CAMBODGE
1185
Cambodia was once an extensive and powerful State, and proofs that it possessed a much higher civilisation than that which now prevails in the country are to be found in the architectural remnants of former grandeur. The noble ruins of the ancient city of Angkor are monuments of a people much superior to the feeble race which now inhabits Cambodia. The Cambodians differ entirely from their neighbours, the Annamites, both in features and customs. Polygamy is practised among them. The prevailing religion is Buddhism. The people are apathetic and indolent, and shave allowed the trade to fall into the hands of Chinese, of whom there are about 160,000 in the country. The entire population of the kingdom is about 1,000,000. Slavery, since its abolition by the French Treaty of 1884, has almost entirely idisappeared.
The Government of Cambodia is a monarchy under French protection. In June, 1884, King Norodom signed a new Treaty with France, by which the administration of the country was handed over to French Residents. Since the Convention of 1892 the native functionaries have been appointed by the King, under the control of the French Administration, and paid from the treasury of this kingdom.
Phnom penh, the present capital of Cambodia and seat of the Government, is situated on the river Mekong, nearly in the heart of the kingdom. The king's palace is a large building, and the portion devoted to his use is built and furnished in European style. French functionaries have charge of the Treasury, Sanitary Board, administration of justice, customs, public works and taxes. Phnom-penh has been considerably improv- bed under the present rule, especially since the year 1889. Many roads have been made and numerous sanitary works carried out in the town, such as drainage works, the filling up of pools, marshes, etc. The town has also been provided with waterworks and electric light. The Treasury, in the ancient Khmer style of architecture, is a most remarkable building. The other prominent public buildings are the Post Office, Court, Hospital, Personnel and Registration Office, Commissariat of Police, barracks for Marine Infantry, Public Works Office, Commercial Museum, Harbour Office, and the Indo-China Bank and Messageries Fluviales agencies. The Résident Supérieur has a handsome residence in the city. The population of Phnom- penh is estimated at 39,000. Though the country generally is entirely undeveloped, trade is extending considerably. Cambodia has no seaports of any importance, and the import and export trade passes through the port of Saigon. Customs dues have been imposed since July, 1887, with exemptions in favour of French goods and shipping. The tariff is based on the general tariff of France, modified in certain points. The port of Kampot can only be frequented by small native coasting vessels from Siam and by Chinese junks. Easy communication is afforded with the principal towns of the interior, Saigon, Angkor, and Battambang, and Stung. treng and Khone, in the Laos, by subsidized mail steamers of the Messageries Fluviales. Telegraphic communication exists between the principal towns of Cam- bodia, and a land wire passing through Cambodia and Laos connects Cochin-China with Bangkok and Tavoy (Burmah).
DIRECTORY
BANQUE DE L'INDOCHINE-Téléphs. 61 et 240; Tél. Ad: Indochine, Pnompenh; Code: Bentley's
R. de l'Hortet, directeur p.i.
L. Roger, comptable
Dard de Gannes, caissier
M. Moirez, chef de partefeuille
BROUSSE, ALIX, Magasins Modernes Coiffeur, Parfumerie, Chapellerie, Chaussures, Nouveautes, Articles pour Homme et de Sport, 14, 15, 16 et 17, Quai Lagrandiere; Teleph. 104
COMPAGNIE DE COMMERCE ET DE NAVIGA- TION D'EXTREME, ORIENT, Importation- Exportation, Assurance
P. Blacconi, fondé de pouvoirs
Heng-Keng, compradore
COMPAGNIE GÉNÉRALE DES Sores DE FRANCE ET D'INDO-CHINE (Au Capital de Frcs. 7,000,000) Tel. Ad: Cosofrindo Phnompenh; Code: Interna- tional Lugagne. Direction Generale: 19, Place Tolozan, Lyon