The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1893-07-25

special 10 the RECORD-UNION.
PARIS, July 24.-The Franco-Siamese
trouble is rapidly approaching crisis,
and it would not cause surprise here if an
open declaration of war is made within
the next forty-eight hours.
The French Government this afternoon
notified the Powers OF its intention to
blockade the Siamese coast, without pre-
Judice to other measures, to secure the
guarantees to which France is entitled.
A Cabinet council to decide on addi-
tional measures will be held tomorrow.
Arrangements are being made with
another Government for the protection of
French subjects during the absence of the
French Minister from Bangkok.
VOICE OF THE LONDON PRESS.
LONDON, July 24.-The London press
speaks out very boldly concerning the at
utude the British Government should
take in the Franco-Siamese trouble.
The Globe says: This fragrant French
aggression is aimed at England. Siam is
merely preteXt. Hence the duty of the
British Foreign Office is one of extraor-
binary difficulty. England's place in the
situation is paramount. Firmness is
necessary, for doubtless France is count
ing upon the feebleness of British coun-
sci. She Is not hungry for war nearer
home than the Mekong River"
The st. James Gazette says: zone
thought conveyed by Slams reply to the
French ultimatum is that she has suf-
1ered enough humiliation for small
Power that has been unfortunate enough
to get in the way Of big one. But
hos
her desires at the lannon's mouth. We
can endure the pillage of Siam to the
eighteenth parallel of latitude, but the
pillage of Siam, China and Burmah to
the twenty-third parallel is a different
matter. We are afraid that Lord Rose
berry, the British Foreign Minister, must
let the Governments at Bangkok and
Paris know that this is going trifle TO
lar. Sucn check in the present temper
OF the French may have serious results,'
The Fdb Mall Gazette, in an article
headed Blackmail," says: ISLAM has
spoken with dignity and moderation.
She gives up too much, but she does not
Tor moment recognize the other prepos-
ferrous demands made upon her. In re-
gard to these demands France must reckon
with England. We must not hesitate to
let our voice be heard. Lord Rosebery
and Lord Dufferin, British Ambassador
10 France, must be alert, and Develle, the
French Foreign Minister, be careful If
France cherishes the idea of bombarding
Bangkok let her remember that the Eng
fish gunbOats in Siamese waters could
blow the French gunboats out of the
water in half an hour. Let France
pocket her blackmail and be content"
APPREHENSION IN ENGLAND.
LONDON, July 24.-The Franco-Siamese
complication was the one absorbing
topic III the Hobbies of the Commons to-
day. The situation is regarded with APP
prehension by all parties, and regret is
expressed that the British war-ships in
Siamese waters were not reinforced a
month ago, as British interests in Siam
outnumber the French a hundred to one.
THE MINISTER'S FLAG LOWERED.
BANGKOK, July 24.-M. Pavie, French
Minister resident, has lowered the flag
over his Office, and has notified the Siam
csc Government that he will leave the
city to go aboard the French warship In
constante on Wednesday. He has re-
quested the Government to provide nj
4OtS 10 COnuucL the LQLln ana COInto
down the river. The French subjects in
Bangkok will be placed under protection
of the Dutch Consul.
MILITARY OPERATIONS WILL BE OPENED
SHORTLY.
PARIS, July 24.-Li6erte says France
will seize and hold Battambang and
Angkora as guarantees that her demand
will be satisfied. Temps says the begin
ming of the blockade will be deferred
until Thursday or Friday to enable
France to take steps prescribed by inter
national law. Besides the blockade, mill
tary operations will be opened shortly.
GERMANY PLEASED.
BERLIN. July 24.-The IdgebIdtte says
Germany would be pleased should
Frances overreaching spirit cause
serious complications in Asia, nor would
the German Government be disturbed,
says TiagebLatte, if the present trouble re-
suit in acute rivalry in Eastern Asia be-
Lyyean France and Great Britain