Imperial Valley press., 1937-01-24

queen) on his official visit to the northern prov
inces had inspected the elephant and accepted
1t as his countrys mascot. The white elephant
was being brought to Bangkok by special train.
The city, in gala attire and festive spirit was
en- holiday awaiting the arrival of the white
Elephant Special" This arrival and reception
will go down in my memory as one of the most
impressive scenes I have ever witnessed.
The trains terminus was not freight yard
with facilities for unloading cattle, but the
marble halls of the Royal Station on the out
skirts of the city where His Majesty, King Pra-
jadhipok, the princes and peers were gathered.
Nine coaches occupied by dignitaries preceded
the elephant car. The coach next to that of the
white elephant like a temple. Candles
glowed and as the cars slowed down the chant
ing of the priests inside could be heard above
the rumble of the wheels. Novices waved heavily
decorated fans with slow, studied rhythm At
signal from of the princes hush fell
upon the thousands of spectators. The bolts
were withdrawn and as the elephant was led
down the incline, a blast from conch shell
pierced the silence like a rapier. Thrice the
sound rose and fell, losing itself in the flatness
of the paddy fields
The youthful elephant was really not white
at ALL but a grayish shade, lighter than the
usual elephant gray, and his trunk and fianks
were mottled with pink spots His eyes were
pnk-a true albno-and experienced a GRIM
inally possessive pang, as Lnoted bis tail switch
ing back and forth. There was the makings of
my talisman - long gray brown hair, cleaning
in the Samese sum- little dusty and soiled
perhaps but, with white elephants SO scarce
who was to complain!
The little fellow was dressed for the process
sion to the Palace by group of funkies from
the Royal Stables This took place in tent
that had been erected for the purpose and he
emerged swathed in Royal robes. His head was
covered with red silk interviewer with gold
threads From his ears hung tufts of colored
ribbons, and on his back heavy silks embroid-
cred with gold were fastened.
Virtually the entire city packed itself along
the three-mile route from the station to the !
palace grounds. Two dignitaries on Samese
ponies led the procession They were followed
by Boy Scout band and scout troops bearing
white elephant standards. Then came hundred
or more men dressed in white robes and red
headdresses group of men beating oblong
drums with the palms of their hands followed
accompanied by continuous blowing Of conch
shell. Twelve seven-tiered Royal umbrellas car
ried by court attendants came next, followed by
squad of fighting men in ancient Siamese
outfits The procession was interspersed with
yellow-robed Buddhist priests
The palace grounds were turned into a veri-
table fairyland Pavilions were everywhere to
shield from the sun, princes, generals, admirals
wives OF the late King Chulalongkorn foreign
ministers and their wives, and dozens of digni-
taries in full dress uniforms Into this colorful
setting ambled the procession. finally coming
to halt before the Royal marquee. There a
chapter of Brahmin priests intoned prayers for
the baby after which the little animal was
escorted to newly constructed, luxurious stable
equipped with electric lights, electric fans and