Sacramento daily record-union., 1890-09-08
Cards Cause the Downfall ct siamese
Nobleman.

14r0S Cause the DOHAAa1A tk . EidiAc SO
Noblemaa.
LONDON, September 7th.-On Thursday
morning last the steamer Gleneard, laden
with merchandise aud carrying handful
of passengers, moved slowly out of South
dock, London, and steamed away down the
Thames bound for Singapore and China.
On board was one of Slams most distin-
guished sons and handsome man of about
30 years, in whose veins flows noble blood,
and who for twelve months past has been
his country's representative in Paris. On
board he was, but not as he had come, with
servants eager at his call and all that was
best on the ship at his disposition.
On the morning in question this fine
looking young fellow, whose grandfather
was a regent of Siam, and who had him.
self made his mark at the gay Capital for
elegant dress and manners and lavish style
of living, stood among the common sailors,
mostly Cinnamon, and with. arms barred,
scrubbing away with will at the brass
work on deck, be was working his passage
to Singapore as the Stewards assistant.
He was ruined How? 1t is a sad story
of fine position and still finer prospect,
the result of years of patient labor all
tumbled over and shriveled away because
this high-spirited diploma: from Siam be-
ing in Paris wanted TO do as Parisians do,
and he did it.
About six months ago young Rapath.
that is his name, was made a member of
the worst gambling hell in Paris, to which
George Washington has given name.
Night after night liveried coachmen used
to wait outside while their worthy master
exchanged his coin for grim experience
AT first eights and mines ran in his favor
and his dark eyes flashed. He drove away,
L.
notes. He thought he had found sure
road to riches, but he hadn't.
More than one fair Parisienne can tell
with what Oriental profusion he showered
his gold upon his friends. At the battle of
flowers in the Bois no turnout was richer
with garlands than his and no more lavish
in aiming rare bouquets at every pretty
face. Much envied and admired was he
that day as he rolled along behind his high
stepping pair, and yet he was the same who
last Thursday, on his hands and knees, was
scrubbing his way to an Eastern land aboard
the steamer Gleneard.
His, of course, was the same old story of
having lost his winnings. Rapath pro.
ceeded to lose everything else. He got
deep in debt, and when his Government
learned the truth, about month ago, he
wss relieved from his post and recalled to
came like a thunderbolt. and while it
stunned him at first, it finally brought him
to his senses.
Having made his bed he declared to
friend that he would lie on ii, however hard
il proved, and he wired back to Siam his
resignation. Then, selling all he had OF
Jewels, furniture, pictures, even to his
clothing, he succeeded in paying all that
he owed, but he had scarcely anything left
in the world-barely enough to reach
London.
A week sgo I met him here by chance,
longer the dashing young swell | had
known in Paris. II haven't a penny" he
said sorrowfully, NOR place to lay my
head l have eaten nothing for twenty
four hours, but" drawing himself up
proudly, mo man can ever say that | went
away from Paris owing so much as franc.
No, I will not appeal to my friends,
although have plenty of them. What's
the use AS we say in the East, When a
man laughs, the world laughs with him,
but when he cries he cries alone Go back
to my country or family in disgrace?
Never / shall work my way to Cambodia,
where the King knows me. There | shall
commence life over again, and who
knows said he, laughing gayly, "but in
five or ten years | may be back again in
Paris as happy as ever Only mind, l
shall never, never gamble again"
These brief facts in his sad story Rspath
authorized me to publish, but only" said
he, when l am far away on the seas. My
experience may help some poor devil who
is running himself with that cursed bad art.
] hope it may. Well, old chap, good-by."