Directory_and_Chronicle_1892 — Page 759

BANGKOK

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is farmed out to Chinese, and a triennial tax is also imposed upon all foreigners unrepresented by a Consul, such as Chinese, Annamites, &c. Siam entered the Universal Postal Union on the 1st July, 1885. A Company has been formed to make the first railway line, the capital for which was subscribed in Siam, and the first sod of the Bangkok-Paknam section was turned by the King in July, 1891.

The army in time of peace is small, and is made up of the following. 1st.-The Royal Body Guard, which consists of one squadron of cavalry, two battalions of infantry, and one company of artificers and sappers. This body of troops is recruited from the sons of noblemen descended from the blood royal. 2nd.-The Palace Guard, which is composed of two battalions of infantry. 3rd.-The Royal Elephant Troops. 4th.- Royal Infantry, consisting of three battalions of four companies each. To this corps is attached a squadron of cavalry and a brigade of artillery. 5th.-The Royal Marines, numbering about 2,000, who serve on board the Royal yachts and gunboats.

The native population of Siam, with Laos, Tavoyans, Peguans, &c., excluding those under Consular protection, is variously estimated at from six to ten millions. The number of Chinese in the kingdom is estimated at about 1,300,000.

BANGKOK

The city of Bangkok is situated on both sides of the Menam about thirty miles from where this magnificent stream empties itself into the Gulf. On the east bank of the river is the city proper enclosed by a wall, the Royal palaces, the foreign hongs, the Consulates, the principal rice mills, and most of the Public Offices. The left is principally occupied by the Siamese, Chinese, and Mahomedan residents. The bulk of the business is transacted on the east. Here a road, known as the Charurn Krung, extends from the Palace walls to Bangkolem, and various other new roads are in course of construction. A telegraph line connects the Light-house at the Bar beyond the mouth of the river with the business portion of the city. Bangkok is connected, through Saigon, with the rest of the world by wire, and a line to Lower Burmah has since been completed. The prin- cipal trade of Bangkok, and the foundation on which not only its prosperity but its actual existence mainly rests, is rice. This article is drawn in immense quantities, not only from the innumerable fields which line the fertile valley of the Menam, but from the adjacent rivers which flow into the Gulf from the enormous watershed of the mountain 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 Malay 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. The steamers of the Scottish Oriental Steamship Co. keep up regular communication with Hongkong, (occasionally leaving and returning via Swatow and the Straits Settlements), besides special boats only running during the rice season; while another line of steamers connects the kingdom with the Straits Settle-

ments.

The public buildings and institutions include the British Consular Church, a Roman Catholic Cathedral, several Missionary Chapels both Protestant and Catholic, two Hospitals, a Ladies' Library, several Schools under Government, Assumption College, managed by the French Roman Catholic Mission, liberally patronised by the King, and assisted by the community generally. There are two Hotels, one a new one on a hand- some scale; also a club called the Bangkok United Club. The King's palace, the temples, and public buildings are magnificent and on a large scale. The architecture is of a kind peculiar to the country, and there is much more of novelty and interest to be witnessed by passing travellers in Bangkok than can be found in Chinese cities. The roads have been greatly improved, tramways were introded in 1888, and have proved financially successful. The population of Bangla is balinated at 350,000. There are about 400 foreigners in Siam, most of whom are rein in Bangkok, and of whom 160 are British subjects. The number of Asiatic British acts in Siam is estimated at about 30,000. The harbour and island of Koh-si-chang, which lie some 20 miles from the bar and about 50 miles from Bangkok, are fast rising into places of considerable importance. The harbour, formed by a strait of sea running between islands, offers a fine anchorage for vessels loading rice and teak during the south-west monsoon, or from April to the end of October. The largest ships can take shelter there. A lighthouse serves to enable