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Chapter VII.
M y understanding of the trouble between France and Siam is that it is owing principally to France's grasping disposition to overpower the small independent kingdoms in the East. I think it was about 1860 the French made a demand on the King of Siam for a certain piece of territory over in Anam, in fulfillment of an agreement made by one of the sons of the old king of Anam. This young Prince, after the death of his father, agreed to give the French the territory named if the French would put him on the throne in place of his brother, who was the legitimate heir. The work was consummated; and then the new King told the French that the King of
