The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-07-21
The British Cabinet In Session Dis
cusses the Situation In the
Far East
frances Encroachments In Slam
Being Watched With Jeal-
GUS Eye.
A Reply to the Ultimatum Expected Sat.
urdsy or ssndsv-Ths Powers Are
Taking Sides.

LONDON, July 2O.-A special cabinet meet
Ing was summoned in Downing street this
afternoon. There was full attendance.
Frances demand ON Siam was discussed u
length and eventually instructions for the
ma, quis Of Duffsrin. British ambassador to
France, was formulated aud approved.
Immediately after the meeting Earl Rose
berry, secretary Of state for foreign affairs.
communicated with the admiralty in re-
gard TO the disposition of the feet in
Asiatio waters. Late in the afternoon
special orders we're dispatched BY the ad-
miralty to Vios-Admiral F1ssmsntis. CON-
mandeI-in- chief of she Chinese division.
These facts. together with tho sudden
canselling of the marquis Of Duffssin's
leave of absence. are regarded % hardly In
harmony with official prsdistions Of per-
feotly amiosbls settlement with France Of
the 6iamess difficulty. Even II not alarmed
BY the course of France. the government 10
believed TO realize that the Siamess affair IL
fraught with the most serious possibilitiss
for which inmsdistp preparation must bs
made by Great Britain.
lished that the Russian Ambassador to
France has given assurance TO that country
that Russis will support France on all
POINTS involved In ths Siamsse difficulty.
II 10 further said the Russian feet in Obi
nese waters 10 under orders 10 proceed to
porting the French and protecting French
residents Of siam. II is expected to arrive
there soon.
A dispatch from Bangkok states that the
siamese court is greatly aRitated. Prepsra-
tions are apparently under way for the de-
1 III aoA
capital. Reports Of the intention Of the
king to leave Bangkok spread among the
populace and caused much excitement. The
dispatch adds that II 10 stated that popular
agitation In favor of France started in the
province of BattambanR and troops have
been sent to put down tho sedision.
| The senate to-day passed unanimoualy .
resolution approving. In every respect, the
attitude Of the government In the 6iamese
affair.
slams reply TO frances ultimstum ia
not expected bsfors Saturday night OF Sun
day. II is thoughs. in case the reply II on-
favorable Admiral Human will wait the
arrival Of special commissionsr sent ont
By the French government before tnal
| action.
BANGKOK, July 2O.-The belliRsrsnt atti-
tuds of the three French gunboats oppo-
site the middle Of this oity. 10 causina great
anxiety among the people. They are
| clea! cd Tor action ana contlnuhuy Dssnne
TO quarters and training their guns on Sia-
msss eunboats that happen 30 pass. 6iam
il doing her best TO convince the French
minister that her intentions are amioable,
but freedom of action in the negotiations
is much restricted by the pressure exsvcissd
ostsntatiously by French war vessels.
TEN Ts1N. July &c. Information comes
from Pekin to the effect that China WILL
support Siam against France. Siam fol
many years has paid tribute to China ~ 9
matter of custom only. Chinese interfer-
encs adds Q most interesting fsatu,e to
the dispute and may result in modifoa-
ton of French demands.