Show TO PROTECT MISSIONARIES I The Department of State Asked to Care for Americans in Slam WASHINGTON July 14The only official of-ficial news of trouble between the French and Siameso received at the State Department Depart-ment is contained in a brief cablegram from Acting ConsulGeneral Boyd at I Bangkok fitatintr that after nn hnnrn f > n 0 0 gagement the French vessels passed the forts below Bangkok I is not the present pres-ent intention of the department to specially spe-cially dispatch an American war vessel to the scene of war in view of the fact that American interests in Siam are insignificant insignifi-cant Nevertheless it is apprehended that i the war assumes formidable proportions the Siamese may make it very unpleasant for foreign residents including the few Americans there I such a state of affairs af-fairs obtains however the United States will not be without a vessel in Siamese waters as the United States ship Concord Con-cord now on her way to China ship be in the neighborhood in the course of two months About twenty missionaries are in Siam mostly Presbyterians and their friends in this country have become concerned about their welfare now that actual hostilities hos-tilities have broken out between the French and Siamese Rev Dr Gillespie of New York representing the Presbyterian Presbyte-rian mission board today telegraphed Secretary Gresham to inquire what Secretry provision pro-vision would be made for the safety of the missionaries and numerous children in their charge Secretary Gresham replied re-plied lam informed by the secretary of the navy that there is not at present on the Aeiatic station any vessel capable of entering en-tering Siamese waters Tho missionaries should communicate with the legation at Bangkok for the usual diplomatic protection I protec-tion |