Foreign.

Manawatu Herald, 22 July 1893, Page 2

Foreign.

Count von Caprivi has intimated to the Vatican that he will not oppose the return of religious orders to Germany. It is reported in this city that the Russian Government intend to create two more army corps. The Sultan is checking the ardour of the young Khedive. Three more American banks have failed, with liabilities amounting to a million and a half dollars. The United States warship Mohican discovered the Hawaiin steamer Alexandria poaching in Bahring Sea, and fired across her bows. The Alexandra returned the the fire from a six -pounder she had on board, smashing part of the Mohican's machinery. This enabled her to escape. Siam. ■ Lord Rosebery, in reply to a question in the Houi« of Lordi, it&tri

that complete arrangements had been made for the protection of the British residents in Bangkok, and more ships would be available if necessary. Lord Bosebery said the Government was fully sensible of the grave importance of the independence and the integrity of Siam, which France professed to respect. ■■■•'.win The Siamese fort sank a French merchant vessel because she wrp piloting a French warship up the Menam Kiver. The French Government deny that they disowned the action of Admiral Humann in entering the river with warships. The British residents in Bangkok are much alarmed at the French action, and are leaving the city. The Chamber of Deputies unanimously carried a resolution that the Government should take the necessary measures to make the rights of France respected in Siam. In the Chamber of Deputies, M. Deville. Minister for Foreign Affairs, mentioned that as Great Britain had been, assured that Bangkok would not be bombarded without notice, explanations had been asked for the meaning of the despatch of English gunboats to Siamese waters. The reply elicited disclaimed any intention of intervening in the matter beyond protecting British subjects. France, he Baid, had been unable to exercise farther patience, unless reparation was granted for the recent murder of French subjects and the violation of ti-eaty rights ; therefore coercive measures had been taken in hand. The statement was received with applause. The English press advises Siam to give France no cause to imperil its independence. If the French ultimatum is ignored Bangkok will be blockaded. M. Develle admitted that it was the intention of the Government to reconquer the left bank of the Mekong, but they had no desire to infringe on the independence of Siam. Siam is willing to deposit money to meet the French claims pending the settlement of the dispute. The French have seized Tchone Island, and the Siamese are retreating before the French advances. The French Government demand territory in Siam on the left bank of the Mekong, with the islands, and claims the revenue derived from the fisheries in Battamban / and Angkor until the indemnities, both private and public, are paid. France also claims the occupation of the Siamese forts, or a guarantee of safe anchorage, pending the settlement of the matters in dispute.