The Bangkok Recorder.

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The Sokan.

In the reign of P'rā-bāt Sóm-detch P'rā-pôôt t'i-lôt-la-Nap'alie there were three royal sons and one royal daughter who were titled Sómdetch P'rā-chòw-lòk-t'o'-chòwfa. The eld- est was a son born in the year of the rat, 8th of the decade—-civil era 1178, christian era 1816. His name was Chòwfa Ah P'awn. The second was a son born in the year of the rabbit, 1st of the decade, civil era 1181, christian era 1819. His name was Chòwfa-Mahá-Mala. The third was a daughter born in the year of the great dragon, 2nd of the decade, civil era 1182, christian era 1821. She died on the day of her birth. The fourth was born in the year of the horse, 4th of the decade, civil era 1184, christian era 1822. His name was Chòwfa-Péw.

These three Chòwfa princes, the king P'rābāt-Sóm-detch P'rā-pôôt'i- lôt-la náp'alie determined to honor with the most complete dignity of the Sókan. But before they attained to the suitable age for receiving the Só- kan the king deceased in the year of the monkey 2nd of the decade, civil era 1186, christian era 1824.

P'rā-bāt-Sóm-detch-P'rā-NāngKlòw succeeded to the throne.

In the reign of P'rā-bāt-Sóm-detch P'rā-Pôôt'i-lot-la náp'a-lie there were two Sókan festivals in the palace of the second king;-—to wit-—one for P'rāong Chòw Pông Isăwárête, in the 4th month of the year of the monkey, 4th of the decade, civil era 1174, chris- tian era 1813-—and one for P'rā-ong Chòw-Noi Nărúmon in the 4th month of the year of the dog, civil era 1176, christian era 1815. On these festival occasions there was a display of the mount Krilat, but on a smaller scale than that in the palace of the first king. The ceremonies were very similar to the Sókans for Chòwfas. This the king granted be- cause the two P'rāong Chôws were the children of a mother who was the daughter of the king of Ton-Bu-ree. But inasmuch as the mother was not a Chòwfa the children were not pro- moted to that honor.

This finishes all there is to be said of the festivals of the Sókan in the reign of P'rābāt Sóm-detch P'a-Pôôt'i lôt-la-náp'alei.

In the reign of the P'rābāt Sómdet P'rā Nāng Klòw Chòw-yu-hua, in the year of the dog—-8th decade civil era 1188, and in the year of the rat 10th of the decade civil era 1190 christian era 1826 and 1827 and 1828, the Rajah of Weang Chan rebelled. The country was consequently involv- ed in war, and was not in a normal con- dition, and the remains of Sómdetch P'râ Amârin-t'â-ra-màtǎya remained unburned on the throne of Dǒǒsit-mâ- há Prasat full two years. After the fu- neral obsequies were over, the throne Dǒǒsit Mâhâ Prasat needed to be repaired, which was done in the year of the rat—-10th of the decade. At that time Sómdetch P'râ-Chòw Nâng yat'ô Chòwfa Ah-P'âwn arrived at the age for receiving the Sókan. Prâbât Sómdetch P'râ Nâng Klôw the king spoke and said the country is still involv- ed in war. P'râ Mâhâ Prasat must be rebuilt, consequently there will be no place where the Sókan ceremonies can be held. We will, therefore, have only an abridgment of the Sókan. Hence preparations were made for the Sókan at the throne Sóötei Sâwán-—the new Prasít. But there was no mount Kri- lat made. The processions were si- milar to the full royal Sókan proces- sions. On the 4th day morning there was a procession for all the insignia of royalty. In the afternoon there was another procession, and this finish- ed the festival ceremonies. This was the kind of abridgment of the Sókan that obtained in that reign.

When the Sókan festival for Sóm- det P'râ-chòw-Nawng-ya-t'ô Chòwfa Mâhâ-Mala and P'râ Chòw-Nawng-ya- t'ô Chòw Péw in the year of the rabbit—-3rd of the decade, civil era 1193—-and the year of the small drag- gon 6th of the decade civil era 1186 took place, there was a royal command to have the ceremonies of the same grade as those that were had for Sóm- det P'râ-chôw Nawng-ya-t'ô Chòwfa AhP'âwn and no more: consequently the processions were the same, with only this difference that these were held at the throne Dǒǒsit'â Mâhâ p'rasít.

Now these three occasions of con- ferring the honors of the Sókan gave rise to much whispering and grumb- ling among the people, saying that there was no proper authority to en- force the old custom of the Sókan, and that therefore it was passed over in regard to those two persons so slightly.

In the palace of the 2nd king of that reign there were three different occasions of the Sókan festival with royal processions for the young prin- ces—-but they were only for P'râong chôw—-and not for a Chòwfa. The 2nd king had a royal son by a mother who was a princess—and bore the name of P'râong Chòw Dara-wâdee and was the daughter of the 2nd king of the previous reign viz—-the reign of Prabât Sómdet P'râ P'óöt ti yawt fa Chǒǒlaloke. This royal son had he been ranked according to the written laws of the land should have been constituted a Chòwfa. But the king P'râbât Sómdetch P'râ Nâng-klôw did not favor the prince with that promo- tion. He only gave him the name P'râong Chôw Itsâ-rap'ong. Before this prince arrived at the age suitable for receiving the Sókan, the 2nd king died. When subsequently he received the honors of the Sókan, it was done in the place of the 1st king, but not with the usual royal proces- sions of a full Sókan. He was only allowed the honors usually given to P'râong Chòws; consequently there was much whispering and grumbling among the people, saying that this slackness of following royal custom obtained because there was no suitable author- ity for enforcing the proper custom.

P'râbât Sóm[det]ch P'râ Nâng-Klôw the king was pleased to adopt a daughter of one of his sons. She was only a Mâwm Chòw a daughter of P'râong Chôw Lâkânanǒǒkoon who had previously died, She was only 7 months old when the king adopted her. He favored her greatly, even more than any of his own children, and gave her the name Sómânât Wât'â- na-wâdee engraved on a gold plate —-and granted her all the favors that are usually granted to those who are to become Chôwfas.

