Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-07-23
The Franoo-siamess War.

Tho Franco-Siamese war. which, when
IL started appeared no bigger than q
mans hand, Is spreading. and its mutter-
ings are awakening echoes in Great Bril-
tain, China, and Russia. England was at
first disposed 10 treat the trouble lightly.
and even now declares that she - under
no obligation to interfere in the interest
of Siam until the territorial" arrange
ment becomes factor OF the situation.
Her original attitude touching the matter
was entirely in keeping with the patro-
nizlng air she has assumed towards France
recently In all questions involving fric-
ton between the two countries. and 1T is
therefore probable that had this eastern
quarrel been confined to the initial
parties and the starting point che would
have gone no further than to give friendly
and fathsrly advice.
Although minor territorial question has
been associated with tho dispute from the
beginning. and despite the fact that Eng
land is exceedingly jealous of the encrosch-
ments in the East of any other Power,
study Of the geographical environments OF
French acquisitions 10 Anam would seem
10 show that British prestige had little TO
fear in that quarter from France alone. 1t
is a far cry from the eastern frontier Oh
Burmah in any direction acros* Siam
10 the French possessions In Anam.
Upper Burmah, Englands latest grao,
touches Anam only on the distant
northwest and practically beyond the
radius of French influence. Lower Burmah
does not border upon it at oil. AT best
French influence in the East has never
been a serious menace 10 other aggressive
European powers, and it ia therefore ap-
parent that had no other complications
arisen England could have afforded to
wink at frances claims rather than get In
n fret about them. 10 would have been
time enough to cry out when she was
hurt, and II was demonstrated that one OF
her buffers" was really IN danger OF
being weakened.
But other complications have arisen.
Russia is backing France in the quarrel.
and China has espoused the side OF SlaIn.
Thus are presented two reasons why the
British Lion should arouse himself, shake
his name and utter growl of warning. In
view Of Russian support it IS not unlikely
that France may be encouraged to go
further in her territorial demands than
she ct first contemplated. AT the
same time it is TO England's in
terest to back China, seeing that the lat
ter is one of her bulwarks, against Rus
sian aggression in Central Asia. Judging
from this aspect OF the situation. 1t IS roa-
sonable to conclude that highlands ex-
PLANTATION of her position may mean
great deal moro than appears on the sur
face and forcshsdow very decided and
summary interference should 1t be neces-
sary. When all the factors now entering
INTO the quarrel are considered, and when
we remember EnGland's well-known policy
in the East. there is, to say the least, wide
latitude for speculation as to what will be
the final outcome of the affair. Certain It
is that nothing would suit Russia better
than to have France harass Great Britain
in that part of the globe, and equally GER
tain it is that Great Britain would not
tamely submit TO such q game.