The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-06-13
siam.

Sir John Bowring has given an account Of
Siam, and of the t,oo Kings of that country. lie
says:
g Persons who know little Of the state Of Siam
will be surprised 10 learn that the first king is
well vcrsed in the works Of Euclid and Newton;
that he writes and speaks English with tolerable
accuracy; that he is proficient in Latin, and has
acquired tile Sanscrit Cingalese, and Pagan Ian
guages; that he can project and calculate eclpses
of the. sun and moon, and OSCILLATIONS of the
planets; that he is fond of all branches of learn
ing and science; that he h rs introduced printing
press, with Siamesc and English type; and that
his palace and table are supplied with all the ele-
gancics Of European life. He lived twenty seven
years in retirement before he came 10 the throne,
and during that time he acquired the accomplish
ments which make his reign a memorable and
most beneficial era in Siamese history He was
born in 1864, and is now consequently ffiy-thrce
years Of age.'
The second King CHS broiher) appears to be
equally estimable; .
My intercourse with the second king was in
all respects, most agreeable. found him gem
tlcman of very cultivated understanding; quiet
even modest in manners; willing to communicate
knowledge, and earnest in the search of instruc-
ton. His table was spread with all the neatness
and order that are found IN well-feguated
English household. A favorie child sat on his
knee, whose mother remained crouched at the
door OF the apartment, but took no part in the
conversation. The king played to his guests
very preilily on the pipes Of The Laos portable
organ. He had a variety of music; and there was
an exhibition of national sports and pastmes,
equestrian feats, elephant combats, and other
amusements; but what seemed most to interest
-" king was his museum of models, nautical
ana nb;losu,N zeal Instruments, and variety Of
scientific and other uv..iiosities. These kings
reign, each in prescribed limits, ~ perfect lar-
mony. This double monarchy 10 an old inat!u-
ton of Siam, and is popular with the people
The Siamese, by the report of Sir John, are al,
amiable and intelligent race, with high degree
Of civilization in all that relates to social nsttu
tons. They profess the faith of Buddah, and
seem affectonately, though not bigotedlys at
tached 10 II. They are willing to engage in con-
troversy with our missidHaries, and show much
acuteness in their arguments. The atllios re-
lates
~ found no indisposilion among the Samese
TO discuss religious questions, and the general
result of tie discussion wnsi Your religion Is
excellent for you and ours Is excellent for us.
All countries do not produce the same fruits and
flowers, and Hc find various religions suited TO
various nations The present King is so tolerant
that he gave three thousand SLAVES prisoners of
war; TO be taught religion by the Catholic mis-.
sionaries, saying: Tott may make Christians of
these people Pallegoix, the Catholic bishop,
rho is a great fayortc with his Majesty, reports
several conversations with the first King which
does honor to his i9beral spirit. Persecution is
hateful he said every MAR ot.ght TO be free to
profess the religion he prefers; did lie added;
If Won convert certain number of people auyJ
iytfere. let me know you have done 50, and VIII
sits lhshi a Christian governor, and they shall
not be annoyed by sirntcse authorities have a
letter from the King in Which re- says that, ~ the
head, We cannot tell who is right and WHO s
wrong; but win pray my god 10 give you his
blessing, ara you must pray to your God to bless
me; and 50 blessings riaY descend upon both =