The festival ceremonies of her pro- motion from a Mâwm Chòw to a P'râong Chòw were very similar to those for the promotion of the P'râong Chôw-ying which constituted that princess Chôwfa Kôön-t'on-t'ip'âwadee in the reign of P'râbât Sóm[det] P'râ-

pôôti-yawtsa Chôôla-lôke. When P'râong-Chôw Sômânâât Wâtanawâdee increased in years and stature until she attained to the suitable age for receiving the honors of Sôkan in the year of the horse 8th of the decade, civil era 1208, christian era 1856, the king then gave a command to have pre- parations made for her Sókan with royal processions and other ceremo- nies nearly equal to those that were customary for a Chòwfa, with only this difference that there was no Kri- lât mountain. In the place of one there was a royal stage made at the P'râ-Mâhâ-prâsât for the bathing, and a tabernacle for changing the dress of the princes. With this exception the ceremonies were the same as those for a Chôwfa. There were royal processions on six successive days. But on the 7th day there was none made for escorting the hair to the river.

Now these Sôkan honors conferred upon that princess, not to speak only of the people but also of all the princes male and female, the royal, children of the king P'râbât-Sômdetch P'râ-Nang-Klòw—all these murmur- ed because P'râ-ong-Chòw Sômânat Watanawadee was honored more than any one of the children of the king.

The account of the festivals of the Sôkans in the reign of P'râbât-Sóm- detch-P'râ-Nang-Klòw is here ended. The reign of P'râbât-Sômdeich-P'râ- Nâng-Klôw ceased in the year of the hog, 3rd of the decade, civil era 1213 —-christian era 1851. At that time all the royal counsellors consisting of princes nobles and lords were unanim- ous in inviting to the throne Sômdeich P'râ-Chôw nawng-ya-t'ô Chôwfa Mongkut, who was accordingly enthron- ed in the palace of the Supreme king. Sômdetch P'râ-Chów-Nawng-ya-t'ô Chówfa Isâwârûte-Chôôt'amânee was at the same time invited to the throne of the 2nd king with the usual honors given to the 2nd king from olden time. This was done because this prince enjoyed high honors, and was known and esteemed by the people far and near as having received the highest honors of the Sôkan accord- ing to three examples previously given.

After this the royal counsellors male and female were unanimously in the opinion that P'râong Chòw-Sômânâât- Wât'ânââdee was a suitable personage to become the Queen Consort of the Sup- reme king as she enjoyed the high honors of the Sôkan like a Chòwfa conferred upon her in the reign of P'râbât-Sôm- det-P'râ-Nâng-Klôw, and had a name and honors universally known. Hence the princes nobles and lords presented her to His Majesty the king as his Consort to whom was given the name SômdetCh P'râ-Nâng-t'ô. She was thus promoted to the highest rank in the royal harem. She became preg- nant and continued her gestation un- til the 7th month, when falling sick, she gave premature birth to a son who was titled Sômdeich P'râ-chow- lôôk-t'ô Chòwfa-ch'ai and was named Chôw-Sômânâât after his royal mo- ther. But he lived only three hours because of his having been born so prematurely.

Sômdetch P'râ-Nâng-t'ô the Queen Consort continued to decline fifty days, when she expired on Sunday morning in the year of the rat, 4th of the decade, civil era 1214, christ- ian era Oct. 10th 1852.

After this the royal council of princes male and female, together with all the nobles and lords were unanim- ous in presenting to His Majesty the Supreme king—the princess P'râong- Chòw-Râm-P'ôi-P'râmâra-P'irom from daughter of P'râ-Chòw-lôôg who was the elder brother of the father of the late Queen Consort, to become Queen Consort in the place of her cousin deceased. This princess was from that time called Sômdetch P'râ- Nâng-t'ô P'râong-Chòw-Râm-P'ôi- P'râmâra-P'irom. She gave birth to a son who was named Sômdeich-P'râ- Chòw-lôôk-ya-t'ô Chòwfa-chôôla-long -korn in the middle of the year of the cow-—5th of the decade, civil era 1215, christian era September 1853.

After this the Queen gave birth to a daughter who was named Sômdeich P'râ-Chòw-lôôk-t'ô Chòwfa-Chânt'â- râ-mont'ôn in the year of the rabbit, 9th of the decade, civil era 1217, christian era April 1855.

After this the Queen gave birth to a son who was named Sóm-detch-lòòk -t'd Chòwfa Chatdôront'aratsàmée in the end of the year of the great dragon, 8th of the decade, civil era 1217, christian era January 1857.

After this the Queen gave birth to a 3rd son who was called Sóm-detch P'ra-chòw-lòòk-t'd Chòwfa-p'anòò- rang-sée in the year of the great, dragon 1st of the decade, civil era 1221, christian era January 1860.

The Queen Consort after the birth of her fourth child became diseased in her lungs and languished a little more than a year and expired in the 10th month of the year of the cock, 3rd of the decade, civil era 1223, christian era September 1862.

Her daughter Princess Chowfa Chanta-mont'an deceased in the 6th month of the year of the hog, the 5th of the decade civil era 1225, christian era May 1863.

There were three remaining Chowfa princes offspring of the second Queen Consort.

Cholera Medicine.

A new York paper gives the follow- ing, as a recipe for the cure of the Cholera. It is said to have proved successful in very many instances, during the late plague, at Constan- tinople:

Mix in a small bottle equal parts of the tincture of opium (laudanum;) tincture of rhubarb; tincture of capsi- cum (red pepper;) tincture of cam- phor; essence of pepermint—treble strength. Add two drachms of spirits of aromatic ammonia. Then shake all the ingredients together, cork the bottle, and have it ready for instant use. It will keep for years.

Dose—10 drops, 20 drops, or a teaspoonful, mixed with a little sugar and water; to be taken every fifteen minutes, 30 minutes or an hour, ac- cording to the severity of the attack and the age of the sufferer.

This compound is pronounced by medical men one of the most judicious ever prepared for popular use, but at the same time it must be borne in mind that it is a medicine which should be used delicately, although no one can be harmed by it if they follow the above directions. A few doses generally relieves the patient. Children require only half the quantity used for grown people."

