The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-04-11
was appointed Regent and invested with e1ecu'

was appointed Regent and invested with eIecu-
tive authority. but on Nov. 16. 1878, when his
Majesty had attained his majority, according to
Siamese law, he was recrowned and the Re
gency was abolished. The King has moro than
ordinary natural abilities and is celebrated for
his liberal Vows on all subtects.
At an early age he was a most industrious
student, and before his enforcement he became
proficient in the Pail. Hindustanee, and Malay
languages, and the Laos and Cambodian dialects.
Under the tuition OF Mrs. Leonowens, who was
a governess In the royal family for seven years,
and Mr.. Chandler, an American sinologue. he
learned TO read and write English and French
with remarkable facility, and was able in a short
time to converse in those languages with an
accuracy of pronunciation that charmed his In
structors and n fluency OF utterance that sur
prised the European habitues Of the court. Be-
sides, he Is we'll ycrsed in European and Amert-
can literature, and has read nearly every stand
ard work on international jurisprudence.
found M ' an e is1Saii OBJECTION Of English. Ere
and American publications. and nearly ali the
popular English and american periodicals and
newspapers, including THE Sun. In that apart
ment among his books and surrounded by his IA
yorite friends, the King passes many hours, In.
and Information about tho great world which he
yearns 10 see. During his reign. which has been
est. TGs5 Rs%Get of In. n"s Epi GHsRerEuih one i sine in sec
tuted numerous reforms in tho government,
practically abolished slavery, diminished inter.
necessary, opened up new canals for the purpose
OF irrigation, or transportation. constructed new
merce, established postal facilities, connected
bangkok by telegraph with China and the
houses and buoys along the coast, surveyed and
sounded tho nayiSable streams, estab-
Iishsa, , q nsT .v GGSs inaua laws %n an s az d%;
system OF public instruction, proclaimed re-
ligious liberty. throughout his dominions. for
babe official interference with Christian CON
verts on Sunday. built hospitals for the suffer.
ing. opened an art museum, rcadorned the sacred
temples, added TO tho number OF Europeans and
Amoricans In his service, reorganized ne ma
tional army and the municipal police OF bang
kuk, and encouraged his people by his exemplary
life TO 10 temperate, truthful, upright. indus
trious, and humane.
England, on the one hand. with, her subtle
diplomacy and aggressive spirit, and France on
| the other, with her mad ambition 10 extend her
possessions in China, would tear him down from
his throne, Jointly appropriate his coveted do,
main, and reduce him TO tho rank of a pensioned
Prince, II other European powers were not vigil
| iantly watching them to prevent this spoliation.
Chulalongkorn /. has entered the thirtieth
year OF his reign and the forty-ffth OF his age.
having reigned Ringer than any other Ss s4vers,gn
and is regarded as the most broad-minded
and cultured potentate in the. far East. His
liberaiity and progressive tendencies. having
instituted many reforms IN ne ne doyer rlts S NJ
vast benefits to the people.
The right Of prlmogGniture Is not recognized
as a fundamental law or ne reaiH' nut INC pros,
emit King was chosen by The Scnabodee or Council
OF State as the legitimate heir TO the throne.
His Majesty is said to be the most Industrious
man In Bangkok. He always rises early, and
while most OF his subjects are, asleep deyotes
hours To the consideration OF state affairs.
Since the death OF the ex.ltegent, the various
places OF trust and high responsibility In
tho civil service departments o of !, inc
by FOREIGNERS, have been filled by his half broth
ers, who are compensated for their services as
are other employees OF the Government; BEING
lIIl-n-t n-I IuEnrinua himSalf the King Will
not tolerate idleness In any form In any OF the
departments OF the Government service. and all
who serve him in any capacity whatever. from
the Lord of the Treasury down TO the copyist OF
public documents, are held 10 q strict account
Tor the faithful discharge of their duties.
The King periodically rewards by promotion
and increased allowance from the royal OK,
chequer ali who display a zeal and efficiency IN
The members OF his immediate household have
received many royal rebukes for their lack of
prOmpiitulo or their disposition 10 dodge thelr
rusponsibilities