing of lances and lighted torches into the scrub, had only served to enrage122 their uninvited guest, and that very morning one of the villagers who had approached too near to the thicket123, had been slain before the eyes of his comrades. The officer and my friend, taking with them their escort, consisting of ten native soldiers and a corporal, proceeded at once to the scene of the tragedy. The tirailleurs, instructed to shout and keep on firing off their rifles in the air from time to time, were told to advance upon the little clump124 of trees from three sides at once, while the lieutenant and Lipthay waited on the other. By these means they succeeded in driving the tiger out into the open, and he was despatched with a couple of well-aimed shots. I saw the beast when brought into Bac-Ninh; he was a fine specimen125 of his kind, measuring 9 feet 7 inches from the tip of the tail to the muzzle126.
[Pg 356]
At this period of my service I was promoted to the post of archiviste, and thus was placed in charge of all the records of the Brigade. I should mention that at this time they were in a serious state of disorder127, owing to the negligence128 of the secretary who had preceded me in this work; so that I was obliged to set to and sort the whole of them. It was somewhat weary work at first, wading129 through this mass of paper: the greater part consisting of musty, dust-covered dossiers, dating back, some of them, to the conquest of the country by the French. But there were documents of immense interest among this medley130 of yellow, evil-smelling and worm-eaten despatches; and the reconstruction131, with the aid of all the original reports of the famous march of General de Négrier to Lang-son and the frontier of China, the subsequent retreat to Kep, and the enquiry prior to the court-martial held on the unfortunate Colonel Herbinger, who took over the command of the troops after the General was wounded at Ky-Lua, was a source of pure joy to me for several days.
In December General Voyron left Tonquin[Pg 357] for France, and Colonel Gallieni, later a General and Governor of Madagascar, came down from Lang-son, where he was in command of the 1st Military Territory, and took over the service par35 interim132. The Governor-General, who had already done away with the brigade at Son-Tay, thinking, no doubt, that this was a magnificent occasion to weaken still further the hand of the military party in the colony, decided to dispense133 with another brigadier, so he issued a decree abolishing the command at Bac-Ninh. Probably the fact that the announcement of this step would be hailed in France as another proof of the supposed pacification of the country was an inducement to the taking of this measure.
It is doubtful, from a military standpoint, if the change was a wise one; for, though it saved the colony about ￡4,800 a year—the salary of two generals—it was hardly possible for the Commander-in-Chief in Hano? to deal directly with the commandants of the different regiments134, military territories and garrisons in the Delta135, who were scattered all over so vast a country. Indeed, the insufficiency of the new system was so evident that the authorities[Pg 358] eventually returned to the original arrangement; and to-day, though the country is almost completely pacified136, there exist two brigades in Tonquin and one in Cochin-China.
However, though M. de Lanessan planned this important change in the colony, the Colonial Ministry137 in Paris did not look at affairs in the same light. As soon as they learned that General Voyron was leaving, they sent out General Pernot to replace him, and the latter arrived in Indo-China to find that the post he had come out to fill, no longer existed.
M. de Lanessan would have liked to send the General back to France—and indeed he proposed to do so—but the authorities in Paris, probably because they had no post for the officer at home, insisted that he should remain. Thus the brigade was resuscitated138 for his benefit, and its secretaries, already on their way to rejoin their respective regiments, were recalled to Bac-Ninh. I had been in Phulang-Thuong four days, and was awaiting a convoy for Nha-Nam, when the order arrived for my return, and its arrival caused me no little surprise and speculation139.
[Pg 359]
Two days later I was back in my old place, my absence having lasted about a week, and the following morning General Pernot came up from Hano? with his staff.
He was a short, fat, red-faced man with a very loud, disagreeable voice, and a temper that was worse; and his reputation with the men of being a crusty martinet140 was not altogether unjustified. The day following his arrival he came to the office and passed a review of the secretaries. On learning that I was in charge of the records, he came over to where I was standing115 at "attention," and asked:
"You are naturalised, I suppose?"
"No, mon Général," I answered.
"What! not naturalised yet! You have the intention of becoming so, of course?"
"No, mon Général," I replied.
He glared up at me with an angry stare, and his face took a dull-red colour. I thought he was going to burst.
"Oh, indeed!" he blurted142 out at last. "You must put in an application to become a French citizen, or go back to your battalion12. I will have no foreigners in a post of confidence[Pg 360] on my staff. Grand Dieu! what have they been doing to allow such a thing? It is shameful143! Nom de nom!"