How to Prevent Cholera.

Among the measures best calculated to arrest the spread of the epidemic, the most energetic and effectual are those intended to bring about a puri- fication of the air, and the production of ozone or electricized oxygen.

Three things have been observed, viz:—

That populous cities or quarters in those cities, which are badly ventilat- ed, or where the inhabitants are dense- ly concentrated and packed together, offer a sure and easy prey to the Cholera:

That the Cholera disappears usually after a storm.

The inference to be drawn from these facts is that the pure and health- ful air which we breathe in the coun- try, is due to the presence of the gas which some call ozone, and others, electrified oxygen. In cities, the at- mosphere absorbed and vitiated by thousands of breaths, cannot, and does not contain ozone, especially in the narrow streets, which are always the most densely peopled. During a storm, the electric fluid which disengages, spreads abroad through the whole at- mosphere; ozone is produced; the air is purified; the causes of unhealthful- ness disappear, and with them their innvitable consequence, the Cholera. The production of ozone, then, is the thing to be chiefly thought of in places threatened with the Cholera, and the means effecting this are at once cheap and simple.

The apparatus is well known: a battery of four or five elements decom- poses acidulated water, with an ad- dition of one tenth of its bulk in sul- phuric acid. The hydrogen of the water goes to the negative pole, and when thus obtained, the gas is thor- oughly ozonized. It is only necessary then, to distribute quantities of it through the air, with a battery in every house and in every street, if needs be. We shall then see the dreaded pestilence checked and neu- tralized.—-Boston Med. Journal.

ABROGATION OF EXTRADITON TREATY.

The following are the precise words in which the Moniteur announces the abrogation of the extradition treaty between France and England already reported by telegraph.—"As is well known, extradition matters between France and England are regulated by the convention of the 13th of Febru- ary, 1843, which stipulates the reci- procal surrender of criminals taking refuge in one country from the other, and accused of assassination, murder, forgery, or fraudulent bankruptcy. An experience of more than twenty years having demonstrated the ineffi- ciency of this treaty, the Emperor's Government has resolved to terminate it. His Majesty's ambassador in Lon- don accordingly made known on the 4th of December to the Queen's Government that the Emperor's Gov- ernment, in virtue of the faculty stip- ulated in Article 4 of the Convention of the 13th of February, 1843, would consider the treaty as being no longer in operation at the expiration of the six months following this declara- tion,"

Ages of Public Men.-—The oldest Duke is the Duke of Northumberland, aged 87; the youngest, the Duke of Norfolk, aged 18. The oldest marquis, the Marquis of Westmeath, aged 80; the youngest, the Marquis of Ely, aged 16. The oldest earl, the Earl of Onslow, aged 88; the youngest, the Earl of Charleville, aged 13. The oldest viscount, Viscount Gough, aged 86; the youngest, Viscount Downe. aged 21. The oldest baron, Lord Brougham, aged 87; the youngest, Lord Rodney, aged 8. The oldest member of the Privy Council is Lord Brougham, aged; 87 the youngest, his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, aged 21. The oldest member of the House of Commons is Sir William Vernon, Bart, member for the county of Armagh, aged 83; the youngest, the Earl of Tyrone, mem- ber for Waterford, aged 21. The old- est judge in England is the Right Hon. Stephen Lushington, aged 83; the youngest, Sir James P. Wilde, 49. The oldest judge in Ireland, the Right Hon. Thomas Lefroy, Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench, aged 89; the youngest, Justice Keogh, aged 48. The oldest Scotch Lord of Ses- sion, the Right Hon. Duncan M'Neill, Lord Justice General. aged 72; the youngest, David Mure, aged 54. The oldest archbishop, the Archbishop of Canterbury, aged 71; the youngest, Archbishop of York, aged 46. The oldest bishop, the Bishop of Exeter, aged 88; the youngest, the Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol, aged 46. The oldest baronet, Sir Stephen L. Ham- mick, aged 88; youngest. Sir Henry Hayes Lawrence, aged one year. The oldest civil and military knight is Ge- neral Sir Arthur B. Clifton, aged 93; youngest, Sir Charles T. Bright, aged 33.-—From Who's Who for 1866.

The following are the emoluments of the principal representatives of France abroad:—-The Ambassador at St. Petersburg, 300,000 francs a year; at London, 275,000; at Madrid, 150, 000; at Rome, 140,000; at Constan- tinople, 140,000; at Pekin, 120,000; at Berlin, 110,000; and at Washing- ton 80,000.

A law of police against blasphemers has just been promulgated by the Turkish authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovine. Every offence of that nature is punishable by a fine of two florins and twenty-four hours' impri- sonment. But a Turk who speaks blasphemy against the Cross is to be fined twenty florins, whilst a Christian reviling the religion of the Crescent is only liable to an indemnity of five. With a view to the more becoming exercise of public worship, all the wine-shops in the immediate neigh- bour-hood of mosques or churches are to be closed. Lastly, all language calculated to wound the honour of other persons renders the offending party liable to fine and imprisonment.

Bangkok Recorder.

The American journals by the last European mail have much less in praise of President Johnson's plan of recon- struction than formerly. They dis- close a vast amount and variety of evidence proving but too conclusively that a great majority of the leading men at the South are far from being willingly submissive to the amended constitution which constitutes all the negroes their fellow citizens, and as such equally entitled with themselves to "life, liberty and the pursuits of hap- piness." It were no wonder that they should have still flowing in their veins somewhat of the taint of slavery, by which they have so long loved to lord it over the black men and make them- selves nabobs by their unrequited la- bor. And it would be a miracle of moral transformation if after even many years of experience with the negroes as their neighbors and fellow citizens, however orderly the latter might behave, that they should then find them- selves in every respect willing that the despised race should enjoy equal chances with themselves in the race of manhood. But the President and his sympathizers at the North, in his plan of hastening the Southern States back into power in Congress, have been taken, it would seem, quite aback by the late startling developments a- mong men in power at the South. Though the long proposed amendment of the Constitution to kill slavery legally throughout all the U. S. by ratification of three fourths of all the States of the Union, became an es- tablished law on the 18th of Dec. yet the States which were first to re- bel for the sake of the perpetuation of slavery to the end of time, are now evincing boldly the same spirit by their winking at the continued oppres- sion of the freedmen in their midst, and by the new laws they have framed and are framing for the purpose of preventing their elevation in the com- mon and divine scale of humanity.

