The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-11-07

strength of character. whose relation to
the crown prince gives her a high position
at court. 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 SAVANNA, visited
England for the purpose Of investing the
prince. at that time a student, with the
rank and title of heir apparent. The
ceremony took place at the Siamese lega-
ton in London, before a distinguished
gathering, and was a most imposing func-
ton.
The crown prince received his elemen-
tary instruction in Bangkok under Eng
nsh, French and Swiss tutors, and was
noted even at that period for the receipt
iveness and alertness Of his mind. At the
age Of "A he was sent to England. and i'm
mediately began preparations for the en-
trance examination to the royal military
college at Sandhurst under the care Of
Basil Thompson, son of the late arch
bishop of York. and Major Hume was his
military governor. His military training
was conducted at Sandhurst. The young
oriental took high rank at this 1nst1tu-
ton. and when he graduated led his
class In q majority Of the studies, an I'M
usual feat, when it Is understood that his
work at Sandhurst was done In a foreign
language which he had not yet fully mas
tered.
Practical Military Experience.
Having completed his military, course,
the prince attached himself to the Dur
ham light infantry at Aldershot for the
practical experience this connection would
give him. and later on he enrolled himself
as a student at Christ Church, Oxford, but
not being regular martriculant, he could
not enter for degree.
At Oxford the crown prince was re-
garded as one Of the hardest students
among the undergraduates, and was
especially jealous In the study Of history,
his original researches leading him to
write a treatise on 1.-THE War Of the Pol
ish Succession" which showed deep study
and was recognized by the university au-
thorities as 80 valuable an addition to the
literature on this subject that they caused
1t to be published
Upon quitting Oxford the crown prince
took up the study Of law, specializing In
International law, most necessary
branch for kingly, education, and one
in which the future ruler of Siam has
taken a deep interest.
But it was not case Of all work and
no play with the. prince at Oxford. He
took the same interest in athletics as
the English youths about him, was a
leader in the popular sports, and became
an expert rider. To riding, indeed, the
him in horsemanship. He sits his horse
Ike Centaur takes his fences with as
much dash and aplomb as the Oldest
cross country rider, and Is noted for his
fearlessness. He is, too, an accomplished
musician. plays the plano remarkably
WE'LL and is a discriminating critic.
Utilizing His Vacations.
While studying in England the crown
prince passed his vacations on the con-
tinent, visiting Systematically the ,vari.
Gus capitals, with an educational pur.
pose and his future position as an orien.
tai ruler always in view. He was re.
ceived at all the courts with distin-
gu1shed honor, entertained in a name,
imposed by his rank, and has beer
awarded the highest decorations in theil
gift by the several monarchs he visited.
Ten years residence in the most re.
publican country Of Europe has naturally
made good democrat of the son Of one
of the oldest royal houses in the orient
and he does away: with all the red tape
some forms possible. His manners arr
simple, direct and cordial and he is very
approachable. The full name of the crown
prince Is rarely used, and he Is generally
known by his title Strangers address:
him as your royal highness,'' while b,
his 1ntimates and immediate encourage h,
| is called "sir" = !
| 1t is usual with the sons Of the Siames,
royal house to serve as priests for a per
1od IN, a Buddhist temple. King Chulu
aongkarn put aside his royal perogative
after he had assembled the throne and full