He almost shouted the last words, so great was his indignation, and from the expression he put into them one might have been justified141 in imagining that the Republic was in danger owing to my presence there. I did not become naturalised, and I heard nothing more about the question; and in justice to this cantankerous144 officer, I must acknowledge that, during the fifteen months he commanded the Brigade, he treated me with consideration on the rare occasions that I had any direct business to transact145 with him. He had risen from the ranks—indeed, I was told that he began his career as a sailor on a man-of-war—and it is therefore probable that his modest origin and the hard times he experienced at his début accounted for his rough and rude manners.
Our new Brigade Major, Captain Bataille, was a quiet and reserved gentleman, who studied hard at his profession and was a most capable officer, having already brilliantly distinguished146 himself in the field, for which he had[Pg 361] been decorated with the cross of the Legion of Honour.
We had now no Intelligence Department; and all questions formerly147 dealt with by this branch, together with those relating to active operations by the troops, were treated by the Headquarters Staff at Hano?.
The Governor had not succeeded in doing away with the Brigade, but he had taken his revenge by reducing its importance to a minimum, and the r?le of its chief now consisted almost entirely148 in looking after the details of administration and discipline of the regiments under his orders, and in conducting the annual inspection of the troops in French Indo-China. In January, 1893, we received orders to transfer our offices to Hano?, and we had rather a lively time of it for several days packing up the records and stowing them away, together with all the portable furniture, into a long string of commissariat mule-carts. Our march to Hano? was not a fatiguing149 one, for the distance is not great—about 20 miles—and the road is probably the best in Tonquin.
Owing to the numerous carts we were escort[Pg 362]ing our progress was not as rapid as it might have been, and it was late in the evening when we reached a point on the left bank of the Red River, just opposite the capital. The country we had traversed during the day was perfectly150 flat and covered with paddy fields, and I do not think we saw the smallest patch that was not cultivated. The weather was bitterly cold, the mercury having descended151 almost to freezing point (the winter of '92-'93 was a record one in the colony), and thrice along the route we came upon the bodies of natives who had died from exposure. Our convoy was transported over the stream—nearly a mile wide at this point—by a steam ferry. The accommodation on this ferry was so restricted that only two carts could be taken at a time, so that it was quite dark when we reached the citadel152, situated some distance from the landing-stage.
Our new offices were inside the fortress—a fine place, constructed on the same plan as that of Bac-Ninh, the difference between the two being that the superficial area of the first was twice that of the second. These fortifications, first[Pg 363] captured by the French in 1872, no longer exist, and on the former site of their ramparts and ditches can now be seen one of the finest quarters of the European town.
Hano?, the capital of Tonquin, was important and imposing153 when I first saw it in 1893; and to-day, thanks to the enterprise and good taste of its municipal council, it is certainly one of the finest cities in the Far East. Its rapid development and flourishing condition leads one to reflect on what the colony itself might be were its destinies placed, like those of the metropolis154, in the hands of a representative chamber of colonists155 elected by their fellow-citizens, instead of being entrusted to an army of political functionaries156. The city was founded in 865 A.D. by the Emperor Cao-bien, and its original name was Dai-la-Thanh. A succeeding monarch157, Thay-Son, constructed a palace there in 1028. Hano? is admirably situated for commercial purposes, being at the extreme northern limit of the Delta provinces, at a point on the river, 82 miles from Ha?phong, where communication with lower Tonquin, by means of the numerous estuaries158 and canals, is easy and[Pg 364] rapid. The same may be said with regard to upper Tonquin and Yunan, which can be reached by the Song-Ko? itself. The Dutch merchants established factories or trading posts here, and at Hung-Yen, Nam-Dinh and Ha?phong, towards the end of the sixteenth century.
Hano? has the form of an isosceles triangle, the base of which extends along the river bank for about 2 miles. The inhabitants of the capital owe a good deal to M. de Lanessan, who was the first to suggest the demolition159 of the immense and useless citadel, which, owing to its situation, retarded160 the growth of the city northwards. The native quarter of the town is extremely picturesque161, and the neat whitewashed162 houses, not two of which are alike in size or height, with their quaintly-curved, red-tiled roofs, and step-like cornices, the numerous pagodas163 ornamented165 with dragons, griffins and genii, produce a vista166 of pleasant aspect and great interest to the European. There are hundreds of small shops, wherein the natives squat167 on a piece of matting, surrounded by their wares168. Workmen of a like craft, merchants in similar lines of business, flock[Pg 365] together and live in the same quarter, so that the majority of the streets in the Annamese portion of the town are named after the objects made or for sale there. Thus it is that one sees at the corners of the thoroughfares such indications as "Bamboo Matting Street," "Hat Street," "Fan Street," "Copper169 Street," etc., etc. The main arteries170 of this quarter present a crowded appearance, and traffic is continual, but, contrary to the usual state of affairs in most Oriental cities, the streets are clean and odourless, a fact which can be attributed to an excellent system of police supervision171.
