The herald., 1893-07-15
ACTED WITHOUT AUTHORITY,
A French Explanation Of the
Bangkok Incident.
The Gunboats Not Authorized to
Enter the River.
They Are There just the Same. and
Threaten the sismsss Capital
with Bomb bardmcnt-Foreign-
Residents Alarmed.
By the Associated Press.


By the Associated Press
PARIS, July 14.-A semi-offcial note
to be published tomorrow explains the
Bangkok incident thus: France learn.
ing that England and other nations were
sending war vessels to Bangkok, mott.
fed the Siamese government July 9th
of the intention to increase the French
naval force at the mouth of the Menam
river, where only the gunboat Lutin
afforded protection to French resi-.
dents. In accordance with article
Is of the treaty of 1856, French
men-of-var have right to enter Menam
river and anchor off Pakanam, but must
arrange for anchorage in case of inten-
tion to ascend the river to Bangkok.
As, however, no other than British yes.
sells entered the Menam river, Siam
having objected to the presence of more
serving her formal treaty rights instruct
the bar of the Menam river, and notified
thO OA0M0c0 kONClAHOAO aCCOA0ihkAys
The order was received too late by Her
mann and the gunbosts ascended to
Bangkok.
THE SITUATION AT BANGKOK.
BANGKOK, Siam, July lathe French
minister has informed the Sismese gov
ernment that the commanders of the
gunboats Comete and Inconstante mis-
rvn1arfonI ho 81 kvxo h hou q rod
upon the Pakanam forts and ascended
contemplated no such action. The
anxiety which prevailed throughout the
city yesterday and last night is partially
allaved by the arrival of another British
gunboat. The announcement was made
this afternoon that an armiHtice was
concluded and that the incident might
possibly be explained by France as re-
gretable.
THE NIGHT PASSED QUIETLY.
LONDON. July 14.-The Bangkok cor
respondent Of the Times says: Last
night passed quietly. The Inconstsnte
and the Comete dropped down stream
to better anchorage, where they re-
mained today, cleared for action, Neither
the forts nor the gunboats were damaged
in the skirmishes yesterday, but one
Siamese gunboat came down to
the French pilot boat and said
Sankit M. Pavie, the French
minister resident, had informed the
Siamese government that the command
ers of the Inconstante and Comete re-
fused to accept the order not to enter
the river. He states that he is awaiting
instructions from Paris as to develop
ments of the extraordinary position.
The Siamese war ship is ready for action
and 1000 troops are under arms around
the palace. The city 10 tranquil but in
tensely anxious. Other French and
English gunboats are expected. British
subjects are awaiting anxiously news OF
the steps which England is taking to
prevent the great calamity of the bonn
bardment of the city.
ACTED WITHOUT AUTHORITY.
LONDON, July gl4.-In the commons
this evening Harcourt, speaking of the
Siam affair, said the government was
disposed to believe the French naval
officers acted without the authority o.
the French government.
THE NEWS AT WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, July 14.-The only off
cial news of the trouble between the
France and Siam received at the state
department is contained in a brief ca
blegram from Acting Consul Genera
Boyd at Bangkok, stating that after an
hours engagement the French vessels
passed the forts below Bangkok. Il
| is not the present intention o
| 90 nfo1l knt
| an American war vessel to the scene o.
war, in view of the fact that American
interests in Siam are insignificant
Nevertheless it is apprehended that il
the war assumes formidable proportions
the Siamese may make it very unpleas
ant for foreign residents, including ths
few Americana there. If such state o.
affairs obtains, however, the United
States will not be without a vessel in
Siamese waters, as the United States
steamship Concord, now on the way to
China, will be in that neighborhood in
about two months.
! About 200 missionaries are in Siam
mostly Presbyterians, and their friends
in this country have become con
cerned about their welfare, now
that actual hostilities have broken
| OUT DeLW6ou buo CT6uCu anC
Siamese. Rev. DR.. Gillespie of New
York, representing the Presbyterian
mission board, today telegraphed Secre
tary Gresham to inquire what provision
would be made for the safety of mission
aries and the numerous children in theil
charge. Secretary Gresham replied:
II am informed by the secretary o
the navy that there is not at present or
the Asiatic station any vessel capable o
entering Siamese waters. Missionaries
should communicate with the legation
at Bangkok for the usual diplomat,
protection"
AN EXAGGERATED REPORT.
LONDON, July IA special from
Bangkok, Siam, says 20 Siamese wer'
| killed and IA wounded yesterday during
the exchange OF shots between the fort
at the mouth of the Menam river snt
French gunboats.
A Banker Suicides.
MEADvILLE, Pa, July 14.-S. 7. Dicl
of the banking firm of j. R. Dick & Go
suicided this morning. A heavy rur
on the bank yesterday was the cause
Dick bad been in i'll health for SOM
time. A meeting of friends of the firm