The Siamese Government have 12,000 armed men in Bangkok. It is believed that France intends to occupy Battambong and Ongcor. The French Press urges that the King’s palace should be shelled. The British resi dents in Bangkok are intensely irrita ted at the seeming apathy of the Im perial Government. Paris, July 23. The Siamese reply to the French ultimatum has been received, but the contents of the documents are being kept secret. July 24. The Siamese reply to the French ultimatum is regarded as unsatisfac tory, chiefly with respect to the cession of territory. M. Pavie, the French Consul-General in Bangkok hss been instructed to leave the city within twenty-four hours. The French Press declares that England has influenced the attitude adopted by Siam and ex pressed surprise that the French can non were not thundering in Siam before this. France has formally no tified the great Powers of the blockade of the Siamese ports. July 26.
Lord Dufferin had a friendy inter view with M. Develle, who intimated that France would not allow a third party to interfere in her quarrel with Siam.
The King of Portugal, while inter vening in a drunken street brawl, was violently assuited ; but he captured his ascailant, and handed him over to the police. A wonderful discovery of gold is re ported at Wood's Point (Victoria), on the Cloth of Gold reef. The discoverer has bagged 4cwt of quartz. Every stone is a speeimeat. A Sydney paper says:—The fact that the stud sheep sales are brisk, is a ray of sunshine in the prevalent financial gloom. '

Wellington Gossip.