The riksha is the favourite means of transportation, although an admirable system of electric tramways has now been started. The native inhabitants of the town dress somewhat more carefully than their fellow-countrymen in the villages; that is to say, the merchants and shopkeepers do so. They all wear the big hat made of palm leaves; and the wealthier classes embellish172 its appearance by applying a light brown varnish173 to its exterior174 and surmounting175 its crest176 with a cap of silver scroll-work and a small spike177 of the same metal.
[Pg 366]
The Asiatic population of Hano? is very dense178, and in 1902 consisted of 100,000 Annamese and 3,500 Celestials179. According to the returns, there were 6,110 native houses in the city, covering a total area of about 165 acres.
The French may well be proud of the European quarter of the capital of Tonquin, for its fine, well-laid-out boulevards and streets, handsome public buildings, big shops, comfortable hotels and well-appointed cafés would do honour to the prèfecture towns of Southern France, such as Arles, Avignon, or Montpelier. Though the principal thoroughfares of the town do not present the busy appearance of our Eastern commercial centres, such as Singapore or Hong-Kong, and one does not meet the hurrying throngs180 that give to these two cities the characteristics of Anglo-Saxon activity, yet the prospect181 of the Rue96 Paul Bert, the principal street at Hano?, at the hour of the aperitif182, is extremely pleasing, and reminds one of the Parisian boulevards. In front of the more important cafés the pavement is occupied by the numerous round marble-topped tables so dear to the boulevardier. After five o'clock every[Pg 367] evening these terraces are crowded with habitués who, while sipping183 their iced absinthe, vermouth or bitter, sit enjoying the cool breeze, exchanging the tittle-tattle of the town, discussing the latest departmental or social scandal, or watching the passing carriages—smart little victorias or dog-carts drawn184 by diminutive185, well-groomed ponies186, and provided with yellow-skinned coachmen and "tigers," glorious in their neat liveries and top-boots. At this hour the ladies of the colony, whose means permit of this luxury, drive through the town, out to the fine botanical and zoological gardens, and alight at the Kiosque, to enjoy a stroll in the fresh of the evening, and to listen to the band or partake of a cup of tea or an iced sorbet. The male sex is also en evidence at these gatherings187 and promenades188; consequently the toilettes are brilliant and of the latest fashion, and, with a slight flight of fancy, one might imagine oneself back at the Cascade190 or the Pré Catalan in the Bois de Boulogne. In 1893, as it is to-day, the palace of the Governor-General, the residence of the Commander-in-Chief, and the offices of the Headquarter Staff are situated in a portion of the town known as the Concession191[Pg 368]—a strip of ground fronting the river, about 1 mile long by 700 yards broad. This small territory was conceded to the French in 1882 by the Emperor of Annam, and, together with the Concession at Ha?phong, which was occupied a few years previously, it may be said to represent the first foothold of France in Tonquin.
The public buildings in the Concession are well built, and are surrounded by fine gardens. The town is provided with a splendid system of surface drainage; it is lighted throughout with electricity, and possesses an adequate water supply, which, however, is the cause of some complaint, owing to the fact that the water is pumped from wells situated in the native quarter of the town and close to the river, from which, it is more than probable, there exists a considerable infiltration192.
