Evening star., 1893-07-27
Something About Siam.

The kingdom OF Siam includes the greater
part OF the Malay peninsula, its western
limits are conterminous along the Mills
with those of British Burmah; it is bounded
on the north by British Burmah and on the
east by the hills of inner AMMAN. The
capital and metropolis of Siam and center
of trade is the city of Bangkok. which
stands on both sides of the Menam or
Bangkok river. about twenty-five miles by
river and fourteen miles direct above its
mouth. The former capital, named Ayu-
thia, lay about forty-tive miles farther up
the river. 1t was founded in the year l}5o
beginning of authentic SiameSe history
ana was destroyed in a war with Burmah
in 1866.
Three miles within the mouth of the
where vessels must anchor to discharge
guns and ammunition and take on boarl
d custom house otricer. Around Paknam
as one at the western entrance point. Co
ing up the river when nearing the city the
can consulateon the west band of the river,
and the ship building yards on the east
bank. Beyond this the river is lined with
floating houses, over which can be seen
thick clusters of wooden houses built on
piles, and several magnificent temples.
Farther on Is the walled city on the erst
European stores and lodging houses. In the
city are many temples conspicuous or
beauty. The palaces of their matesties, the
first and second kings, are extensive build
ings with a long river frontage, furnished
with elegant and commodious landings for
royal use. Floating houses continue for
three OF four miles up the river above the
palaces. The population Of Bangkok is
about 10000.
The siamese proper form only about one
third the population of Siam. They are
well proportiOned people. shorter generally
than the Chinese, but taller than the Ma
hair. which they shave off. leaving a tuft on
top of the head. supposed to resemble the
lotus nower. a sac;ed object to all Buddh-
lists. The country is divided into forty-one
provinces, each under governor.
The government of Siam Is theoretically
MtbS%t The
ture, being bequeathed, with sanction of
princes and mobiles. to any son of the
queen, but intrigue and violence have often
diverted the succession from the high royal
line. The king is by title sacred lord of
a heads; ,;,. possessssor $50 & Of al, and property
ernmental necessity or caprice. The queen
consort. the wife supreme among hundreds.
is risidly kept from all possible intercourse
with an inferior. She has separate court.
in which appear the princesses, and, as
them. they rarely marry at all. The queen
has her female guards. in uniform and
arms. The number of females within the
palace is about 5000.
The second king appears to be simply a
counsellor, and not a cO-ruler or successor
He never appears at the audiences. but his
opinion and sanction are sought on i'm
portant state policies and his name is as
sociated in treaties.
There are some 20.000 priests in Bangkok
supported by the voluntary contributions
of the public. There are many and beauti-
full temples. Near the palace are the tenn
pies and monasteries dedicated to the Sleep
ing idol. The latter is a reclining figure
ls0 feet long and 40 feet high. entirely COW
cred with plate gold, and the soles Of it's
feet covered with bas-reliefs inlaid with
mother-of-pearl and chased with gold, each
separate design representing one of the
many transnigrations of Buddha. Near
Va alaN of hn
phaut. and further on the temple of the
emerald idol. The latter is beautiful
structure, with Gothic doors and windows
richly ornamented with gold and the roof
supported by lofty octagonal columns the
ceiling covered with NEUROLOGICAL symbols
and hgures; the altar Is a pyramid 100 feet
high terminating in a fine spire of gold
The emerald idol is about twelve inches
high and eight in width. The gold of which
Its hair and collar are composed is mixed
with crystals. topazes. sapphires, diamonds
and other precious stones.