The morning call., 1893-07-26

Government has Issued rroclamation
warning the populace to behave peacea6ly
and refrain from attacking foreigners.
A lste dispatch to the Times from
-rni- afficiaI source saya that at II O'Clock
French vessels had passed the mouth of
the Menam River and exchanged salutes
with the Siamese forts.
The Paris CORES spondent of the Standard
says that it is stated semi-officially that
the blockade will not be confined to the
estuary of The Menam River, but also to
the river east and west. 1t is said that
there is no intention to lombard Bangkok,
although the batteries on both sides of the
river will be destroyed and the royal pal
ace, where 10000 soldiers are believed to
be massed, will be attacked and occupied.
In the Commons to-day the Conserva-
tives worried the Government with many
minute questions as to what was being
done in Siam to care for British interests.
Sir Edward Gray said that Great Britain
had received from France verbal notice
of the intent Of France to blockade the
Siamese coast. The British Government
would see to the protection of British sub
Jects and their property. What further
communications he might make to the
House must depend upon communications
now passing between Great Britain and
France.
TIENTsIN, July 25-The Chinese Gov
eminent has received the news of Frances
territorial demands upon Siap with amaze
ment and indignation. That France should
lay claim to the country up to the twenty
third parallel is regarded as an intrusion
upon the rights OF China for at Picking the
contention is that both banks OF the Me-
kong to a point well south Of the twenty
third parallel are Chinese possessions.
The Mandarin party. which is bitterly
anti-French. is trying to force the Govern
ment TO interfere.
PARIS, July 25.-The Chinese Charge
d'Affaires called to-day on Develle and ex-
planned the Chlnese views on the Franco
Siamese dispute.
6 GPresident Carnot's absence from the
capital at such critical moment has re-
vved the rumors Of his serious illness.
The situation is one of the greatest diff
Guilty, and only success can justify the
policy which II. DeyelIe has adopted.
Should he fail, the country, already smart
Ing under long tale of colonial failures,
Will visit him and his Cabinet with the
heaviest penalties. 1t was not expected
that Slam would resist, and the Cabinet
now hesitates to incur the odium of
bloodshed.
According to International law. the neu-
tral powers are not bound TO recognize
blockade. except between belligerents.
and the French constitution provides that
war cannot be declared without the con-
sent Of Parliament.
A Cabinet council was held TO-DAY. at tho
conclusion of which semi-of1icial state
ment was issued 10 the effect that in con-
formity with the unanimous vote of the
Senate and Chant Der the Government had
taken such measures to safeguard the in
terests and dignity of France as had been
considered from Slams reply to the French
ultimatum to be necessary.
BANGKOK, July 25.-Pavfe, the French
Minister, started down tie river this after
noon on the warship 1nconstante. accom-
panied by the warships Lutin and C0mete.
All is quiet in the city.
SAIGON, July pa division of the
French feet, commanded by Admiral
Human, sailed to-day for the Gulf of
Siam.
NEW YORK, July 25.-The Herald's
Bangkok special says: Siam has refused
to cede the Mekcng frontier above the
latitude OF 49, The general opinion here
Is that the refusal was i'll advised. For
eigDerS engaged in the service of Siam
will, Tor the most part. resign in the event
OF war, ana The serious defense of the
country therefore will be i.npnssible