Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1893-07-31
CLOSE SHAVE.
War Between France and Eng
land was Just Averted.
England Put a Sudden Stop to
frances Bullying Of Siam.


LoSpoS, July So.---War between Eng
land and France has been avcrted BY ex-
tremely narrow margin, II each power had
shiieSi By its declared intentions Of Friday.
hostilities would have been begun within
week.
What vas cabled Friday night - the
probable truth Of the situation can hc now
announced a. q positive fact. Early fri-
day morning, when Lord Rosebefy learned
that blockade Of the Siamese coast had
been declared without notifying England,
he sent, through Lord Du6erin, short and
simple note to the French government 70
this effect Great Britain refuses to recog.
nixe the blockade begun on the ccAst Of
Siam. II English commerce In those
aters is iuterfercd with by France, such
action will be construed ~ deliberate at-
tack upon the British flag.
Having sent this ultimatum, England be-
gan active preparations for war. All the
hluster and defiance which have accom-
panied Frances disgraceful treatment Of
her helpless victim in the far east disap-
peared on the receipt Of this peremreofy
warning.
The reply which the French government
sent Saturday morning was = complete sur-
render to Eneland's demand. II was, In
diplomatic terms, that the French blockadirE
force would be instructed after today
to allow English vessels animpeded inter
course with Siamese ports.
Inasmuch NJ nine -tenths Of the Sinmesc
commerce 10 in British ships. this conccs-
sion amounted to abandoning the blockade.
Three hours after France had made this
humiiixting back down, news came that
Siam. hopeless Of maintaining her rights
.1u -, n.atp nx,xvC
anything and everyth thing that France might
demand.
Thus 1t appeared that France had need
lessly humbled herself before the British
lion which she had been insolently daring
for weeks. Such is the true story Of the
critical phase of an international question
which has brought two of the greatest pow
ers to the verge Of war.
The facts are were not known
in any English newspaper office until
today. 1t 10 doubtful II they will be-
made public in France. They certainly will
not il the government can prevent II.
The official version there given out IL
very different story. 1t will be announced
that Siam SUR endered, and that hostilities
| consequently have been abandoned.
| Lord RoselDcry said that he would make
| n statement upon the subject in the House
of Lords Monday. II will be interesting TO
note whether he will be 30 consi''erate OF
| sensitive French pride as to Withhold the
circumstances which forced France to
abandon the blockade before the Siamcse
| submission.
If the facts do become known in France,
nothing can save any member Of the prcs-
ent government in the August elections.
Indeed, II il impossible to imagine what the
popular fury may do. England has all
along been the sole object Of French ami
mosity in the Siamese crises, Siam being
regarded as merely pin in the end Of a
stick with which to prob John Bull.
The Siam incident in one sense, has just
begun. The consequences may yet be far.
reaching, not only in French international
aH airs, but throughout Europe. There is
some reason for believing that England
was not alone in trying To bring France to
terms. The rapid telcgraphins between
London and Berlin was probably not with
out result.
Although Siam now agrees " give up ter
rit0ry in viii ck both England and China
claim interest the final settlement Of the
question will probably be the subject Of
| long negotiations between the three powers.
Asa matter Of fact, France will probably
| GET no more uhh sue WIS eoh'e"e" W.
| Slams reply to Frances ultimaium.
France asserts that she IL AT liberty TO
make terms with Siam on such q basis M
suits her. 1t is hardly probable that she
will increase her demands.
| 1t In believed that France, nominally In
graciousness To Siam, but really out Of re-
spect for British intervention, will leave
| Siam the territory north of the eighteenth
parallel. The principal burden Of tho
compromise will be found by the French
government in persuading the French
voters at the near election that the ministry
Of Dupuy has achieved glorious victory
Their success must dcpeud largely upos
the result of the present cabinet dissen
sions. Rumors thick IN that ministeria
designations and general cabinet cris''
are imminent. The candidates for thu
Chamber are already submitting their dc
clsrations to their cor stitucnts.