The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-23

Commercial Progrrssion of the Sinmcar King
dom.

Commercial Progression, of the Stnricns King
dom.
From the London Globe Dec. IL
There are many countries, less remote ana better
geographically situated for trade, which exhibit less
activity and progress than the little Kingdom Of
Siam. II has government which seems TO regard
iis commerce with other countries and Its own tn
ternal development AZ first considerations. In this
respect the Siamcse present an exemplary contrast
with the Celesiials who content 10 take FROM the
lesser Kingdom vast portion OF It's produce, which
might be obtained from their own territory. A con-
shar report Just issued details the trading progress
OF siam up 10 the end OF last year. Its exports have
al length cxceedsi its imports generally favorable
indicatonthe former beng, In 1907, OF the value Of
fi.oissa3, and the latter noninsy f793.3o4 though
inclusive OF the large amount OF machinery and
are estimated TO exceed q million sterling During
last wear, ere told, the SiaInesc government
have shown their readiness to facilitate trade by
Withdrawing a port regulation which Obliged vcs-
sells 10 land their guns ~ tho mouth OF the River
Mennni. II has commenced the erection OF light.
house TO mark the proper spot 10 the bar.
work OF the greatest Importance to the port. ar
Internal works are mentioned tho construction
OF a canal intended 10 connect Ratburi md
BANGKOK, q step towards facilitating coinmnni-
cation with the great rice districts Of Pctcha-
ss ana te rs ~ V me e. s Siam
Siamese produce consists principally OF rice and
sugar CHINA taking a large portion or both; aud
u ~ significant fact thar last years export OF rice
has only twice been exceeded during the ten years
Bangkok has been opened for foreign trade, notwit.
standing that the low price OF tho article ruined
many merchants. There was an unusually large crop
OF sugar: but Mr. Acting Consul Aabaster docs not
DclieNe thai the Increase can DC ucpenuei on as
likely TO DO permanent for though experienced
persons speak highly OF the cap0bilitt Of Lacon-
chasee district OF Siam for sugar growing the crop,
under the present system OF CULTIVATION mas always
been very uncertain, aud the attempts a. improve
ment have been, as yet, only IN Manufacture, not
in cultivation And he Is b0ruc out by the fact that
the prospect for the next season ~ not regarded
equally promising with the last
Another attempt has been made with better sue.
cess than formerly, to develop the teak trade The
capitalists have been able TO contract with the chiefs
OF the forests cilefy Kareus 70 cut and deliver the
wood and now II seems the chief complaint is that
they snfier from the want OF consular officer IN the
northern provinces 10 keep the dishonest local
officials from expressing them to suppress highway
robbery aud elephant stealing, and to put stop TO
tho sytcnatic depredations OF cutting mp RATS and
stealing the wood which drifts from the wreck AZ
regards public works, the consular report states
that .'throughous the year the Siarnesc govern
ment dockyarls have been as busy ~ usual
building and repairing steamers. Iron bridges
have been erected over some OF the creeks, gas
works constructed In the palaces or the King and
Prime Minister, two steam dredges puf together and
set 90 work and another steam rice cleaning mil,
added TO the four large mills already existing Alarge
sugar mill and istiery, asaw mi British ship yard
aud dry dock have been In operation throughout
year; and rs the supplies for sl these come almost
entirely from England aud Singapore, therc must
have been very considerable importation Of British
machinery tine great essential however, 10 give
4 stimulus ~ Siancse trade s telegraph 10 Cfuis,
Que Advantage OF whica would w W enshlo mer-