Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-09-10
A SIAMESE SMELLS HARD LUCK.
A Diplomat From the Land OF the
White Elephant Ruined by Gambling.

A Herald special from London Sunday says:
On Thursday morning last the steamer Gle
nearn, laden with merchandise and carrying
but handful Of passengers, moved slowly out
Of the south dock, London, and steamed away
down the Thames bound for Singapore and
China. On board was one Of Slams most dis
tinguished sons, handsome man about thirty
years Of age, in whose veins flows noble blood
and who, for a twelvemonth past. has been his
country's representative in Paris. He was
going home not as he had como-with servants
eager at his call and all that was bost on the
ship at his disposition.
On the morning in question this ne-looking
young fellow, whose grandfather was once
regent OF Siam. and who had himself made his
mark in the gay capital for his elegant dress
and manners and lavish style of living, stood
among the common sailors mostly Cinnamon.
and with arms barred scrubbed away with will
at the brasses on deck. He was working his
passage to Singapore as the ste wards assistant
He was ruined. How? All! it's a sad story OF
fine position and still finer prospects, the re-
suits of years of patient labor, all tumbled over
and shriveled away because this high-spirited
diplomat from Siam being in Paris wanted to
do ms Parislans do. and he did 1t.
About six months ago young Rapath-that is
the name he gave on board ship, his own being
kind OF transformation of the letters in
Rapath-was made a member of the worst
gambling hell in Paris, to which George WASH
ington has given his name. Night after night
his liveried coachman used to wait outside
while his swarthy master exchanged his louis
for grim experience.
At first Fights and mines ran in his favor and
his dark eyes flashed He drove away, his
pockets crammed with One-thousaud-frauc
notes He thought he had found a sure road
to riches, but he hadn't
Through May and June the tide of luck ran
strong in Rapaths favor and more than one
fair Parisienne can tell with what oriental pro-
fusion he showered his gold upon his friends.
At the battle of the flowers III the Bots no
turnout was richer with gariands than his and
| no hand more lavish in aiming rare bou quets
at every pretty face. Much envied and ad-
mired was he that day no rolled along be-
hind his high stepping pair, and yet no was
the same who. last Thursday, on his hands and
knees, was scrubbing his way to an eastern
land aboard the steamer Glenearn.
Yes, OF course, it was the same old story.
Having lost his winnings, Rapath proceeded to
| lose everything else. He got deep into debt
and his government learned the truth Then
about a month ago be was relieved of his post
and recalled to Siam-recalled in disgrace.
This blow came like thunderbOlt and while IL
stunned him at first it finally brought him to
his senses. Having made his bed he declared
to a friend he would lie on it, however hard it
proved and he wired back to Siam his resigna-
ton. Then selling all that he had-jeweIs,
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 ago met him here by chance no
| longer the dashing young swell had known
| in Paris.
~ haven't a penny" said he sorrowfully,
''nor place to lay my head. l have eaten moth
| ing for twenty -four hours. but drawing him
self up proudiy-''no man can ever say that
went away from Paris owing so much as q 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 and family in dis
grace! Never. shall work my way to Cam
bodia, where the king knows me. There I
shall commence life over again, and who
knows" laughing gayly. 'in Ave or ten years
| may be back again in Paris as happy as
ever. Only mind l shall never, never gamble
again."