In the centre of the European quarter of Hano? there is a lake. The borders of this are covered with trees and shrubs193 and laid out with paths framed in verdure, so that the effect of the whole is charming. There are two small islands on the lake, and on each of these is a small pagoda164. On the largest island, which can[Pg 369] be reached by a fine native bridge, about 30 yards long, built of ironwood, is a beautiful, though small, specimen of a native temple, known as the pagoda of the isle of Jade194, and for the last five hundred years it has been the rendezvous195 for the literati of the capital. The zoological and botanical garden, to which reference has already been made, is situated in the extreme north-west corner of the city. It is splendidly laid out, and covers several acres of ground. It is here that the "Society" of Hano? comes to drive or promenade189 of an evening before dinner; and its fine avenues, flower-beds, groves196 and lawns compare favourably197 with the Cinnamon Gardens in Colombo, or the waterfall at Penang. The roads throughout the town are wide and well built, and in this respect, as in the laying out of the streets, and the style of architecture adapted for the government buildings or for private residences, the French are by far our superiors. This is due partly to the naturally artistic198 taste they possess, and also to the wise regulations adopted by the Public Works Department in the colony, with regard to the construction of new buildings,[Pg 370] all plans having to be approved by the Department before a permit to commence building is granted.
In July, 1892, when I had arrived in Bac-Ninh, it seemed, after my protracted199 stay in the wild regions of the upper Yen-Thé, that at last I had returned to a large town, and the sight of a few scores of brick buildings was, for the first few days, quite a novelty; but when, six months later, I found myself in the capital of Tonquin, it was like getting back to a big European city, and, though we sometimes regretted the charms of our former adventurous200 existence, both Lipthay and myself soon began to find a new pleasure in the renewed acquaintance with the comforts and distractions201 of civilisation202. We were not as free as we had been at Bac-Ninh, as we were lodged203 in a room set apart for us, in the barracks of the 9th Regiment of Infanterie de Marine, and were for a few days the pet grievance204 of the "non-coms" of that corps, who put us on fatigue205 duty and made us take part in the inspections206. This, however, was soon stopped by the Chief of the Staff, and we were allowed to continue the even[Pg 371] tenour of our way. There is always a certain amount of jealousy207 felt for the scribes of the army, and the French sergeants209 were probably indignant at the thought that we were drawing as much pay as they were, that we were allowed out every night till 10 p.m., and also because we took our meals at the canteen, in a room specially210 reserved for us. The latter arrangement was adopted to avoid indiscretions, for a few of us were continually and unavoidably in possession of facts it was of absolute importance the majority of the troops should not learn.
For the next twelve months we continued our somewhat uneventful life as staff secretaries within the ancient precincts of the Annamese citadel, the only break in the monotony of our career being my promotion to the grade of corporal, which occurred in November. I had waited a long time for my stripes, and should have had them sooner had I remained with my corps; but till then there had been no vacancy211 on the staff for a "non-com," so I had nothing to complain of. In February our offices were again moved, this time to the Concession, in a building close to the Headquarters Staff, and[Pg 372] we were lodged with the secretaries of that organisation. Since I had come to Hano? my health had considerably improved; and very soon after my arrival I was no longer troubled with the attacks of malaria212, which formerly, at almost regular intervals213, used to lay me up for a day, and sometimes more. The change of air was, I suppose, chiefly responsible for the amelioration, and the better food and more comfortable quarters probably helped to mend matters. Life in the capital was very agreeable, though during the summer months the heat was terrible. This is due to the fact that, because of the low situation of the city, the south-west monsoon214 is little felt there. The French colonials I happened to come in contact with were extremely kind and hospitable215, and during my military career I made several acquaintances which ripened216 into friendships that never failed me during the subsequent years passed in the colony as a civilian. The French settler, be he either planter, merchant, manufacturer or shopkeeper, is one of the hardest workers I have ever seen. He possesses an admirable faith in the rich country he has[Pg 373] adopted, and a supreme contempt for his government, which seems to delight in throwing every possible obstacle in the way of private enterprise, and in ever increasing the number of functionaries he has to pay for.
In April, 1894, General Pernot practically reached the age-limit of his rank, and returned to France, his place being taken by General Coronnat. At the time he took over the command he was the youngest Brigadier-General in the French army, having, thanks to the services he had rendered to the Republic, and to his wide knowledge of his profession, attained217 that rank when most officers in France's forces esteem218 themselves happy if they are in command of a regiment. This distinguished soldier was by birth a Basque, the son of a modest cooper, who plied29 his trade in a small and picturesque village situated at the foot of the rugged and majestic219 Pyrenees; but he was in demeanour, speech and conduct, one of the truest gentlemen it has been my lot to encounter. Tall, and somewhat sparse220, fair, with blue piercing eyes, a straight thin nose, a small light-coloured moustache, and a very strong chin. When[Pg 374] listening he was reserved, attentive221 and courteous222; when speaking his voice was wonderfully soft for a military man, and as clear as a bell. On first acquaintance he appeared to affect a certain aloofness223; but this was only apparent, and was due, most probably, to the erectness224 of his bearing, and to his habit of speaking but little, and of fixing his eyes on the person who was addressing him, so that, unless they were acquainted with this particularity, he would stare them out of countenance. Having gained a hard-earned scholarship, the General obtained his grade of sub-lieutenant by passing through the military school of St Cyr, instead of being obliged, like many of small means, to work his way up from the ranks.
