BANGKOK.
521
crescent which fringes the northern extremity of the kingdom. The outturn of this grain in favourable years is scarcely to be calculated. It not only furnishes support to the native population of Siam and the Peninsula, but supplies China, Manila, the Straits, and even Java and Sumatra. There is also a large and flourishing trade in teak wood and ivory, with very many other minor articles of native produce which are exported to China and the Straits. There is a regular line of steamers, five in number, to Hongkong, under the English flag, besides special boats only running during the rice season; while nine connect the kingdom with the Straits Settlements, one of which is Siamese, one German, the others British. These steamers run at stated intervals all the year round, and are only removed from the line for repairs or in case of any sudden emergency. The sailing craft of every flag, rig, and de- nomination were innumerable, but are now much reduced. Of public institutions for foreign use, Bangkok can only boast an Episcopal Chapel and a Protestant Cemetery. There is also a Ladies' Library, in a flourishing condition. An American Bowling Alley and two Hotels are now the only buildings devoted to amusement and refreshment. The native palaces, temples, and public buildings are magnificent and on a large scale. The architecture is of a kind peculiar to the country, and there is more of novelty and interest to be witnessed by passing travellers in Bangkok in a few hours than can be found in China in many weeks. There are three newspapers published in the city, two in the English language and one in the native tongue. The first is a daily sheet containing merely the arrivals and departures of vessels and advertisements, the second is a weekly, and both are conducted by a missionary.
missionary. The native journal is also a weekly, published by authority of the Government and fulfilling the function of a Gazette.
The imports during the year 1881, as reported by the Custom House, amounted to $6,279,484 as compared with $6,341,519 in 1880; the exports to $9,865,956 as compared with $9,704,318 in 1880; but the actual amount of both was probably much in excess of this value. The principal imports were piece goods and opium, the principal export rice, of which 3,670,773 piculs were shipped to Hongkong, Singapore, China, &c.
DIRECTORY.
Consulates and Government Offices.
LEGATION AND CONSULATE GENERAL OF UNITED STATES AMERICA. Minister Resident and Consul General
Gen. John A. Halderman, LL.D. Vice-Consul-Rev. N. A. McDonald, D.D. Clerk of Consular Court-J. W. Torrey Chaplain-Rev. W. Dean, D.D. Interpreter-J. G. Torrey
BRITISH AGENCY AND CONSULATE
GENERAL.
(Established June 14th, 1856.)
PORTUGUESE CONSULATE GENERAL. Consul for Siam and Straits Settlements- (Established 1820.)
Secretary and Chancelier-F. de S. B.
O Commendador Henrique Prostes
Xavier
| Interpreter and Clerk--A. F. da Luz
Gaolers-Uang, and Dih
FRENCH CONSULATE. (Established July, 1856.)
Commissioner and Consul—
Chancelier-Interprète-E. Lorgeou
Political Agent & Con, General-W. Gifford | Interpreter-Assistant-L. Bastide
Palgrave
Vice-Consul-W. H. Newman
1st Assistant -E. B. Gould
2nd Assistant-E. H. French
Acting Assistant E. Cording Student Interpreter-W. J. Archer Post Office Agent-H. A. Gardner
Medical Attendant—G. Stevenson Smith Constables-H. A. Gardner and natives
Native Interpreter-P. Niu Clerk-P. Chin
Medical Attendant-J. Harmand Constable-Pedro Dieu
DANISH CONSULATE, (Established 1858.)
Consul-W. A. Cadell