The Washington times., 1911-03-10
KINGS CREMATION
GORGEOUS FETE
Body of Chulalongkorn Will Be Burned With Impressive
Ceremonies About Time King George Is
Crowned

In England. in few months. nations
of every cline will be represented at
the brilliant and impressive ceremonies
which will mark the formal crowning OF
a new king and emperor.
At almost the same time in Bangkok
the capital city of Siam, sometimes
called the Venice of the East, Will be
another notable gathering Of representa-
tives of the same nations for the solemn
purpose of paying their respects to the
dead king of Siam, Chulalongkorn. But
as grand a pageant as VIII be the
crowning of the new king In the newer
country, the last rites over the BODY OF
the late king in the far more ancient
land will be equally, II not more spec
tacrlIar and worthy of note.
The funeral ceremonies Of member
of Siam s royal household and especially
of a king are attended with all that
lavish display Of emotion and pageantry
of which only Oriental peoples are cap
able. The appointment by PRESIDENT
Taft of Hamilton King, United states
minister to Siam. as. the representative
of this Government at the funeral OF
slams most progressive ruler, King
ChuIaIongkorn, within the past ie"
days, makes a matter OF more IMAM
passing moment the coming crematloil
Of that rulers body.
Dead Many Months.
Several months have passed since the
soul of ChuIalongko orn went to the BUD
dhist land of his fathers. During all
this period Of mourning by the entire
Fok, 70 ruled since l65Oy
his body has rested in state in the great
copper urn in which have peen piace
the bodies of kings that ruled siam oe-
fore the Americas we're known.
II has been the duty of the king VINO
succeeded To the throne to make All
f,noraI ARRANGEMENTS, and preparations
connected with the cremation OF the
hod,,. n Is the succeeding king VINO
cpooses what priests of the order or
the yellow Robe" shall be honoreo os
taking an active part In the cereilloiiiTS cer rGS
and Who shall be exalted by being pla
dnn 70 esect the "pramane" or plat
form on which the body Is to De con-
rnraaS Inv the flames, that It's splrlI
NAV not be compelled through the ages
For eternity, royal though 1t De- 70 uo
tho bidding Of evil spirits. A.
entire populace of the city and inhaplt-
ants OF cities all over the country VINO
are able turn out In gala azure. roy 81
burnings are held on an open piece OF
ground near the palace.
Where Cremation Takes Place. :
Fhe ':pramane' is erected on this
ground. which is about forty square
feet. by placing four massive pillars OF
tnest teakwood at each corner. These
ni11ars slant slightly toward each other.
They support a pyramidal structure
which tapers to- a spire covered with
gold leaf. The "pramane ground Is
inclosedz with a bamboo fence, INSIDE
which are various temporary structures
for the priests, the succeeding king and
members of the late rulers family
Cloth of gold and costly crimson ORA
perv distinguish the quarters OF the
King from the others. The picture Is
made more dazzling by many cloth OF
gold umbrellas, which are placed at
intervals along the fence.
Outside the "pramane" ground are
r,,Ir1erous booths and structures IN
which are housed puppet shows, thea
are sold, and various forms of gambling
are carried on. On every hand, both
! inside and out of the inclosure, are
, floral decorations.
! Goes Through Hole in Wall.
The body Is conveyed to this scene of
splendor at dawn. For fear that the
soul will be lest in passing through any
doorway, such ordinary apertures are
ignored, and in the wall of the palace
| is cut a hole through which the body is
carried in a great golden urn, 10 which
| II has been transferred. II is placed in
a costly car decorated profusely with
diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other
: precious. stones and at the head of