The work of pacification went on steadily225, but it was destined226 that I should remain at my post on the Brigade, and take no active part in the different expeditions sent against the pirates and rebels in 1894-95. In October, 1894, I lost my friend Lipthay. He died in the military hospital at Hano?, worn out with fever and debility acquired during our campaigns in Yen-Thé. I was by him almost to the end,[Pg 375] and he passed away calm and courageous227, like the noble, true-hearted gentleman he had always proved himself to be. He had been promoted to the rank of sergeant208, and had been made a Knight228 of the Dragon of Annam shortly before his death.
On the 27th February, 1895, I was liberated229, having completed a period of five years under the French flag. The experience I had gained was invaluable230, and I felt no regret for the step I had taken in enlisting231. Nevertheless it was with an emotion akin66 to delight that I hailed my return to the liberties of civilian life. It should, however, be mentioned that I experienced a certain regret at severing232 my connection with the French army and the Legion.
While serving in that corps I had learned that there were good and brave men outside my own country, and that courage, obedience233, self-abnegation and national pride are not the monopoly of any one race.
By living side by side with them, fighting, and ofttimes suffering, in the same cause, I had been taught to like and respect the foreigners. The French, Italian, German, Austrian, or any[Pg 376] other European soldier is very much like our own. He has his virtues234 and his vices48; and the stronger his race and national character, the more likely is he to possess a superabundance of the latter.
British interests in Siam and Southern China render the development of the French colonies in the Far East a matter of importance to us. The majority of the foreign products imported into Yunan, via the West River route, or through Tonquin, are of British origin. Our treaty arrangements with France and the good feeling at present existing between the two nations should make it no difficult matter for Frenchmen and Englishmen to agree in the settlement of questions arising out of their trade relations with Kwang-si, Kwang-tung and Yunan.
The recent concessions235 made by Siam to France have increased the responsibilities of the latter, and it remains236 for France and Great Britain to develop the commercial resources of Siam and South China.
By the aid of the railway system, agriculture and manufacturing industries are being fostered in the French colonies of the East, and a great[Pg 377] future undoubtedly237 exists for them; but before real success can be obtained Indo-China must be provided with functionaries who are not only able administrators238, but who have a knowledge of the language and customs of the country. They must be workers with a single aim for the success of the colonies under their administration, and not merely politicians whose personal ambitions colour their perceptions. Then the colonies, wherein I spent the years of which I have written, will have a future of constantly-increasing prosperity before them.
The End
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
organisation
|
|
| n.组织，安排，团体，有机休 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
pacification
|
|
| n. 讲和，绥靖，平定 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
corps
|
|
| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
allied
|
|
| adj.协约国的；同盟国的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
rugged
|
|
| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
bespoke
|
|
| adj.（产品）订做的；专做订货的v.预定( bespeak的过去式 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
genial
|
|
| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
belie
|
|
| v.掩饰，证明为假 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
kindly
|
|
| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
severely
|
|
| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
isle
|
|
| n.小岛，岛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
battalion
|
|
| n.营；部队；大队(的人) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
battalions
|
|
| n.（陆军的）一营（大约有一千兵士）( battalion的名词复数 )；协同作战的部队；军队；（组织在一起工作的）队伍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
cognomen
|
|
| n.姓；绰号 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
truthfulness
|
|
| n. 符合实际 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
capabilities
|
|
| n.能力( capability的名词复数 )；可能；容量；[复数]潜在能力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
adverse
|
|
| adj.不利的；有害的；敌对的，不友好的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
tally
|
|
| n.计数器，记分，一致，测量；vt.计算，记录，使一致；vi.计算，记分，一致 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
gallant
|
|
| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
temperament
|
|
| n.气质，性格，性情 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
susceptible
|
|
| adj.过敏的，敏感的；易动感情的，易受感动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
possessed
|
|
| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
edible
|
|
| n.食品，食物；adj.可食用的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
temperate
|
|
| adj.温和的，温带的，自我克制的，不过分的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
procured
|
|
| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
annually
|
|
| adv.一年一次，每年 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
garrisoned
|
|
| 卫戍部队守备( garrison的过去式和过去分词 )； 派部队驻防 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
garrison
|
|
| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
plied
|
|
| v.使用（工具）( ply的过去式和过去分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
emulation
|
|
