New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-07-25
ENGLISH OPINION OF FRENCH DEMANDS
NOTE OF WARNING SOUNDED BY THE LONDON
NEWcp <pERS

A NOTE OF WARNING SOUNDED BY THE LONDON
NEWSPAPERS
! London July 25.-"The Times says editorialy
this morning: "Englands main objection in the
matter is against making British and French
possessions in Asia coterminous II she so de-
sired she might warn France OF the dangers she
is running by reminding her of the Tonaun
! fasco'
1.-THE Daily News" comments at length on the
| opinion prevalent in the German press that a
| squabble between France and England over Siam
| would be of advantage to Germany. and expresses
! the belief that such squabbe would afford a
rest to the historic fire-eaters both sides of
| the Vosges.
1.-THE Standards" leader on France and Siam
contains this passage: 1.-THE terms that France is
trying to impose Siam would be understandable
| In any court of international morality. The re-
! markable experience. which we gained from the
occupation of Tunis of the methods of French Dip
lomacy forbids US to accept too confidingly the
published programme of the Quai d'Orsay 1t is
the Earl OF Rosebery's duty to tell France plainly
that she is pledged to respect the independence OF
this buffer State We cannot remain inactive in
the face Of Frances preparations for contrary
action" In conclusion "The Standard says:
'The cynical tone of the German press is a much
safer guide for NJ. Develle than are the accama-
I tons OF the Paris cafes"
1.-THE Times yesterday published an edi-
torial which 1t thought expresses the gen.
eral English opinion of the merits Of the
Franco-Siamese dispute. In commenting upon
Slams answer to the French ultimatum "The
Times says SLAMS refusal to go beyond just
and reasonable limits. to concede territory to
which France never put in effective claim until
the other day, is no excuse for measure of hos
tility, ostensiby directed against the Siamese but
really striking at the commerce Of England and
other countries having commercial relations with
Siam"
Tba Gtob.'
gression is aimed at England. Siam is merely a
preext. Hence the duty of the British Foreign
Office is of extraordinary difficulty. England's
place in the situation is paramount. Firmness IL
necessary, for doubtless France is counting upon
the feebeness of British councils. She is not
hungry for nearer home than the Mekong
River"
THE St James's Gazette says: zone thought
conveyed by Slams reply to the French ultimatum
is that she has suffered enough humiliation for "A
small Power that has been unfortunate enough to
get in the way of big But France has gone
forth to grab and to extort her desires the
cannon'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
twentythird parallel Is different matter. We
are afraid that Lord Rosebery must let the gov
ernments at Bangkok and Paris know that this
is going a trfe too far Such check in the
present temper of the French may have serious
results
THE Pail Mall Gazette" commenting upon
the situation in article headed "Blackmail."
says: Islam has spoken with dignity and modera-
ton. She gives up too much. but she does not
for a moment recognize the other preposterous de-
mands made upon her. In regard to these demands
France must reckon with England. We must not
hesitate to let our voice be heard. Lord Rosebery
and Lord Dufferin must be alert, and NJ Devee
careful. II France cherishes the idea OF lombard
ing Bangkok. let her remember that the English
er1rn
gunboats out of the water In half an hour. Let
France pocket her backmail and be content