New-York tribune., 1903-02-01
OF LDFSTlI4NI IN THE CLUE
Career Of isaac Tozcnsend Smith
His Relations zciM Siam.

Isaac Townsend Smith who Joined the Union
League in 1864 ranks now as the Oldest man
in the club. He IS also the Oldest consul in The
world Mr. Smith was born in Boston. March Z
1919 He comes OF that fnvircibIe stock Of New
England that loved the SOIL Of liberty and was
patriotic TO Primarily engaged IN MAKING
money for himself and others, he never negiected
his duties as a citizen mis- neghborly affections
with mankind. Although nearly ninety years old.
he rarely misses his daily visit to his club re
IS appreciated and respected by all who knew hl1i'
especially by his club associates on Murray Hill
He early entered commercial life as a supercargo.
being now the last of the old East India super
cargoes living He made several voyages TO China
Manila Singapore. Java and South Africa Then
he settled in this city. where as a merchant anu
shipowner he continued business for several years
He an incorporation and for many years 2isSl-
dent the Metropolitan Savings Eanl< a9d was j
commissioner of immigration for the State OF New
York for several years He was q PreSldeIOa'
Elec;or in 1854 when Abraham Lincoln was re-
elected His recent iectuh on the struSSt'S 90 '"@
carly settlers Of this country against England
for American independence before the students OF
some of the largest universities prominent ctEoS
and historical societies. has been most favoraoiy
commented by ali who have heard IT,
For fifty years he has been in friendly ard Official
touch with Siam financial agent consul anu
consul general FOR the United Stetes
The first commercial relations between the Jnitsi
States and Siam We're opened in E52. when hl"7
Mongut sent 4 commission To AR Smith to have
drawings and specifications for two vessels 70 os
constructed iu Bangkok by native workmSn also
To have engines ana machinery mdde nete
ard sent Bangkok TO be put in the vessels
These vessels in dIe tine bu!it and mace
for the arrival of the machinery. Great dlE
Guilty was experienced IN those days iu hndinS
TRANSFORMATION accommodations for SeDdinS th1
machinery. y. a. Low, father OF Mayor Low. tnsn
engaged in the China trade. TO Mr. SMITH 5
aid furnishing room III one OF his ships. w heh
Mr. Lows ship arrived in the China Sea he gave
orders 10 go out of their regular course and 90 up
the Gulf OF Siam and land the machinery az
Bangkok. This act OF kindness by Mr. Low save
great satisfaction TO the King
One of the two vessels constructed was used a.
a Yacht for the King. who named IL the Roy99t
Siamese and half American The woodwork anu
construction Siamese. the models and ma
American. The entire work or putting TIE
Yacht together done under the Superinteudence
of an American John H. Chandler who later be
came tutor the Crown Prince. the present hlhs
ChulalOngkOrn. When Townsend Harris was sent
out from the United States to make a treaty VITA
in 1S56. this Yacht sent down the river
o take him 10 the palace.
The other vessel made a ship OF war for tn
SRmese rstVV. and named tne Enemy ChaSei-
This vessel with her American armament quicAy
cleared the Strait OF MaluCCa and the adjacert
waters OF Malay pirates tls-t PfeNt4 upon N'i'-
mrrCe.
Al a dinner given recently by Mayor Low TO tpe
Crown Prince. q Ia blc cOincideilIo
that all of the parties To this urst commereEsi.
apse NJ half century; the crown Prince, grShs-
Il the King the flrst eiLE statesman who sousus
models fGr laying the foundation OF ste'
marine and sent to the nited states 20 seCs,
of A a. Low. who transported the models 81
mac chinery and Smith the only survivor OF ts ,ss
original parties. the connecting link eetws1n AA'S
old time and the new.