The President, in view of such dis- closures, with a true magnanimity akin to that of the illustrious Lin- coln, appears to have modified very considerably his views of the expe- diency of his plan of reconstruction, and to be willing to submit it quietly to the discision of Congress whether it shall be continued or abandoned. He evinces, if we mistake not, the best republicanism by a ruling desire to obey the sovereign people who have placed him at the helm of state one brief watch of her glorious career. He has most honestly thought that the people were pleased to have him pur- sue the course he has. And now since their Majesties have sent their representatives to Congress to do their bidding, the President is going to hear and obey their voice, and steer the ship of state according to their dicta- tion, without any undue exercise of the veto power. Such, at least, is our opinion.

The present Congress is composed of the most loyal, stable, and wise men the whole people could select, and the question of reconstruction, as well as the one of negro suffrage which is the great one for discussion by that body, we may, under God, safely entrust to their decision.

The following extracts have a bear- ing on this our view of American Affairs.

A traveler in the South writing to the Editor of the N. Y. Indt. on the oppres- sion of the Freedmen makes the follow- ing horribl report.

One of these justices whipped his own negro not long since. A plan- ter this last week knocked a negro with a paddle with which blow he lay senseless for two days and when the Yankee who had bought the planta- tion went out to employ the hands he could not get at them, but learned afterward that the reason was that he had threatened to shoot them if they told the fact to this Yankee, who brings the story. At the office of the Bureau in Mobile, I learned that thirty-eight black men had been killed in that district, of six counties, within three months. And who ever heard of any single man being hung for these murders?

On the last sabbath of November, the same record shows the following report of crime as against black persons in and near Mobile. Dr. Hall struck "Delia"

several times with a whip, and then complained of her for larceny, to a- void complaint against himself; and the court sent her to thirty days of hard labor. James O’Neal cut open the head of Jo. Howard whith an ax, in the presence of the crew and passed on board. James Sweney tried to cut the throat of John Hazle, who was a- sleep, and failing of that, cut him o- ver the forehead and stabbed him in the eye. Mc Danies with a shot gun, shot at Henry Bolings, on his way to church because, when cursed for going through an alley, he replied, "This is a wrong highway." George W. Davis tried to kill Starr with stones and brickbats, and left his head in a jelly. Henry Downs beat the boys P. Gould, N. Gould, and Jessy Ripley, on their way to church. Sibly, Stark, and Watkins shot and killed Alfred Bufford and another negro, and wounded Puff- er, because they would not submit to be tied up, when there was no civil process in the case.

In Choctaw County, Ala, not long since, a company of black people were waiting at the landing to go down the river. They saw Bil Odam coming; all ran into the woods but a woman and her children, who though sex and in- nocence would protect them.-—“Where are you going? Down the river, din’t you, to the-—Yankees!” “Yes sir.” “I’ll show you the way though hell.” He drew his bowie-knife, cut her throat, that of the girl, nine years old, that of the boy seven, then threw the dead bodies into the river, and the live ba- by after them. On the Tombigbee a woman and two children were nailed into a hen coop and thrown into the river. At Claiborn, on the river, be- low the city, six or seven negroes were killed at different times. Three negroes were sleeping in a corn crib, Planter Dudley came up in early mor- ning, called them out, shot two with a double-barelled gun, and another man shot at the third, who escaped, and before the superintendent of freed- men testified that he saw Dudley kill them; and yet, when turned over to the civil court, he was cleared, and has now run away, and the military are trying to re-arrest him. Four miles from Claiborn a father, a mother, a daughter of seventeen, a boy, and a ba- by, which was the child of the mur- derer, were all killed by farmer, Sal- lie, as he was taking them back home after they had tried to get to the Yan- kees. Three or four of the ex-slaves who came to the Bureau to complain were his own children. Four compa- nies of coloured troops were at Bladen Springs—-abused by white citizens, who promised to do better if troops were removed. Troops recalled but Lieut. Slick left behind sick, with a black guard. Meeting of citizens held; word sent to the Lieutenant to leave in five days; he did so. The same meeting also resolved to notify all white and black persons who had be- friended the colored troops to leave in five days; five white families did leave, and many blacks, and two old black men were shot. Do you wish me to stop these horrid recital from of- ficial notes? How much worse it is to endure the reality!

If the legislatures and the murder- ers do these things in the green tree, what will they do in the dry? If they do these things while on their good behavior, awaiting their reception in Congress, what will they do when re- lieved of Federal interference?

The legislature of Louisiana had been in session seven days before we left, and yet a resolution of Mr. Brown, which was seconded only by an ominus silence, to festoon the na- tional flag behind the speaker’s chair, although called for repeatedly by Mr. Brown, had not yet been taken off from the table. Loyal ladies of New Orleans where the session was held, had sent a note to speaker offering to furnish a nice flag. I have not heard the result. "The first state to return"

Correspondence.

