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CAMBODIA,
665
:66
Camborlia was once an extensive and powerful state, and proofs that it possessed a much higher civilisation than now prevails are to be found in the architectural remuants of former grandeur. The noble ruins of the ancient city of Augeor 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 Ludd. hism. The people are apathetic and indolent, and allow the trade to fall into the hands of Chinese, of whom there are about 100,000 in the country. The entire population of the kingdom is a little over 1,000,000.
The Government of Cambodia is an absolute monarchy, under French protection. The present King, Semdach Pra Maha Norodom, is forty-six years of age and suc ceeded his father King Ang Duong, who died in 1860. As in Siam, there is a Second King, Maha Oberak, brother to the King, but his title is purely nominal and his power equally so. King Norodom I. is intelligent and amiable, but wanting in resolution. He has adopted European habits and mode of living, and is always ready to lend his countenance to improvements and enterprises calculated to promote the prosperity of the country;
Phnom penh, the present capital of Cambodia and seat of the Government, is situated on the river Meikon, 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. It contains some fine apartments. Attached to the Palace, and inside the Palace walls, are the Hall of Justice, Audience Rooms, Treasury, Armoury, and some steam workshops and magazines. The King possesses three small steamers and several steam launches. His workshops are superintended by European engineers and a European has charge of the public works. Phnom-penh is improving unler the present rule. Good roads are being made, and brick houses are gradually super- seding less durable structures. There is a strong iron bridge, and a telegraph office. Barracks have been constructed. The French Representative resides in the city and occupies a handsome building. The European firms have erected substantial and commodious premises. The population of Phnon-penh is estimated at 60,000.
Trade at present is limited, and the country generally is entirely undeveloped. It is practically shut out from foreign commerce, and has no seaports of any impor tance. The port of Kaluput can only be frequented by small coasting native vessels from Siam and by Chinese junks. A railway from Saigon to Phnom penh has been projected, but is at present in abeyance.
FRENCH PRO ECTORAT.. Foures, acting repres–tative
Osmont, administrate, adjoint
Garçon, secretary Bongenot, president ‹ fc^urt Vandelet, attorney pineñal Pailles, assistant judge Schaal, registrar Pachout, deputy registrar
Mora'n, physician
Chachar, surveyor public works
Eychenne, telegraph
Ilario, surveyor do.
CAM NDIA,
Balthazar, captain commanding military
post
Bonneau, schoolmaster Pelletier
do.
De Couljeans, sub-administrator, Kampot Brien, telegraphist, Battambang
FRENCH GOVERNMENT OPIUM FARM. Baudier, sub-inspector Bounifet, storekeeper Delechapt, sous-brigadier
Five European agents.
ROMAN CATHOLIC MISSION. Bishop Cordier (Puomi-penb)
Rev. Fr. Sylvestre
Rev. Fr. Guesdon
do. do.
Rev. Fr. Mismer (Cherouy Chongua)
Rev. Fr. Combes (Ba-uum) Rev. Fr. Lazare (Mot-Kasar)
CIVIL INHABITANTS (PNOMPENI.)
ien, contractor
man & Co., Thos., indigo planters, F. Ozoux
Cazaux
Garcerie, A., timber merchant and pro-
prictor steam saw mill
Hongkong and Shangbai Banking Cor-
poration.
C. G. Rogge (agent for Speidel & Co.)
agent
Mermier, hotel keeper
Margotio, lime-kiln (Pnom-cau-long) Marrot & Co., Vve., storekeepers
Marrot, Jr.
Brass
Messageries Fluviales de Cochin-Chine
A. Blanc, agent
Rogge, C. G., agent for Speidel & Co.
Saigon
Rüssel, H., merchant and storekeeper
Vandelet, merchant and storekeeper
DIRECTORY.
Supreme King-H. M. Somdach Pra Maha | Governor of Campong Soay-Look Dis
Norodom Tippudey Kampouchia Second King-H. R. H. Somdach Pra
Mala Obbarack
Chiou
do.
of Bap-Num-Louk Pra Bayok
do.
of Pursat-Louk Sou Kloop
do.
of Sroc Trang-Louk Sikloop
1
MINISTERS AND PRIVY COUNCIL.
Prime Minister, Chief Treasurer and Mi- nister of the Palace-Louk Prea Ouang Minister of War and of Marine-Louk
Pisalok (The Kralabome)
Minister of the Interior-Prince Presor
Sorivong
Minister of Justice-Prea Joumeraich
EUROPEANS IN H.M.'S EMPLOYMENT. Valiere, chief engineer in charge of work- shop, and H.M.'s steamers, with 3 other European assistants
R. Hunter, interpreter Pascual de la Cruez, chief of police