Directory_and_Chronicle_1901 — Page 936

BANGKOK

475

Japan, China, Java, etc., that on the right (formerly a royal building) contains the Siamese ethnological collection. There are also the Protestant Church, four Roman Catholic Churches, two Hospitals, a Ladies' Library, and Assumption College, managed by the French Roman Catholic Mission. St. Louis' Hospital, a large and spacious building, situated near the German Legation, was opened in 1899, the Sisters of Charity being in charge. There is one first-class Hotel, the Oriental, and several smaller ones, also two clubs-the Bangkok United Club and the German Club. The King's palace and the temples 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. The tramway was introduced in 1888, and has proved financially successful. The city throughout its principal streets as well as all hotels and principal shops are lighted with electricity, incandescent lights being universally in use. The population of Bangkok is estimated at 350,000. There are over 1,000 foreigners in Siam, most of whom are resident in Bangkok. The number of Asiatic British subjects in Siam is estimated at about 7,000. The harbour and island of Koh-si-chang, which lie some 20 miles from the bar and about 50 miles from Bangkok, are places of 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 vessels to make the

entrance.

The total value of imports during the year 1899 amounted to $26,316,301, including $5,243,930 specie, as compared with $27,361,913, including $7,167,460 specie, in 1898 and $24,858,071 in 1897; and that of the exports to $33,659,888, including $636,548 specie, as compared with $36,430,651, including $2,131,300 specie, in 1898 and $32,032,390 in 1897.

DIRECTORY

H.M. SOMDETCH PHRA PARAMINDR. MAHA CHULALONKORN, King of Siam

CABINET COUNCIL-(Senabodi)

H.R.H. (Krom Hluang) Damrong Rajanubharb (Interior)

H.R.H. (Krom Hluang) Devawongse Varoprakar (Foreign Affairs) H.R.H. (Krom Hluang) Narésr) Varariddhi (Local Government) H.R.H. Krom Mun Bidyalabh Briddhithada (Royal Household)

H.R.H. (Krom Hluang) Prachaks Silpagon (War)

H.R.H. (Krom Mun) Mahissara Rajaharudai (Finance)

H.E. Chow Phya Bhashakarawongse (Education)

H.R.II. Somdetch (Krom Phra) Bhanuphadwongse (Chief of Staff of the Army) H.E. Phya Devesr Wongsvivadhana (Agriculture)

H.R.H. (Chow Fa Krom Khun) Narisra Nuvattiwongse (Public Works)

H.R.H. (Krom Mun) Rajaburi

H.R.H. Prince Sommot (Private Secretary)

PRIVY COUNCIL-(Ongga Montri) Royal Selection, number not limited

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (Ratha Montri) Consisting of Forty-eight Members

GENERAL ADVISER TO GOVERNMENT G. Rolin-Jacquemyns, minister pleniptry.

MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR. (Krasuang Mahathai) Office: Sala Lukhun Grand Palace Minister-Prince Damrong

Private Secretary--Prince Kalya

Do.

-Prince Charoon

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT (Krom Moo Yai)

Vice-Minstr.and Dirtr.--PhyaSri Sahadheb Assistant Director-Phya Raj Sena (act.) Financial Secretary-Luang Abhai Recorder Phra Ayachaks

Keeper of the Seals-Phra Bochana Vilas Auditor-vacant

POLITICAL DEPARTMENT (Krom Fai Nour)

Director-Luang Damrong Phatayakhun Assistant Director-Phra Phinit Sarar

Do.

-Luang Noraint

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