Directory_and_Chronicle_1891 — Page 698

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CAMBODIA

301

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 Annamites, both in features and customs. Polygamy is practised among them. The prevailing religion is Buddhism. The people are apathetic and indolent, and have allowed the trade to fall into the hands of Chinese. The entire population of the kingdom in 1886 was 800,000, of which number 300,000 are Annamites, Chinese, and other Asiatics. There are about 140 French exclusive of the troops. Slavery was abolished by the French Treaty of 1884.

The Government of Cambodia is a monarchy, under French protection. The present King, Somdach Pra Maha Norodom, succeeded his father King Ang Duong in 1860. In June, 1884, King Norodom signed a new treaty with France by which the administration of the country is handed over to French Residents.

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 is built and furnished in European style. 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 workshops are superintended by European engineers, and a European has charge of the public works. Phnom penh is improving under the present rule. Some good roads have been made, and brick houses are gradually superseding less durable structures. The French Resident-General has a handsome residence in the city. The population of Phnom-penh is estimated at 30,000.

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 importance. The port of Kamput 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 NORODOM Tippudey Kampouchia Second King-H.R.H. SOMDACH Pra MAHAOBBAREACH

FRENCH PROTECTORATE

RÉSIDENCE

Résident Superieur-Huyen de Verneville Chef du Cabinet-de Lalande-Calan Secrétaire particulier-Bastard Chef de Bureau de la Résidence-Hertrich Résident de Pnom-penh-Dr. Hahn Commis de Résidence-Hertrich, Tellier, Laffite, Pech, Cazajeux, Groslier, Mazier, Marquet, Marcaillon d'Aymeric Commis auxiliaire-Collard, Schneider,

Chabrier, de Miniac

Résidents 2e. classe-Thonin, Leclerc Vice-Résident le. classe-Garnier la Roche Chanceliers-Le Roy, Chauziex, Bastard Interprète-Cazeau

TRIBUNAL DE PNOM-PENH

Juge Président-Michel

Procureur de la République-Gourdier des

Hameaux Greffier-Galuy

TRIBUNAL MIXTE

Président-Thonin

TRÉSORORIE

Chef de Service--Perrain Commis de Trésorie-Demelin

DOUANES ET RÉGIES Chef de Service-Meyére Controleur principal.

Truy Commis principal-Costa

Commis-Journet, Durivault, Geslin, Fouil'

let, Brochet Rampon

Brigadiers--Le Vestour, Malet Sous-Brigadiers-9; Préposés-13

POSTES ET TÉLÉGRAPHES

Receveur Comptable-Eychenne Commis-Tite, Guillon, Girard, Buzenac Surveillants-Biot, Decoux, Touillot, Pin-

ton