Directory_and_Chronicle_1883 — Page 524

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CAMBODIA.

Animal life is abundant. Among others, the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, buffalo, deer of many species, wild boar, and the monkey may be mentioned. Reptiles of every kind are to be found, from the alligator to the lizard. Winged game of all sorts, including snipe, woodcock, pheasants, peafowl, teal, partridges, and wild ducks swarm. Hares and rabbits are to be found everywhere. The fisheries of Cambodia are very productive, and salt fish forms one chief article of export.

Cambodia 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 remnants of former grandeur. The noble ruins of the ancient city of Angcor are monuments of a people much superior to the feeble race which now inhabits Cambodia. The Cambodians differ entirely from their neighbours the Annamese, both in features and custon s. Polygamy is practised among them. The prevailing religion is Bud- dhism. 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, Somdach Pra Maha Norodom, is forty-five 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 Meikong, nearly in the heart of the kingdom. The King's palace is a large building, and the portion devoted to his use 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 under the present rule. Good roads are being made, brick houses are gradually super- seding less durable structures. There is a strong iron bridge, and a telegraph office. Barracks are in course of construction. The French Representative resides in the city and occupies a handsome building. The European firms have erected substantial and commodious premises. The population of Phňom-penh is estimated at 35,000.

Trade at present is limited, and the country generally is entirely undeveloped. It is practically shut out from foreign commerce, and has no seaports properly speaking. The port of Kompot 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.

DIRECTORY.

Supreme King-H. M. Somdach Pra Maha | Governor of Campong Soay-Look Dit

Norodom Tippudey Kampouchia Second King-H. R. H. Somdach Pra

Mala Obbarack

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 Kralahome) Minister of the Interior-Prince Presor

Sorivong

Minister of Justice-Prea Joumeraich

Chiou

do.

of Bap-Num-Louk Pra Bayok

do.

of Pursat-Louk Sou Kloop

do.

of Sroc Trang-Louk Sikloop

EUROPEANS IN H.M.'s EMPLOYMENT. Valiere, chief engineer in charge of work

shop, and H.M.'s steamers, with 3 other European assistants

Muller, farrier

Boniface Ferrer, interpreter