The record-union., 1893-07-21
Special to the REcoRp-UN1ox.

BANGKOK, July 20.-The belligerent
attitude of the three French gunboats op-
posite the middle of the city is causing
great anxiety among the people. They
are all ready for action and are contin-
ually beating to quarters and training
their guns on Siamese gunboats that hap
pen to pass. Siam is doing her best to
convince the French Minister that her
intentions are amicable, but freedom of
action in the negotiations is much re-
stricted by the pressure exercised ostenta-
tiously by the French war-vessels.
CHINA WILL SUPPORT SLAM.
TIENTsIN, July Collaboration from
Picking is to the effect that China will
support Siam against France. Siam for
many years has paid tribute to China, as
a matter of custom only. Chinese inter
ference adds a most interesting feature to
the dispute, and may result in modifi-
cation of French demands.
GETTING COMPLICATED.
PARIS, July 2O.-A statement is pub
lished that the Russian En- bassador to
France has given assurance to that coun-
try that Russia will support France on
all points involved in the Siamese diff
1iculty. 1t is further said that the Rus
sian fleet in Chinese waters is under or
ders to proceed to the Gulf of Siam for
the purpose of supporting the French
and protecting French residents in Siam.
1t is expected to arrive there soon.
A dispatch from Bangkok states that
the Siamese Court is greatly agitated.
Preparations are apparently under way
= e TlA /.
from the capital. The reports of the in
tention Of the King to leave Bangkok
spread among the populace and caused
much excitement. The dispatch adds
that it is stated there is popular agitation
in favor of France in the province of Bat
tambang, and troops have been sent to
put down the sedition.
The Senate to-day passed unanimously
a resolution approving in every respect
the attitude of the Government in the
Siamese affair.
EFFECT OF THE BLOCKADE.
LONDON, July 20.-France's decision to
blockade the whole coast OF Siam in the
event of war is badly received in Eng
land. The blockade would be entirely at
Engiand's expense. Not single French
steamer trades to Bangkok. The British
and Chinese merchants at Singapore and
Hongkong will be the sufferers. Adj
miral Human in the event of blockade
can dispose of five war vessels, the TIi-
Omphante, Pluvier, Lion, Aspic, Vipere
and the ironclad Forfait, beside three YES
sells off Bangkok; but few months
cruising in the typhoon season will prob
ably cool French ardor
A special cabinet meeting was sum-
moned in Downing street this afternoon.
There was a full attendance. Frances
demand on Siam was discussed at length.
and eventually instructions for the Mar
quis of Dufferin, British ambassador to
France, were formulated and approved.
Immediately after the meeting the Earl of
Rosebery, Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs, communicated with the Adj
miralty regarding the disposition of
the fleet in Asiatic waters. Late in the
afternoon special orders were dispatched
by the Admiralty to Vice-Admiral Ere
mantle, commandments of the Chi
nese division. These facts. together with
a sudden cancelling of the Marquis of
Duf1erin's leave of absence, are regarded
as hardly in harmony with the official
predictions of perfectly amicable settle
ment with France of the Siamese diff
Guilty. Even if not alarmed by the course
of France, the Government is believed to
realize that the Siamese affair is fraught
with more serious possibilities for which
immediate preparation must be made by
Great Britain