Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-03-25
ROYAL oBSEQU|ES FOR STROBEl
KING OF SIAM HONoRS DEAD
COUNSELOR.
Lights Pyre With Own Hand to
Consume Remains of American.
Christian Rites Ordered.

The Department Of State has been in
formed that the remains Of the late Ed
ward Henry Strobel, citizen Of the
United States, who was general adviser
and envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary to the King of Siam, were
cremated with royal honors and in the
presence Of a large and representative
assembly February 5.
AT the request OF the king Christian
services were conducted at the crema-
ton. The representatives who were ap-
pointed to arrange the details of the
ceremony were considering the question
Of the character of the religious services
TO be observed when the king entered.
AS soon as he learned the nature OF
the question under consideration he re-
marked:
Gentlemen. there will be Christian
services at the cremation of Mr.. Strobel
Siam Is tolerant. and whatever faith a
man who serves this government may
hold. whether he be a Mohammedan, a
Buddhist or a Christian. when we come
to express our appreciation of his services
In the last sad rites shown him his
faith shall be respected.
Mr.. StrobePs great company OF
friends throughout the world are Chris
tians. 1t will be to them q pleasure to
learn that at the last sad honors paid
to him by our government his faith was
respected"
With high appropriation Of this cour-
tesy. services brief, simple and appro-
pirate were prepared for the occasion
Later the representatives were informed
that 1t was the wish of the government
duct the services
Up to the hour Of the ceremony it was
not known whether the king would be
present at the reading. AS the appointed
hour approached the under secretary Of
state for foreign affairs stated:
His majesty will be present at the
services today 1 have just received a
message from the palace in which his
majesty says. Tell Mr.. King Ohe Ameri-
can minister) may be little late. But
would have him wait for me. for wish
to be present when the services are
read"
The king came into the pavilion at the
base of the pyre, and with barred head
stood next the reader. surrounded by the
representative princes of the realm.
Another mark of respect, such as has
never before been paid to any but the
nearest and dearest OF the kings own
family. was then paid the remains of Mr.
Strobel. AS the king assembled the large
royal pavilion he stood a moment In
silence looking at the silver fuse that con-
nected this pavilion with the pyre and the
long wand with which it is the custom
for the king to apply the electric spark.
hand and said:
No. 1 loved this friend. Take these
away"
They were removed. The king. accom-
panied by the princes, took his position
in the small pavilion at the pyre, listened
to the reading of the Christian services.
and then, alone. assembled the steps of
the pyre and lighted the fire with his
cwn hand and passed out. This Is the
highest honor that can be shown by the
king at such a time.
The settings were altogether oriental
The ceremony was that which, accord
ing to custom, is accompanied by Budd-
histic services, and the priests were pres
ent in large numbers, but no Buddhistic
rites were observed. The entire cere-
! mony was impressive, dignified and SOL
emn in the extreme.
The ashes have been placed in silver
urn. prepared for the purpose by the
court jeweler. on which has been placed
the following inscription from the English
Scriptures:
For God giveth to man that is good