| n.竞争；仿效 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
garrisons
|
|
| 守备部队，卫戍部队( garrison的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
situated
|
|
| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
bestowed
|
|
| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
lavish
|
|
| adj.无节制的；浪费的；vt.慷慨地给予，挥霍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
par
|
|
| n.标准，票面价值，平均数量；adj.票面的，平常的，标准的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
elucidation
|
|
| n.说明，阐明 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
promotion
|
|
| n.提升，晋级；促销，宣传 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
despatch
|
|
| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
ammunition
|
|
| n.军火，弹药 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
confidential
|
|
| adj.秘（机）密的，表示信任的，担任机密工作的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
brigands
|
|
| n.土匪，强盗( brigand的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
detailed
|
|
| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
inspection
|
|
| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
annotation
|
|
| n.注解 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
censure
|
|
| v./n.责备；非难；责难 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
inflicted
|
|
| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
entrusted
|
|
| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
vices
|
|
| 缺陷( vice的名词复数 )； 恶习； 不道德行为； 台钳 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
aptitudes
|
|
| （学习方面的）才能，资质，天资( aptitude的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
lieutenant
|
|
| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
regiment
|
|
| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
appreciations
|
|
| n.欣赏( appreciation的名词复数 )；感激；评定；（尤指土地或财产的）增值 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
decided
|
|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
captivity
|
|
| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
contractors
|
|
| n.（建筑、监造中的）承包人( contractor的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
convoys
|
|
| n.（有护航的）船队( convoy的名词复数 )；车队；护航（队）；护送队 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
convoy
|
|
| vt.护送，护卫，护航；n.护送；护送队 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
slaying
|
|
| 杀戮。 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
slay
|
|
| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
marine
|
|
| adj.海的；海生的；航海的；海事的；n.水兵 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
mobility
|
|
| n.可动性，变动性，情感不定 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
scatter
|
|
| vt.撒，驱散，散开；散布/播；vi.分散，消散 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
organise
|
|
| vt.组织，安排，筹办 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
favourable
|
|
| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
countenance
|
|
| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
akin
|
|
| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
motives
|
|
| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
aspirations
|
|
| 强烈的愿望( aspiration的名词复数 )； 志向； 发送气音； 发 h 音 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
metropolitan
|
|
| adj.大城市的，大都会的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
trumpets
|
|
| 喇叭( trumpet的名词复数 )； 小号； 喇叭形物； （尤指）绽开的水仙花 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
brigandage
|
|
| n.抢劫；盗窃；土匪；强盗 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
absurdity
|
|
| n.荒谬，愚蠢；谬论 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
chamber
|
|
| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
detrimental
|
|
| adj.损害的，造成伤害的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
hatred
|
|
| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
retarding
|
|
| 使减速( retard的现在分词 )； 妨碍； 阻止； 推迟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
civilian
|
|
| adj.平民的，民用的，民众的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
civilians
|
|
| 平民，百姓( civilian的名词复数 )； 老百姓 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
intentionally
|
|
| ad.故意地，有意地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
contradictory
|
|
| adj.反驳的，反对的，抗辩的；n.正反对，矛盾对立 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
upheaval
|
|
| n.胀起，(地壳)的隆起；剧变，动乱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
bout
|
|
| n.侵袭，发作；一次(阵，回)；拳击等比赛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
gendarmes
|
|
| n.宪兵，警官( gendarme的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
reigned
|
|
| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
warfare
|
|
| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
invective
|
|
| n.痛骂，恶意抨击 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
belittled
|
|
| 使显得微小，轻视，贬低( belittle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
duels
|
|
| n.两男子的决斗( duel的名词复数 )；竞争，斗争 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
climax
|
|
| n.顶点；高潮；v.(使)达到顶点 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
consternation
|
|
| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
coup
|
|
| n.政变；突然而成功的行动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
fully
|
|
| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
lair
|
|
| n.野兽的巢穴；躲藏处 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
rue
|
|
| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
negotiation
|
|
| n.谈判，协商 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
ransom
|
|
| n.赎金，赎身；v.赎回，解救 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
indignity
|
|
| n.侮辱，伤害尊严，轻蔑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
wrecked
|
|
| adj.失事的，遇难的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
slain
|
|
| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
worthy
|
|
| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
previously
|
|
| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
considerably
|
|
| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
scattered
|
|
| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
defile
|
|
| v.弄污，弄脏；n.(山间)小道 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
defiles
|
|
| v.玷污( defile的第三人称单数 )；污染；弄脏；纵列行进 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
corpse
|
|
| n.尸体，死尸 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
raving
|
|
| adj.说胡话的；疯狂的，怒吼的；非常漂亮的；令人醉心[痴心]的v.胡言乱语(rave的现在分词)n.胡话；疯话adv.胡言乱语地；疯狂地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
funnel
|
|
| n.漏斗；烟囱；v.汇集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
slew
|
|
| v.（使）旋转；n.大量，许多 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
improvised
|
|
| a.即席而作的,即兴的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
overtures
|
|
| n.主动的表示，提议；（向某人做出的）友好表示、姿态或提议( overture的名词复数 )；（歌剧、芭蕾舞、音乐剧等的）序曲，前奏曲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
ravaged
|
|
| 毁坏( ravage的过去式和过去分词 )； 蹂躏； 劫掠； 抢劫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
theatrical
|
|
| adj.剧场的，演戏的；做戏似的，做作的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
troupe
|
|
| n.剧团，戏班；杂技团；马戏团 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
supreme
|
|
| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
subsided
|
|
| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
devoured
|
|
| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
brute
|
|
| n.野兽，兽性 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
enrage
|
|
| v.触怒，激怒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
thicket
|
|
| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
clump
|
|
| n.树丛，草丛；vi.用沉重的脚步行走 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
specimen
|
|
| n.样本，标本 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
muzzle
|
|
| n.鼻口部；口套；枪(炮)口；vt.使缄默 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
disorder
|
|
| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
negligence
|
|
| n.疏忽，玩忽，粗心大意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
wading
|
|
| （从水、泥等）蹚，走过，跋( wade的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
medley
|
|
| n.混合 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
reconstruction
|
|
| n.重建，再现，复原 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
interim
|
|
| adj.暂时的，临时的；n.间歇，过渡期间 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
dispense
|
|
| vt.分配，分发；配(药)，发(药)；实施 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
regiments
|
|
| （军队的）团( regiment的名词复数 )； 大量的人或物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
delta
|
|
| n.（流的）角洲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
pacified
|
|
| 使（某人）安静( pacify的过去式和过去分词 )； 息怒； 抚慰； 在（有战争的地区、国家等）实现和平 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
ministry
|
|
| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
resuscitated
|
|
| v.使（某人或某物）恢复知觉，苏醒( resuscitate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
speculation
|
|
| n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
martinet
|
|
| n.要求严格服从纪律的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
justified
|
|
| a.正当的，有理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
blurted
|
|
| v.突然说出，脱口而出( blurt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
shameful
|
|
| adj.可耻的，不道德的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
cantankerous
|
|
| adj.爱争吵的，脾气不好的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
transact
|
|
| v.处理；做交易；谈判 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
distinguished
|
|
| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
formerly
|
|
| adv.从前，以前 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
fatiguing
|
|
| a.使人劳累的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
perfectly
|
|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
descended
|
|
| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
citadel
|
|
| n.城堡；堡垒；避难所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
imposing
|
|
| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
metropolis
|
|
| n.首府；大城市 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
colonists
|
|
| n.殖民地开拓者，移民，殖民地居民( colonist的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
functionaries
|
|
| n.公职人员，官员( functionary的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
monarch
|
|
| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
estuaries
|
|
| （江河入海的）河口，河口湾( estuary的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
demolition
|
|
| n.破坏,毁坏,毁坏之遗迹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
retarded
|
|
| a.智力迟钝的，智力发育迟缓的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
picturesque
|
|
| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
whitewashed
|
|
| 粉饰，美化，掩饰( whitewash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
pagodas
|
|
| 塔，宝塔( pagoda的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
pagoda
|
|
| n.宝塔（尤指印度和远东的多层宝塔），（印度教或佛教的）塔式庙宇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
ornamented
|
|
| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
vista
|
|
| n.远景，深景，展望，回想 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
squat
|
|
| v.蹲坐，蹲下；n.蹲下；adj.矮胖的，粗矮的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
wares
|
|
| n. 货物, 商品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
copper
|
|
| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
arteries
|
|
| n.动脉( artery的名词复数 )；干线，要道 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
supervision
|
|
| n.监督，管理 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
embellish
|
|
| v.装饰，布置；给…添加细节，润饰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
varnish
