The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-08-19
3 . A m a.

SIa JoHN BowRIKG has given an account oil
SIAM, and The TWO kings of that country. He
says
"Persons who know little Of the state OF
Siam, will be surprised to learu that the first
king is well versed The works of Euclid and
Newton; that he writes and speaks English
with tolerable accuracy; ,ha, he Is pro6ci-
en-, in Latin, and has &C quired the Sansctit
CiDsalese and Pagan languages, that ho can
projsci and calculate cclipses Of the sun and
moon, and occulalions Of the planets; that
he is iond Of oil branches of learning and
science; that he has introduced printing
press, with Samese and Enslish type; and
that his palace and table are supplied with
all the eleganclea Of European life. He lived
J twenty seven years in retirement before he
came 10 the throne, and during tha, time he
acquired the accomplishments which make
his reign q memorable and most beneficial
era in Samese history He was born in 1904,
and is now consequently filty-three years OF
age"
The second king, (his brolher,) appears 10
be equally estimable:
"Nly intercourse with the second king was,
in all respecls, most agreeable. | found him
gentleman Of very cultivated understand
ing; quiet, even modest in manners; willing
10 communicate knowledge, and earnest in
search of instruction. His table was spread
with all the neatness and order that are found
in a we'll regulated English household. A
favorite child sat on his knee, whose mother
remained crouched at the door Of the apart
ment but took no part in the conversation.
The king played to his guests very pIetlly
on the pipes Of the Laos portable organ. He
had a variety OF music; and there was an
exhibition Of national sports and pasltimes,
equestrian icats, elephant combats, and 9TH
amusement ; but what seemed most TO inter.
est the king was his museum of models,
nautical and philosophical instruments, aud
a variety Of scientific and other cunosi'ies
These kings reign, each in prescribed limits
in perfect harmony. This double monarchy
is an old institution of Siam, and is popula
with the people.
The Siamese, by the report OF Sir John
are an amiablo and intelligent race, with q
high degree OF civilization in oil that relates
to social institutions. They profess the faith
of Buddah and seem affec onalely, though
not tisotedly, attached 10 il. They are will
ing 10 engage in controversy with our mis-
sion aries, and show much acuteness IN thei
arguments. The author relates:
"l found no indisposition among the Sia
mcsc TO discuss religious questions, and Tho
general result of the discussion was: ''You
religion is excellent for you, and ours is ex
cclent for us. All countries do moi pso.
duce the same fruits and flowers, and We
find various religions suited to various ma
tions." The present king is so tolerant tha
he gave three thousand slaves, (prisoner:
of war; TO be taught religion by the Catho
lie missionaries, saying: "You may make
Christians of these people" Pallegoix, the
Catholic bishop. who is great favorite with
his majesty, reports several conversation.
with the first king, which do honor 10 hi.
liberal spirit "Persecution is hateful" he
said; "every man ought 10 be free TO pro
iess the religion he prefers" and he added
''lf You convert a cerrain number Of peopl'
anywhere: let me know you have done so
and will give them Christian governor
! ami tiIcy si,un not be annoyed by Siames
authorities" have letter from tho King
in which he says that the inquiries into tn
abstruse subjects of Godhead, eve canno
: tell who is right and who is wrong; but
/ will pray my God 10 give you his blessing
} and you must pray TO your God to bless me
and so blessings may descend upon both"