The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1898-09-24
CONFISCATED ELEPHANTS.
Cause OF Discussion Between This
Country and Siam.


The late DIR. Marion A. Cheek, of Oak
as a medical missionary, had some re-
markable experiences in the "land Of
the white elephant He raised ele-
plants for a living. That was one OF
his investments in the Orient, and out
of it grows claim his widow has, for
$4,000 against the Siamese govern
ment. Dr. Cheeks drove of elephants
had become the source of great deal
of diplomatic correspondence between
Siam and the United States. Interna-
tional difficulty, that is still in process
of settlement, arose over the 176 ele-
plants.
The story of DIR. Cheeks adventures
in the east reads like romance. He
went to Siam missionary of the Chris
tian religion. His knowledge of medi.
cine stood him in good stead. He ia
gratiated himself into the hearts of
the princes of the land as well as the
lowly natives, who saw in his remark
able cures of disease unfathomable mys-
terry. DR.. Check was an American. He
overlooked no opportunity to better his
condition. He gained valuable conces
sions from the Siamese government and
established the business of logging teak
timber of Bangkok, the capital. The re-
turns were so great that some of the
native princes in the interior cast long
ing eyes upon the profits the American
was turning.
One of them suggested a partner
ship. DR.. Cheek was loath to accept
the proposition, but he decided that his
own welfare demanded that he join
hands with the dusky prince. The doc
tor had an agreement with his princely
partner as to the distribution of. TIE
labor. Cheek agreed to do the actual
work. He went 500 miles into the teak
timber district and hired many native
laborers. He likewise secured 176 ele-
plants. The doctor had Indifferent sue
cess one season. The river was low
and no logging could be done. The
prince became dissatisfied. He was ap-
peased, thought DR.. Cheek, the fol-
lowing year, when double quantity Of
timber was foated into Bangkok.
Then the trouble commenced. The
government took hand. The doctors
partner and prince assigned his interest
in the firm to the royal family. The
ruling powers were becoming dissatis.
fed with foreign interests and their
extension in Siam. The excuse was
readily found for action. The failure to
make a shipment of timber one season
opened the way. The government:
ek n .
plant, elephants and all.
This summary Y action ended the Cheek
logging business. The doctor returned
to Bangkok. He made several inef-
fectual protests. Then he placed his
troubles before the United States miD-
ter. He claimed the con6scation had
deprived him of business Of great value,
and prospect of making cleanup of
100000.
The long delay that ensued left DR..
Cheek with little hope. After much
diplomatic correspondence, he succeed
ed in having some of the confiscated
property returned to him. But claim
of $S0,o00 is still unadjusted, and it
went to his widow as her only legacy
from the doctor, who died at Bangkok
on July 4, 1895.
The claim has been approved by tie
United States government for the full
amount, and the United States minister
at Bangkok has been instructed to re-
quest its payment. Accumulated in
terest brings it up to 100000.
Minister Barrett at Bangkok has made
every effort te. bring the matter to
focus. The Siamese government is said
to be desirous of submitting it to arbi-
tration.
The will of DR.. Cheek has been filed
and probated in Alameda county. His
widow and two children now reside
in Oakland. They have local counsel,
who are pressing the payment of the
claim to their utmost.-San Francisco
Examiner.