The record-union., 1893-07-24

Premier Dupay all of to-day. Only at
the last minute was it decided to impart
to the press Slams reply and the Gov
ernments decision. 1t is stated that
Develle has notified Admiral Human
to proceed at once to declare a blockade.
The Soir comments thus, in an extra
edition on Slams reply: Siam comedies
only the least important of the conditions
put by France. Her resistance is due to
English influence. NJ. Develle would do
well to speak clearly and firmly to Lord
Dufferin. The eighteenth parallel men
toned in the Siamese reply cuts the Me-
kong River in line with the Khan Muon,
where Captain Luce is operating
with a French force. The French
claim, in fact, fixed the twenty-third
parallel as the northern boundary. AS
the northern frontier of Gambodia is
along the 18th parallel, Siam in her reply
grants only half the French demands.
The Paris newspapers, led by Temps,
are conducting a vigorous campaign in
favor of the Governments full demand,
and warning Great Britain against any
interference in the present complications.
Dispatches from Bangkok says the
territorial demands of France are re-
garded there as very vague. The Siamese,
ing great self-control.
BOTH READY FOR ACTION.
LONDON, July pa correspondent Of
the daily Chronicle says: Siamese war
ships are anchored one mile from the
French, crowded with men ready for
action. Their intention is in case the
French commence hostilities to steam
down and ram the French gunboats,
attempt to board them in force and at
tack the crews with fixed bayonets. The
German gunboat Wolf has arrived.
a Bangkok correspondent of the Times
says: On Saturday the French gunboats
were fixing chain armor amidships.
The Siamese vessels were also preparing
for action. All have steam up. The
French Legation processes to believe that
the gunbOats cannot cross the bar until
high tide on Wednesday, which would
leave time to complete an amicabIe settle
ment.
ENGLAND MAY TAKE A HAND.
New York, July 23.-A cable from
London says: The Siamese lamb has but
few hours in which to decide with what
kind of sauce it prefers to be eaten by the
French wolf 1t will take about the same
space Of time for Europe to make I'D its
mind whether the incident is going to
stop there or not.
Whichever way this trembling balance
turns there is no question that the stua-
ton skirts the danger point more nearly
than any previous situation since the
Russian army was within sight Of the
domes and turrets OF Constantinople.
Neither in the French Senate nor in
the Chamber is there a single dissenting
voice raised against the reckless and
wanton adventure, which, at its best, can
only enervate Frances fighting strength
in Europe, and, at its worse, must in
volve very terrible consequences.
1t forces a sinister parallel upon the
mind to recall that, twenty three years
ago this month, there was also no hesita-
ton in either branch of the Corps Legis-
latif in passing Gramont and Ollivier's
war vote.
That tragic position was forced forward
in order to consolidate the position of the
French dynasty. This present menacing
situation is created to maintain in power
French Ministry.
Politicians in Paris talk volubIv of
French glory abroad, but they are think
ing of the Parliamentary elections at
home. 1t is only by remembering that
the general election is fixed for August
Goth, that the whole country is seething
with partisan activity, and that Minis
ters, Projects and all subordinate officials
are denied their summer holidays till
after election, that one gets a clew to this
amazing performance in far Asia.
1t became apparent months ago that
some bold spectacular diversion from the
rotten Panama affair was needed for cleo
toral consumption if the politicians now
in control III France were not to be
kicked out neck and crop. There was an
ingenious attempt to utilize Egypt for
this purpose, but the Khediye's courage
failed him and the enterprise fell
through. Now little Siam is to be ex-
plotted instead, and Premier Deputy con-
tidentIy awaits the electoral returns from
the back country.