Illustration Journal 1934, Photographer Khanh Ky on the visit of the Emperor of Annam to Tonkin

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THE VISIT OF THE EMPEROR OF ANNAM TO TONKIN
We mentioned, in our last issue, the visit that the Emperor of Annam Bao Daï made to Tonkin during the first half of December. We have since received some new photographs which illustrate with a picturesque commentary this study trip of the young sovereign, the impact of which was considerable in all the cities and regions he traveled.

It was above all, as we have said, a study trip, during which the emperor, who received the most complete Western education in Paris, was keen to realize for himself the aspirations of its people, of its adaptation to modern life and of the fruitful work accomplished in the path of economic and industrial development with the effective collaboration and under the vigilant leadership of France. These are two very different and yet complementary civilizations that meet in Tonkin.

That of the Far East, in its thousand-year-old tradition, still governs customs and beliefs. But modern civilization, by superimposing itself on it, strives to bring its benefits and its progress without supplanting or destroying it. As if to translate this harmonious duality into an expressive symbol, the young and sympathetic emperor appeared alternately in national costume, adorned with his sumptuous silk robe, among his mandarins and his great dignitaries, and also dressed in European, like the most impeccable of gentlemen or sportsmen, in white linen bloomers and patent boots.

It was on November 28 that the Aviso, Dumont-d’Urville brought S. M. Bao, Dai to Along Bay. The trip took place over the next 2 weeks in exceptionally favorable conditions. In Haiphong, on December 1, in Hai-duong, then in Hanoi, on December 2, the emperor was received to the enthusiastic acclamations of the Annamese masses who flocked to his path. After staying for some time in Hanoi, he boarded the upper region, visiting Caobang, Langson, Backan, Tong.

On his return from the border provinces, he attended, at Sept-Pagodes, the end of the major maneuvers which took place in this region from December 4 to 10. It was with the greatest interest that he followed the combined exercises of the infantry, artillery and air force.

Then he chaired, alongside Governor General Pasquier, a review of the troops. Some of the engravings on this page evoke other episodes of this memorable trip: the visit of the young sovereign to the Pasteur Institute in Hanoi, where he took a keen interest in bacteriological research and in particular in the fight against mosquitoes; other further visits to a school in the same town and to the Sister Antoine hospice, an admirable foundation where nuns of tireless devotion lavish their care on the natives.

Finally, during the day of December 13, the emperor traveled to Nam Dinh, where he attended the inauguration ceremonies of the fair. After which, accompanied by the senior resident in Annam, he, by special train, returned to his palace in Hue.

The following photos are from our exclusive archives