Sir.—-We lukewarm foreigners can hardly appreciate the degree of feel- ing and earnestness which like lumin ous golden threads run through the pages of one of your late Editorials, linking itself with a material far richer than even gold or silver, hiring human sympathies with an enslaved and op- pressed people, in whose cause hamper- ed, as we know you are, you still bravely struggle on. It is left to those who during their long residence have quired a correct knowledge of the Siamese, to mark the elevating influ- ences that so rapidly follow in the wake of the "Siamese Recorder." And it is not our intention, to tell you all that in the stillness of the world with- out, and our souls within we have thought and felt on this subject. It is enough for us to say that we are of the least of those who believe that the "Recorder" has the right stuff in it for success. A paper so evidently genuine, honest, and courageous in its tone, evincing outwardly the sign of a generous, frank, and kindly guiding spirit within, can hardly fail to be successful in the end. And moreover we are of opinion that the obstacles that may be thrown in its way, ei- ther from within or without, will be converted into fresh material for more and more striking success. There is scarcely an old 'head' amongst us who is not conscious that these res- trictions and crampings are in reality a good and not a bad fortune to the Siamese "Recorder," if it but pos- sesses itself in patience. Success is not attainable "per saltum" a hop-step- and a jump, but by singleness of purpose and arduous, energetic, ever increasing, and never flinching perseve- rance. It is the brave resolution to do what is right and true and good, in spite of obstacles and restriction, that lays the substrata of all real greatness. Is there a true knight amongst us who does not on his very knees thank God for the restrictions, obstacles and difficulties, that gave fresh vigor to his pulses, new inspi- rations to his thoughts, deeper and more vital stimulus to his exertions and led him on from step to step, till he reached the haven of his hopes? Conse- quently we are assured that all who are interested in the social progress of this country, will agree that a 'Paper' which works in a double ca- pacity as does the "Recorder" for the rich as well as for the poor, for the oppressed as well as for the peoples, for the king as well as for the peoples even though it may be the means of revealing an infinity of unwholesome practices and every species of abuse, under a systematic rule of squeezing, robberies, and slave makings the most unsightly and loathsome to contem- plate, should not only meet with grateful acknowledgement, but encouragement, and support from the Siamese govern- ment, if it is a "goverment" at all in any sense of the word, and not be forbid- den to the people as it now appears to be. Indeed there must be something ra- dically wrong and pitiable in the state of things that reveals an infectious fear, and goes a shivering about, prohibit- ing access to that which common sense owns to be one of the most universal and popular of means adopted for in- fusing that wide reaching sympathy, which, by bringing the ruler into closer contact with the sorrows, joys and suffering of the people, calls forth the magnanimity and greatness of the one, and the strength and confidence of the other.

So great a work requires propor- tionate agents and means, great men, great thoughts, and great acts; and alas! how are these to be had, but by a liberal policy, and freedom of speech through the press? The ruler of any people ought to identify his interests with that of his subjects. And how is he to understand the va- rious phases of the social well doing of his subjects without such contrib- utary information, that a free press has the means of eliciting and which enables all the most despised and in- jured to seek his protection; and if he condescend but to touch the spring, it will raise at once the lid, and lay a world of untold and unheard of oppression at his feet. Surely from what we know of the present king we have a right to believe that he would be the last to forbid such access to him- self; for one day, on the grounds front- ing the palace, we saw him gather to- gether with his own hands, and read over the complaints and petitions of a host of poor half naked wretches. Mentally we have had our hats off ever since, at the thought or memory of this fact: but alas! he little knows all the exceptional cases of cruelty which must necessarily result from a system where so much power is lodged in one class of men, and the other per- mitted only a nominal protection from the law: nor does he know that even when the royal command is issued for redress to some hapless wretch, his ma- gistrates and Koon San and other corrupt administrators trample them under foot, and instead of redressing the wrongs of the unhappy plaintiff, they rob him in the shape of "bribes" of his world's goods, and send him back to a wretched and now poverty stricken home the poorer for having had faith in the honor of a "court of equity" under the flag of the white elephant; and thus losing faith in goodness and truth, he the aggressed becomes the aggressor and commences to practice on others that which had first been perpetrated on himself. Justice is indeed a "bye word" in this land. The most prominent feature on which the policy of the rulers and admin- istrators revolves itself, may be con- densed into these emphatic words! "Un- to him that hath is given, and from him that hath not is taken even that which he had."—An enigma to be solved only when these fat, slothful, effemi- nate, and corrupt Koon San and others are brought to know the "magic" of a sovereigns displeasure.

Every one knows, and knows well, that a Siamese court of judicature is a sphere in which any bold unscru- pulous bad man is pretty sure of real- ising a fortune in a year or two, and that the mal-administration of justice in any land does more than any thing else to demoralize the people.

What shall we then say of the fu- ture of a people already steeped to the very lips in injustice, cruelty and oppression. Every kindly heart waits and wonders that justice should slum- ber in its way, from such a king as we believe the king of Siam to be, to such provocations as these,

The king whose true policy is be- lieved to be "gradual advance," must deal with these facts and not with sentiments and traditional customs. Surely he knows that it is wiser to open up and bring to light these abu- ses and corruptions, and thereby weed the growing evil out of his country, than to wait till they grow too strong for him, and that to forbid to his subjects free access to him as their head through a channel so legitimate as the press, is a wrong morally, a mistake politically, and that it will lead to misfortune and abuse practi- cally: besides it will nullify his great name abroad, his influence at home, and in the end snap to the roots the loving faith with which his own sub- jects regard him at present.

Let him but pursue his wonted course with his mind clearly alive to the advantages of a "free press" and ever on the alert to punish and put down every instance of injustice and oppression that is thus brought under his notice, and never let him in the present irritation (that the knowledge of such "wrong" must cause him) lose sight of the true and only lasting greatness that must ever be associated with liberality, justice, mercy, truth, and in particular with the name of one so wise, sagacious, and just as he him- self undoubtedly is.

To the Editor of the "Bangkok
Recorder"

Sir,—A few days ago I was very much grieved to hear from a friend that the "currently reported" article in your issue of the 1st inst. with reference to mutilated photographs re- ferred to me, and what is worse, that many believed it true.

I therefore consider it a duty I owe Mr. Thomson (who has left his nega- tives in my care) to refute your statement as far as it concerns me.

I admit that one day I amused my children and self by collecting some damaged or condemned photographs out of the waste paper basket and grouped them together in the most comical manner imaginable, and that when done I thoughtlessly allowed a friend to see them, they were then destroyed. I did nothing maliciously nor did I think for a moment that what I had done would be miscon- strued or magnified into the proportion it has been, and my friend not per- ceiving what mischief might accrue from it, if it came to the ears of cer- tain individuals who are not over par- ticular as to the truth of their state- ments, mentioned what he had seen to some of his friends, who again retailed it with sundry additions until "a mountain was made out of a mole hill," and it reached your paper. Some wags took up the report and "for a lark" told some of their sensitive friends they had been caricatured; and one gentleman very naturally asked me if it was true; I told him it was not. But to satisfy any who may be in doubt, allow me here to state, that I have never for any dishonorable or malicious motive mutilated or other-

wise made use of any person's photo- graph. I have never used a negative for that purpose neither have I sent or even given away a caricatured photograph of any description except my own which I sent to a friend. I may also state that I was the first person to tell the parties whose pho- tographs I had used of what I had done. They laughed heartily about it, and did not think an apology neces- sary. But one or two evil disposed persons have considered it their espe- cial duty to fan the flame thus ignit- ed and add fuel to the fire for my es- pecial benefit. I am sorry their talents and energy have not been put to a better and more useful purpose.

