Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-07-30
uro,eno. France, and Siam.

The Franco. Slamese imbroglio becomes
more complicated every day, but public
;ptere,t in II centres in London rather
than OF the scene Of actual disturbance.
Indeed. in Its most critical and serious
asneots the matter may be said to have now
become Franco-Rnplish problem. What
ever else may DO said Of England's bully
ing foreign policy, she has unqusstionaoiy
of late years been exceedingly conciliatory
In her dealings with France. She has car
red this spirit of Cancellation so tar that
France has presumed upon it almost to
the extent of Offering her insult. Only
her friendship for France has prevented
her from giving long ago her open adhe-
renee TO the Dreibund-a step che has
been constantly and persistently urged to
take by Germany. Austria Hungary. and
Italy.
The Developments of the last week, how
ever. show that both the English govern
ment and the English people are aroused
to the fact that the operations of the
French in Siam are aimed more at England
than at the former country and the indica-
tons are that II France, as is contended in
some quarters, desires rupture with Eng
land in order to control tho French cleo
tions of month hence, she may be accom-
modated.
Not only does this seem the case. but
the probabilities are that in the event the
rupture comes it will prove more serious
and far-reaching than France anticipated.
i al. ,.h mo Enu
plain that the French government has
| gone so far in fostering the Siamese ex-
element and in actual aggression that TO
recede would be to bring inevitable
disaster upon itself The anti-English
sentiment. which has been manifested so
often of late over the Egyptian question,
and the war craving have been stimulated
to degree IN Paris which threatens the
overthrow Of ali who would stand in the
way of satisfying their demands.
As for the British government 1t has
potent incentive to resort 10 vigorous mea-
sures. aside from the necessity OF protect
ing British commerce in Siam and main
tanning British prestige in that quarter by
preventing the disruption OF one OF the
buffer States. Since the home press and
public nave takon the complication to
| heart the fate of GLADsIoSr's Ministry
and of his pet scheme, the Irish home
rule bill. may depend upon the govern
ments course. 1t il hardly possible that
with his small majority in the House OF
Commons Mr. GLADSTONE would have the
temerity to pursue q yacillating policy
in the present crisis, especially after
tho lesson taught him by the Khartoum
expedition and the strength he has de-
rived from Allowing RosEBERT to use SO
far his own head in dealing with other
serious foreign questions. 1t does not
follow from the acceptance by Siam OF
the French ultimatum that the bearing
of the situation upon English interests
either at home or abroad Is materially
altered. As we understand it the terri
torial question between England and
France is still an open one and on tha'
must finally hinge the definite settlement
of the trouble. as 1t involves directly OF
indirectly all the other issues ct stake.
Touching the result of war between
England and France it can hardly be
doubted that not only would the former
power gain tho advantage out be led e
positive alliance with the Driebund, thus
practically rendering tho isolation o.
France almost absolute.