Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-11-18

10. Ammo Christi. 1859. which was We'd
nrsduv. 10th night Of waxing moon
in the wear Of Monkey, with a
package of books. 1872 volumes ID number,
which came To hand IN the wear IoiioW-
ing. Or 10 Whomsoeyer the people nave
elected anew as chief ruler In place OF
President Buchanan mere some
more complimentary titles ana anu
sions are inserted sendeth friendly greet
ing"
The letter goes on 70 comment upon the
difficulties OF sending communications
from SIAM TO the United states ana 70
explain the indirect course letters took,
So the king congratulated himself on hav-
ng found an excellent opportunlty-a
sailing vessel OF the United STATES navy
the John Adams. in command OF Capt.
Berrien. having come into the chiet port
Of Siam and It's officers desiring TO make
a friendly visit to the king and having
been received by him-to forward his let
ter aud some complimentary presents, q
sword and a Photographic likeness OF
himself, to the president OF the United
States.
Tne king mentioned that in reply to
questions asked by him OF Capt. Berrlen
be had learned that there are no elephants
on the continent Of America and that
so great a curiosity are they that thou
large tusk OF an elephant when exhibited
in some public place, saying 1t vas d
wonderful thing. and he uad learned that
elephants are regarded by Americans as
the most remarkable Of all the large
qundrupeds. He had also been informed
that there were no camels on the con-
tinent OF America, the Americans nave
sought for and purchased them, some
from Europe. some from Arabia. and
st,- T- 20 70 am
are seryiceable aud OF benefit TO the
country and are already numerous in
America. From this one might infer
that Capt. Berrlen imposed somewhat on
the cradulity Of this graciously inclined
monarch.
THE KINGS BENEVOLENT DESIGN.
Having heard this about the camels it
occurred to the king, continued the letter,
that 'it on the continent OF America there
should be several pairs OF Young male
and female elephants turned loose in for
ests, where there was abundance
OF water and grass, in any
region called by the English
the torrid zone, and all we're forbidden TO
would be well. and if the climate should
prove favorable TO elephants we are Of
opinion that after awhile they will in
crease till there be large herds, as there
are on the continent OF 1sia, until the
inhabitants of America will be able 10
catch them and tame them and use them
as beasts Of burden, because on account
OF the great strength and size Of the ele-
plants they could be made to carry very
heavy loads and would be Of benefit TO the
country, since elephants can travel where
carriage and other roads have not been
made" Cpat. Berrien evidently did not
mention that we had steam horses larger
than elephants to carry freight for us
through our country.
The king, to illustrate how feasible il is
TO introduce elephants and raise them
successfully in countries where they had
been unknown, cites examples from an
Client times OF the "transpanting of ele-
plants" TO places where there were none,
instancing the island of CeylOn, to which
they were taken 400 years ago, and have
become very plentiful.
THE PROPOSITION.
He then proposed to give number OF
young elephants OF both sexes 10 our
country if the United States will furnish
a vessel for their transportation supplied
with food enough fer them during the
voyage. He further suggested that a
steamer tow the ship on which they
travel TO America to haste n their arrival,
So that the elephants would be received
in good condition in their new home. He
says very positively that as soon as they
arrived in America they must be turned
loose iD Jungle in the tOrrid zone.
The king desires "the President OF the
United States and Congress, who con-
Jointly with him rule the country" to let
MIN know their views, as soon as pos
sinle, as 10 mis- offer TO furnish the ele-
plants. and whether or no they are
wanted. He sends with his letter pair
OF the largest size OF elephants tusks,
"both from the same animal. to be de-
posted for public inspectionin the United
States. that thereby the glory and renOwn
of Siam may be promoted"
One can imagine the guileless king
picturing 10 himself how thousands Of
people would crowd to see those tusks
and exalt the benevolent monarch who
mad given them such an opportunity TO
see a wonderful thing.
This letter, as stated at its close, was
'given at our royal audience hall, Anant
| Samagome, in the Grand palace" ETC., al
| Bangkok, Siam, "On Thursday, the fl fth
4 night OF the waxing moon, in the lunar
mouth Of Phagun, the fourth month from
the commencement of the cold season in
| the year OF Monkey; corresponding 70 the
/ solar date OF Feb. 10, Ammo Christi 1861
which is the eleventh year, and this day
is the 3,564th day OF our reign"
A COLD RECEPTION.
IL is scarcely necessary TO say that thil
generous offer Of the king OF Siam to stOcl
an elephant farm in America was In dut
| time declined, with thanks by the authori
ties at Washington. BY the time the let
ter was received, Abraham Lincoln wa,
President and Mr.. Seward Secretary o
State and it is said that when the lettel
asked Mr.. Lincoln what should be done
with the elephants II they came, Mr.
Lincoln said he did not know un
less "they were used to stamp out the re
bellion."
1t is on the statute books, however, tina
| the emnernr Of MOROCCO once nresentnI