There is scarcely an individual, saint or sinner in this city but what I have heard some "currently reported" scandal about, therefore "he who is without fault let him cast the first stone." I hope should the next "cur- rently reported" article refer to me, your correspondent will sign his name to it.

March, 12 1866.

LOCAL.

We are happy to learn that the tax on native Boats coming into the city has been entirely removed by the Si- amese government. The tax was one tical a fathom in length on all Boats irrespective of the width. This is a grand step in the right direction, and we feel quite encouraged by it to hope for other improvements. The particu- lars of this change we intend to give in our next issue.

We learn that His Majesty the king will leave this city on Friday th 23d inst. for a pleasure trip to Pet- chaburce.

We are very sorry to hear that Loó- ang Meitree, one of our most exter- prising Chinese merchants, has been fatally stabbed in the rectum with a sharp bomboo by an enemy while he was setting in his privy. He was living when we last heard from him, but not expected to survive. Has the Siamese government energy enough to sieze and duly punish the culprit?

It has just come to our notice that E. C. Walrond Esq. late Constable at the British Consulate has been ap- pointed to the command of the Seam- ese Man of war Impregnable of 4 guns.

Ladies and their Long Tails.

Crinoline at length is going, thank goodness! but long, trailing dresses are coming in, thank badness! In mat- ters of costume, lovely woman rarely ceases to make herself a nuisance and the length of her skirt now is al- most as annoying, as a while ago, its width was. Robes & queues they call these dragggling dresses; but it is not at Kew merely that people are tor- mented by them. Every where you walk, your footsteps are impeded by the ladies, who, in Pope's prose, "drag their slow length along" the pathway just in front of you. "Will anybody tread upon the tail of my petticoat!" This seems to be the gen- eral invitation they now give. Sad enemies to progress they are in their long dresses and a Reform bill should be passed to make them hold their tails up. Ladies should be taught to to mind their p's and queues; and every policeman should be armed with a big pair of garden shears or tailor's scissors wherewith to cut away the skirts which he sees trailing on the pavement.

Young ladies, as a rule, we will allow, are little ducks; but by wearing such tails they make geese of themselves. Clearly something must be done to shorten their appendages, if it only be on account of the public. We often see a child tripped up by a long dress, and falling on what Jaques calls it "innocent nose" thereby. If the trains be worn much longer, there is no telling what mis-haps and master- haps may be occasioned by them. Well nigh as many accidents will be met with by these troids as by those upon our railways, and we really hardly know which of the two may prove more dangerous. For ourselves, hav- ing the welfare of our little ones at heart, we always try to tread upon many dresses as we can, and to do them all the damage that hobnailed boots can perpetrate. If every father of a family would sternly do the same, the fashion of long dresses would have a short existence.—Punch

Summary.

As the position of Southern repre- sentatives was not likely to be soon determined by Congress, the gentle- men from the South had resolved up- on returning home until March 4th.

The government has arrested Cap- tain Semmes.

The report of Earl Schurs to Government shows that the people of the Southern States "have no nation- al feeling and no American senti- ment" and that the negro has been reduced to a condition of practical slavery.

Senator Sumner denounced Pre- sident Johnson's Message as resemb- ling the white-washing message of Franklin Pierce with regard to the Kansas atrocities.

A Parisian butcher having obtained the requisite authorization was to open a special slaughter house for horses under the superintendence of a gov- ernment inspector, and a shop where nothing but horse-flesh will be sold. The opening of the two establish- ments is to be inaugurated by a ban- quet at which horse-flesh dressed in every fashion by the most skilled Parisian cuisiniers will form the chief dishes.—[If Paris sets this new fash- ion must not all the ladies in world follow it?]

The split in the Fenian Camp in the U. S. is complete. Roberts has issued an address calling upon the Fenians to act promptly and smash up England. The sum of £400,000 the supposed amount of their funds is not quite enough, one would think to do that great job.

It seems to be generally understood that Russia has notified to Prussia, in terms not to be mistaken, that she will not permit the absorption of the Duchies by the Prussian monarchy. Had Russia made this intimation a little earlier it would have saved much ill-feeling and useless outlay, and en- abled Prussia to retreat with better grace from an untenable position. But it is well she should interpose at last, especially as there is reason to believe that she has really done so effectually. Bismark is visibly tottering to his fall, and when he is down, there will not be wanting hostile feet to visit him with ignominous kicks. As the saying goes, he will die like a bishop with the consent of all men.

The severity recently adopted by the French government towards the press, seems to be only the initial movement of a system which is to be more widely extended by and by. It has begun with the "L' Independence Belge," and a rumour is abroad that the English newspapers are to be prohibited next. We must wait for the confirmation of this statement be- fore we consent to believe it. One thing is certain, that so vast a tyranny could hardly be projected by any minister on his own responsibility, and, therefore, we are not surprised to find it ascribed to a higher author- ity.—Home News.

[A government that will sanction such a course in times of peace must feel herself built on very explosive materials. Ed.]

Some Zouaves in Mexico are said to have revolted, and been disarmed. The French in Mexico generally an- ticipate war with the United States.

The eight hundredth anniversary of the dedication of Westminster Ab- bey has been celebrated by elaborate services.

COTTON IN INDIA.