|
|
| n.清漆；v.上清漆；粉饰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
exterior
|
|
| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
175
surmounting
|
|
| 战胜( surmount的现在分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
176
crest
|
|
| n.顶点；饰章；羽冠；vt.达到顶点；vi.形成浪尖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
177
spike
|
|
| n.长钉，钉鞋；v.以大钉钉牢，使...失效 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
178
dense
|
|
| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
179
celestials
|
|
| n.天的，天空的( celestial的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
180
throngs
|
|
| n.人群( throng的名词复数 )v.成群，挤满( throng的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
181
prospect
|
|
| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
182
aperitif
|
|
| n.饭前酒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
183
sipping
|
|
| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
184
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
185
diminutive
|
|
| adj.小巧可爱的，小的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
186
ponies
|
|
| 矮种马，小型马( pony的名词复数 )； ￡25 25 英镑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
187
gatherings
|
|
| 聚集( gathering的名词复数 )； 收集； 采集； 搜集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
188
promenades
|
|
| n.人行道( promenade的名词复数 )；散步场所；闲逛v.兜风( promenade的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
189
promenade
|
|
| n./v.散步 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
190
cascade
|
|
| n.小瀑布，喷流；层叠；vi.成瀑布落下 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
191
concession
|
|
| n.让步，妥协；特许(权) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
192
infiltration
|
|
| n.渗透；下渗；渗滤；入渗 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
193
shrubs
|
|
| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
194
jade
|
|
| n.玉石；碧玉；翡翠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
195
rendezvous
|
|
| n.约会，约会地点，汇合点；vi.汇合，集合；vt.使汇合，使在汇合地点相遇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
196
groves
|
|
| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
197
favourably
|
|
| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
198
artistic
|
|
| adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
199
protracted
|
|
| adj.拖延的；延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
200
adventurous
|
|
| adj.爱冒险的；惊心动魄的，惊险的，刺激的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
201
distractions
|
|
| n.使人分心的事[人]( distraction的名词复数 )；娱乐，消遣；心烦意乱；精神错乱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
202
civilisation
|
|
| n.文明，文化，开化，教化 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
203
lodged
|
|
| v.存放( lodge的过去式和过去分词 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
204
grievance
|
|
| n.怨愤，气恼，委屈 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
205
fatigue
|
|
| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
206
inspections
|
|
| n.检查( inspection的名词复数 )；检验；视察；检阅 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
207
jealousy
|
|
| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
208
sergeant
|
|
| n.警官，中士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
209
sergeants
|
|
| 警官( sergeant的名词复数 )； （美国警察）警佐； （英国警察）巡佐； 陆军（或空军）中士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
210
specially
|
|
| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
211
vacancy
|
|
| n.（旅馆的）空位，空房，（职务的）空缺 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
212
malaria
|
|
| n.疟疾 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
213
intervals
|
|
| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
214
monsoon
|
|
| n.季雨，季风，大雨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
215
hospitable
|
|
| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
216
ripened
|
|
| v.成熟，使熟( ripen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
217
attained
|
|
| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
218
esteem
|
|
| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
219
majestic
|
|
| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
220
sparse
|
|
| adj.稀疏的，稀稀落落的，薄的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
221
attentive
|
|
| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
222
courteous
|
|
| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
223
aloofness
|
|
| 超然态度 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
224
erectness
|
|
| n.直立 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
225
steadily
|
|
| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
226
destined
|
|
| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
227
courageous
|
|
| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
228
knight
|
|
| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
229
liberated
|
|
| a.无拘束的，放纵的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
230
invaluable
|
|
| adj.无价的，非常宝贵的，极为贵重的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
231
enlisting
|
|
| v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的现在分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
232
severing
|
|
| v.切断，断绝( sever的现在分词 )；断，裂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
233
obedience
|
|
| n.服从，顺从 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
234
virtues
|
|
| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
235
concessions
|
|
| n.（尤指由政府或雇主给予的）特许权( concession的名词复数 )；承认；减价；（在某地的）特许经营权 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
236
remains
|
|
| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
237
undoubtedly
|
|
| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
238
administrators
|
|
| n.管理者( administrator的名词复数 )；有管理（或行政）才能的人；（由遗嘱检验法庭指定的）遗产管理人；奉派暂管主教教区的牧师 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |