The Washington times., 1902-10-12

on American tropics than many men of
his age born and brought up in America
Somdotch Chowfa Maha Vajiravudh.
the heir to the present King of Siam.
Chulalongkara l. was born in 1881 and
is the son of the second queen. The
prince succeeded to his present honors
some seven years ago, on the death of
his brother. when special commission
headed by the Kings half brother
Prince Svasti savahua visited England
for the purpose of investing the prince.
at that time student, with the rank
and title of heir apparent The cere-
mony took place at the Siamese lega-
tion, in London before distinguished
gathering.
Early Education.
The crown prince received his ele-
mentary instruction in Bangkok under
English. French and Swiss tutors. At
the age of fourteen he WIS sent to Eng
land and began preparations for the en-
trance examination to the Royal Col
! lege al Sandhurst. The young Oriental
when he graduated led his class in a
majority of the studies. Having COM
pleted his military course the prince
attached himself to the Durham Light
Infantry at Aldershot for practical ex
perience. Later he enrolled himself as
student at Christ Church. oxford, but
not being regular matriculant, he
could not enter for a degree.
Al oxford the crown prince was re-
garded as one of the hardest students
among the undergraduates and was
especially Jealous in the study of his |
tory, his original researches leading him
to write treatise on "The War of tn,
Polish Succession" which showed deep
study and was recognized by the uni;
versity authorities as so valuable ar
iect that they caused il to be pub
lished
Upon quitting oxford the crown
prince took up the study of law. spe
in international law. most I
necessary branch for a kinGly educa
tion and one in which the future ruler
OF Siam has taken deep interest. He
took the same part in athletics as the
English youths about him. was leader
in the popular sports and became an az
pert rider He is, too. an accomplish
musician. plays the piano remarkably
we'll, and is discriminating critic. ,
Visited Continent. ,
While studying in England the crown
inent. visiting systematically the va I
'ious capitals with an educational pur- t
bose and his future position as an a
Oriental ruler always in view. J,
Ten years residence in the most re- o
publican country OF Europe has natural
Y made a good democrat OF the son of o
me of the oldest royal houses in ti.c
)rient, and he does away with all the r
ed tape. the cumbersome ceremonial. 4
nd the tiresome forms possible. His e
nanners are simple. direct and cordial, 5
nd he is very approacba hle. p
1t is usual with the sons of the ST. c
mese royal house to serve as priests I
,r period in Buddhist temple King t
put aside his royal pre- p
ogatives after he had ascendeG the a
lrone and fulfilled this sacred duty. 1t Il
not improbable that the crown prince
i'll follow his fathers example upon
is return to Siam. In that case it will n
e necessary to again invest him with N
is rank and title. as the Buddhist r. a,
gion is very strict in requiring priest a,
renounce all worldly titles and non a
g is
No son of royal family has Travelled in
ore extensively than the crown prince III
Siam and no prospective ruler has tr
eated a more favorable impression. is
2 has made friends in all parts cr the ar
1rid. aud it is not TO be doubted bat
AT he will add TO their number while on
is in America. His trip in the Unit Or