THERE is a rumour of good news from America—the best for India we have heard since the blockade. The able London Correspondent of the Bombay Gazette states that it has been proposed in Congress to levy a duty of 10 cents or 5d., a pound on the export of American cotton. It is true that this has not been proposed or, so far as yet appears, approved of by Mr McCulloch, the cautious Secre- tary to the Treasury. But the fact that it should be made at all gives us hope that there may be a duty of at least 8d. a pound. For Mr. McCul- loch has left the whole question of new or more taxation to a Commission whose report is soon expected. Five- pence a pound would yield twenty millions sterling, or two-thirds of the interest on the Debt, when the export rises to two millions of bales. It would force the Southern States to bear the chief share of the burden they have caused. And as, by devoting forty millions a year steadily for the Debt, Mr. McCulloch hopes to extinguish it in twenty years, and the only other ex-

port staple of the South is sugar, no- thing is more probable than that he will adopt a proposal so fruitful in it, results, so popular in the loyal States and abstractly so just as a temporary measure. It seems more and more certain that for two years more India will draw her forty millions a year for cotton, and for twenty or thirty after that be allowed by an American export duty to fall easily. She will have at least an opportunity to improve her cultivation, and if her peasantry were only a little educated she might take advantage of it as she has not yet done.—-Friend of India.

Prices Current.

EXCHANGE—On Singapore 1 per cent discount at 10 d. s. On Hong Kong 4 per cent discount at 30 d. s.

FREIGHTS—35 cents per pl. inside and 30 cents per pl. outside, for Hongkong.

The following vessels have sailed at the above rates;

Ham. bark "Laura" rice 6372 pls. sapan- wood 50 pls.

Brit. bark "Cap Sing Moon" rice 10.775 pls.

Dut; bark "Sophia Amalia" rice 5580 pls. sapanwood 21 pl. paddy 1009 pls.

Siam ship "Verena" rice 6010 pl. sapan- wood 2247 pl.

Ham. bark "Turandot" rice 6588 pls.

Prus. do "Ingeburg" " 7640 "

Ham. do "Galatsea" " 7387 " sapanwood 366 pls. sugar 474 pls.

Siam bark "Kim Yung Bee" salt 550 pls. saltfish 1850 pls. to Batavia.

(The following vessels are ready for Sea.)

Brit. bark "Stella" for Singapore with Buffalo Hides 226 pls. Deer sides hides 87 pls. horns 67 pls. sapanwood 424 pls. teak- planks 110 pcs.

Brit. Sch. "Rantipole" for Hong Kong with rice 4189 pls. teak-plank 80 pls

Brem. Sch. "Rudolph" for Hong Kong, with rice 4290 pls.

Ham. bark "Ino" Hong Kong, rice 6500 pls.

Hanov. brig "J. G. Fichte" Hong Kong rice 2925 pls. paddy 440 pls.

Brit. Sch. "Kung Mon", for Hong Kong, with rice 3087 pls.

Siam Brig "Brilliant" for Batavia, with

Salt fish 1500 pls. Sapanwood 800 pls. teak- planks 150 pcs.

Ham. bark "Charlotte" for Hongkong with ice 4892 pls.

London Letter.

The two great sources of anxiety at present, in England may be said to be the Rinderpest and the state of the money market. The former still con- tinues to spread with a degree of ra- pidity which has filled the nation with alarm. Last week the number of vic- tims amounted to 7500, an increase of 1500 over the return of the previous week. Every attempt to discover the nature or the cure of the disease has been unavailing, and modern science with all its vaunted progress, stands aghast at this new visitation, which baffles all our skill. It is now proposed at once to interdict the movement of cattle throughout the country in the hope of stopping the progress of the contagion, but so many cases have been found of cattle attacked by the murrain when in a state of complete isolation, that there are serious doubts of the successful issue of an experi- ment which cannot fail to inflict great distress on the country.

The money market is in the most ticklish state. The Bank has raised its rates to 8 per cent., but it is doubt- ful whether this will be sufficient to check the demand for accomodation. In addition to the large loans required for the continental kingdoms, and the large speculations into which the greed of gain has plunged the nations, there has been a vast trade with Ame- rica since the termination of the war. Tempted by the high price of every article, owing chiefly to an inflated currency, people have been sending over goods, for which there has been no equivalent return to specie and produce. A large debt is due from America to England, and the ship- pers are constrained to resort to the capitalists for loans. In addition to the usual discussion in the city article of the Times, there is an elaborate leader on the subject, which wears an omin- ous aspect. To-day they are talking of a panic, and if it once breaks out, there is no knowing when it will stop.

On the Continent, there are signs of the waning of Count Bismark's power, and of the determination of Aurtris and Russia to resist his attempts to make Schleswig and Holstein Prussian, and there is a certainty that the Prus- sian Parliament, when it meets, will exhibit the most virulent hostility to him.

FRANCE.

This year the prospect is cheering, as far as the authority which is en- throned in Paris is concerned. Ever since the New Year's Day of 1859 and its significant utterances to the Austrian Minister the Continental Powers have been prepared to arm at a word from the Tuileries. Austria, Prussia, Italy, the Papacy have listen- ed with emotions of hope or fear. This year there has been nothing but speech of happy augury for peace, addressed to the Papal Nuncio as the represent- ative of foreign diplomacy. The Em- peror speaks of strengthening the bonds which unite nations and kings, and hopes for a long day of peace and prosperity for the world. There have been periods when these might be thought words of course, but the situa- tion of affairs is such that we may really hope they represent the convictions of the Emperor and the French nation. As to the latter, every year gives fresh evidence that there's no popular desire for war. France, like England, has attained to all the honour which a na- tion can fairly desire. As England, with an immense empire and a com- merce which encircles the globe, loves peace because the most successful and triumphant war could give her nothing, so France, victorious over the most formidable armies of the Continent, and with her intellectual and artistic suprem- acy even more assured than her political power, does not care to enter on new campaigns which can add no glory to the conquerors of the Malak- hoff and Solferino. The contented ambition of the two leading European nations is an important guarantee for the peace of the world. We may say, also, that if France is satisfied, the Sovereign who rules France has reason to be satisfied also. All the latest achievements, both foreign and dom- estic, of the country are his own, and if great deeds can establish a throne his ought to be secure. Hence the world has learnt without surprise that the Emperor will withdraw from the two enterprises which still detain a portion of the French army in foreign lands. The long occupation of Rome will be brought to an end during the present year, and the future govern- ment of what remains of the Papal States will be left to the arbitrate- ments of its own people.—-Friend of India.

