The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-07-26
THE S|AMESE QUESTION.
France to Uphold Her Interests and
Preserve Her Dignity.
how GREAT BRITAIN REGARDS IT
An Exciting Discussion I'm the House of
Commons-A Query Raised Whether
France Has Complied With National
Agreements Regarding BIookades.

PARIS, July ga cabinet council was
held yesterday at Marly-le-Roi, where
President Carnot Is temporarily sojourn-
ing. NJ. Carnot presided over the delibera-
tions, which were entirely devoted to the
Siamese question. After the council rose
IA semi-ofiicial statement of the proceedings
was issued. This statement was that in
conformity with the unanimous vote of
the senate and the chamber Of deputies the
government had taken such measures TO
safeguard the interests and dignity of
France az were considered frcm the
Siamese reply to the French ultimatum
to have been rendered necessary.
TEN TsIN, July 26. The Chinese gov
ernment has received the news of Frances
territorial demands upon Siam with
amaZement and Indignation. That France
should lay claim TO country up to the 23rd
parallel is regarded as an intrusion upon
the rights of China, for at Pekin the con-
tention is that both banks of the Mekong,
10 point well south of the 23rd parallel
are Chinese possessions. The mandarin
party, which is anti-French, is trying to
force the government TO interfere.
SAIGON, July 26.-The division of the
far east Of the French fleet which is COM
manded by Admiral Human sailed yes
terday for the gulf of Siam. The merchant
vessels lying off Bangkok probably will
receive time before the blockade TO leave
the Menam river and put out to sen.
BANGKOK, July 26.-M. Pavie, French
minister resident, started down the river
yesterday in the warsbip Inconstante, ac-
companied by the warships Lutin and
Comete. All Is quiet In this city
English Sentiment on the siam Question.
LONDON, July 26.-In the house of com
mons yesterday John Long advanced
LiberaD, member for Dundee, asked il the
government was aware that British sub
jects possessed rights over 40 square miles
OF lands in the Siamese provinceof Chanta-
born, Krat and Batambang, for working
ruby and sapphire mines, and whether in
the event of France annexing those
provinces, care would be taken 20 guard
British interests.
Sir Edward Grey, parliamentary secre-
tary OF the foreign Office, stated in reply
that the government was aware of the
mining rights held in Siam by British
subjects, but he pointed out that the
provinces In which these rights are held
lie to the west OF the Mekong river and
were not, therefore, In the territorial de-
mands made by France.
Hon. George n. Curzon, Conservative,
member for the Southport division Of
Lancashire, asked whether
France Had Notified Great Britain
that she had established a blockade of the
Siamese coasts; whether the establish
ment of such blockade would be regarded
as an act Of belligerency between France
aud Siam; whether the blockade had been
or would be recognized by Great Britain,
and what measures the government pro-
posed to take in regard to the matter
Sir Edward Grey replied that Great
Britain had received from France verbal
notice of the intention of the French gov
ernment to blockade the Siamese coast.
The blockade would certainly he an act of
belligerencv. The British government,
Sir Edward added, proposed to continue its
present protection of the lives of British
subjects in Bangkok, and of the property
of British subjects
The government thought that the value
that attaches to declaration of blockade
must vary with the circumstances of each
particular case
Mr.. Curzon then asked: Suppose any
British vessel, even a ship carrying mails.
should ascend the Menam river after
Thursday, will IL risk being captured or
fired upon by the FrenchS II so, what
steps will the government take TO mitigate
such state of affarsf And further,
when may we expect notification of the
proceedings of our ambassador in ParisP"
Sir Edward stated that any further com
muncations he might make to the house
must depend upon the communications
now passing between Great Britain and
France.