The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-07-09

trampled out. In 1921 the propaganda es-
tablished new missions, which have con-
tinued with more or less success til now
when the number OF Catholics in the
country Is calculated at y 600 The pres
ent king Is large-minded in his views
and his tendencies are not opposed to the
civilization which accompanies the spread
of Christianity
1t is said that in his hours Of idleness--
and these must come even 70 so active a
man as Chulalongkorn-heo occupies him
self with European literature, and not
only sees that books In the German and
English language are translated into Sia-
mese, but likewise exercises his pen In
furnishing a royal version of the works
he deems fitting for his people
To find the King of Slam among the list
of royal authors is quite a surprise, but
nowadays kings are taking to art and lit
erature quite readily. The Emperor Of
Germany writes songs, composes music,
and paints historical and allegorlcal pic
lures the ex-Empress Of Germany has
faoile pencil and might make her bread
ia depicting genre SUBJECTS; the King Of
Portugal has furnished excellent versions
in Portuguese of several of Shakespeare's
plays: like task has been accomplished
for his people by King Oscar of Sweden:
Queen Margaret of Italy writes drawing
room plays and constructs sonnets In an
Slam Is but keeping abreast Of his royal
and imperial colleagues.
II the present ruler of Siam but takes
after his father he will at least feel q
respect for the pope. The father, Maha
Mongut, wrote in 1852 to Plus TX, giving
him the title of prince of Heaven and
Most Excellent Lord of the Grand
Crown" He said: II have not yet the
faith of Christ. / am a good follower Of
Buddhism, but / follow only the philoso-
ply of this religion, which has been
masked by so many absurd fables that
fear 1t win soon disappear from this
world. Your holiness may be firmly per-
suaded that under my rule there win be
no prosecutions against Christians, that
the Roman Catholics will be protected in
a special manner, and that they will
never be employed in any superstitious
ceremony contrary to their religion"
When, therefore, the King of Slam went
this afternoon TO the vatican he was re-
ceiVed with royal honors. He and his
suite first proceeded In King Humberts
grand carriage to the Grand hotel. There
he entered hired carriage, the members
of his suite following his example, and
proceeded to the vatican. He was grand
ly dressed In his military costume and
wore all his decorations, prominent among
them being that OF the white elephant.
In diamonds. In the great square in front
Of st. Peters, Italian soldiers were drawn
up. At the foot of the Scala Regfa, or
royal staircase of the vatican, the king
was met by Prince RuspolL master Of
the Sacred Hospice. in his ceremonial cos
tune. Then Mgr. Sambucetti secretary
OF ceremonial: Mgr. Della Volpe. major
domo; Mgr Constantine, almoner, and
Mgr. Pifferi, sacristan Of the pope, and
marquises, counts and commendatores OF
the papal court In great numbers accom-
panied the royal visitors and their suite
toward the pope's apartments.
IL Is needless to dwell on all the forms
and ceremonies. so pretty and suggestive
as they are, which are bestowed on such
distinguished visitors. At the entrance OF
the private apartments of Loe XIII, the
pope, in his white soutane, with while
silk sash, appeared, and came forward
to welcome the King Of Siam. The king.
holding his helmet In his left hand, knelt
down with the princes of his family and
kissed the pope's hand. After the first
we're paid the king offered
the pope the gift of a magnificent Jardi-
nlere-an original and artistic Siamese
work Ia very fine gold, with setting OK
enamels 1t had been sent up to the vati-
can before the arrival OF the king. He
then presented the members of his suite
10 the pope. but expressed his disappoint-
ment at not finding the pope surround
ed by all the cardinals.
Leo XIII then invited the king TO en-
ter his private room, accompanied by
Archbishop Stonor. who acted as inter-
prefer between the king and the pope.
The conversation lasted twenty minutes,
Then Leo XIII, accompanied the king 10
the door, where the latter, bowling down.
kissed the pope's hand once more. ana
the young king. speaking In English TO
Archbishop Stonor, begged him 70 inter-
pref 20 the pope the desire he had TO re-
ceive a blessing from Leo XIII, which
was given him. Then the royal visitor.
his son and suite, proceeded 70 the apart
ments OF Cardinal Rampolla, secretary Of
state where they were received In state
and with special courtesy, ana where =
rather lengthy conversation passed be-
tween them.
The king was greatly gratlhed. and ask
ed that each one present, at his entrances
and exit from the vatican should furnish
him with their names. In order that he
might supply them with decorations OF
the White Elephant He carries gifts
with him. and the sword he has given 10
King Humbert II a splendid work Of art.