First Thoughts.

In worldly matters 'think twice,' but in duty, it has been well said, 'first thoughts are best;' they are more fresh, more pure, have more of God in them. There is nothing like the first glance that we get at duty, before there has been any special pleading of our affec- tions or inclinations. Duty is seldom uncertain at first. It is only after we have involved ourselves in the mazes and sophistries of wishing that things were otherwise than they are, that it seems indistinct. Considering a duty is often explaining it away. Delibera- tion is often only dishonesty. God's guidance is plain where we are true.

Eating Dirt.

The Nation has an intelligent and keen sighted correspondent traveling through the South who reports the fol- lowing remarks from an old planter he found near Fayetsville, N. C. Proba- bly it indicates pretty fairly the senti- ment of very many Southerners:

“There’s a good many trying to make out that they’ve always been sound Union men, when the fact is we were all rebels together. I am in favor of acknowledging we’re whipped and asking forgiveness, and then if the United States won’t take us back, why its not our fault. We’ve got to eat dirt anyhow, as Vance says, but blamed if I think much of a man that pretends he likes it. I never could keep up with the politicians, though.

—-The Paris correspondent of the London Times writes a column a day, and has $15,000 a year for doing it.

—-Dictionary making appears to be a healthy business. Johnson saw sev- enty-five years; Walker lived to a good old age; Dr. Worcester, who died recently in Boston, was eighty- one; Noah Webster was eighty-five when he passed away; and the last English news reports the death of Dr. Richardson, at ninety.

—-A new invention has been brought out in Chicago, that revolutionizes some of the first principles of the steam engine, and makes explosions of it an impossibility. If practical, its importance can hardly be estimated.

—The Jamaicain insurrection was the instigation of a prominent white man, a member of the Assembly, and, so far, not a negro insurrection.

—One hundred and sixty thousand skeletons of horses and cattle, that were killed or died during the war in the Valley of Virginia, are collected at a bone factory near Winchester.

—The petroleum production for this year is estimated at 1,500,000 barrels, which will be worth $15,000,000.

—There are now 1608 national banks with an aggregate capital of $403,708,763 and a circulation of $210,266,640.

—During the war, we had eight Ma- jor-Generals and seventeen Brigadier- Generals killed outright in battle, while two Major-Generals and nine Brigadier- Generals died of wounds received in action, and seventeen Generals of the two ranks died of disease.

—The English are people of resour- ces. Several firms in Birmingham have been doing a good business in making heathen gods and shipping them to India.

—The rebel pirates destroyed 275 of our merchant vessels. The value of whaling vessels alone that they do- stroyed was $1,650,000.

—It is reported that Maximilian has court-martialed and summarily execut- ed 6000 Liberals

Which, if true, would entitle him to the appellation of the Great Assassin.

A military revolution, headed by General Prim, has broken out in Spain. Madrid and the provinces of new Cas- tille have been placed under military law.

Russia has definitively declared to Prussia that she will not permit the annexation of Duchies.

A dowry of £80,000 and £6000 a year will probably be asked of Parlia- ment for Prince Christian of August- enburg and the Princess Helena.

A revolution is reported to have broken out in Mexico against the Em- peror Maximilian.

The cattle plague continues to in- crease.

A tremendous storm has swept over London and other parts of the United Kingdom, causing much loss of life and destruction of property.

A Government shorthand writer has been despatched to Jamaica to attend the Commission. Most of the London papers have also sent repor- ters.

A man came into a printing office to beg a paper. “Because,” he said, “we like to read the newspapers very much, but our neighbors are all too stingy to take one!”

—-The attention of the mistress of a family was lately called to the fact that a little colored girl was constantly seen lying on the grassplat, with her face turned up to the sun. Upon being questioned why she assumed that pos- ture, she answered, “Why, Missis al- ways lay de tings on de grass what she wants to make white.”

THE FRENCH COMMERCIAL MARINE IN CHINA.-—According to the terms of a convention recently concluded be- tween the Chinese Government and M. Berthemy, the French Plenipoten- tiary in China, the voyages of French trading vessels between China, Japan, and Cochin-China will hereafter be considered in respect of the payment of tonnage dues as simple coasting voyages. Consequently all vessels bearing the French flag will be allow- ed to trade between the ports of those countries without being called upon to pay tonnage dues oftener than once in four months, whatever may have been the number of voyages they may have made. This measure is also ap- plicable to French vessels trading be- tween one Chinese port and another without touching at any foreign port, and also to junks and other vessels employed by French merchants in coasting operations which hitherto have been exempt from all tonnage dues under the 22d article of the treaty of Tientsin.—-Moniteur.

MR. SAMUEL SMITH.—Who has vi- sited India in his Circular issued at the beginning of the year seems to us to come to very fair conclusions on the subject of cotton supply. In 1865 all the world sent to England 2,755, 000 bales of which 1,267,000, or about a half, were from India, 462,000 from America, 340,000 from Brazil, 334, 000 from Egypt, and the rest from the West Indies, China, and the Levant. By doubling the American supply for 1866, reducing the East Indian to 1,235,000 and the Egyptian to 234, 000, increasing Brazil to 450,000 and striking out China, he expects 3,000, 000 bales in the current year, and the quality of the whole will be superior. Perhaps the supply expected from America is too large, considering the disorganization of capital and labour in the South, and the demands of the North. But this amount will be suf- ficient to supply the mills of England and Europe, while keeping up the price of the manufactured goods for at least all this year.

Odds and ends.

—The Loudon French hears that his Holiness the Pope has given positive orders that all his bulls shall be kept within the precincts of the Vatican while the cattle disease is rife.

—A Southern minister who has re- ceived a number of calls and could hardly decide which was the best, ask- ed the advice of his faithful African servant, who replied, “Massa, go where de most debbel.”

—An editor of Indiana was attached by a man for some personal grievance. The editor says: “To avoid injuring him and to prevent his injuring us, we got out of the way.”

—Old Mrs. Darnly is a pattern of household economy. She says she has made a pair of socks last fifteen years, by only knitting new feet to them eve- ry winter, and new legs every other winter.