The Bangkok Recorder.

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Under the Deep.

On the coral beds pillow’d with sand,

And the Kings of the Sea their watchfullness keep

O’er the treasures of many a land,

I’ve a jewel more precious to me than the mines

With their diamonds of beauty untold;

A gem that in lustre unfading outshines

The purest of India’s gold.

It was set in the crown of my joy long ago

And the pride of my heart was its throne,

Where the light of its purity beamed in the glow

Of a love that no mortal hath known.

Save I, and my little one sleeping so still,

And who never can come back to me,

Through the darkness and chill of the waters that fill

His sepulchre out in the Sea.

O my darling I lost, O the anguish it cost,

The angels in heaven can tell

How the blossoms of hope died out in the frost?

Of the Winter of sorrow that fell

On my soul when I knew that the gentle and true

Had perished whom God could have saved,

And kept him for me and my love till he grew

To battle the perils he braved.

Now I sit on the shore and list to the roar

Of the breakers that dash at my feet,

And think of the face I shall see nevermore,

Till over death’s billows we meet;

But down in my heart is a fountain of peace

That gladdens my life while I weep.

A spring whose sweet comfortings never shall cease

Until under the lilies I sleep.

For the tide in its flow is singing I know

Through the coral groves over his breast,

And the rough rolling waves with their fringes

Are rocking him gently to rest; like snow

While the soft Summer winds with the music of streams

And the ripples all whisper to me,

In the moonlight’s pale beams, the love and the dreams

Of my sailor boy under the sea.

George Stephenson.

On the 28th November, 1802, George being a few months more than twenty-one years of age, he married at Newburn Church his beloved Fanny Henderson, and took her to his newhome at Willington Quay, six miles from Newcastle. His industry had made a nest little home for his young wife, and she was sure to add to its comfort. The sisters of Fanny had married men in better worldly stations than George Stephenson, but they were all of a good stock—-capital housewives, and full of warm-hearted sympathies —-so that, by his happy union, George, had now a new and prosperous family circle.

With new duties came new energy. From mending shoes, George took to making them, and he drove a good trade in making shoe-lasts, which were soon found of great excellence. An accident happened at his cottage that developed the young husband's mechanical skill. While he was absent one day, the chimney took fire, and the neighbours, in putting it out, swamped the dwelling with water, and injured what was most prised[?] of all, the eight-day clock. To send this to a clock-maker for repairs would cost more than they could afford. &c.

George set himself to work to mend the clock, and succeeded so well that his neighbours from that time sent him their clocks to repair, and gave him the name of "the clock doctor."

On the 16th of December, 1803, the young parents rejoiced over their first-born, and as it proved, their only child, now a man of world-wide cele- brity. It marks the filial piety of George, that he called his son after his own worthy aged father, Robert, little dreaming that M. P. would in time be put after that name, and the world would be the better for the genius of Robert Stephenson as it has been for that of his father.

The warm heart that had given its love to so many dumb creatures was sure to have plenty to bestow upon this last dear claimant. His wife and child were indeed a crown of rejoic- ing. Perhaps the humble home, glad- dened by their smiles, was too happy for this earth—-certain it is, the light of joy was soon to be quenched in tears. The year after the infant was born, the good and gentle mother was called away to a heavenly home, and her husband and babe were left deso- late. With all the strength of his strong nature must George Stephenson have mourned his loss. His helpless child was the best earthly comforter. For his sake the grief must be borne, the desolate future fronted with a calm resolution, however the heart might ache.

It was a mercy that entire change of scene came at that dreary time. George Stephenson was invited to su- perintend the working of a new en- gine, at some works near Montrose, in Scotland. Leaving his boy in good care, he set out, and performed the long journey on foot. He who has given us railroads that we can traverse with comfort and ease, at a penny a mile, had then to tramp with his kit on his back, a much more expensive way, say nothing of the fatigue, but there was then no help for it. He was in Scotland a year—-paid regularly for his child's maintenance, and contrived to save £28. He wanted to make some alterations in the engine, this led to a disagreement, and longing to get back to his child, he gave up his work, and trudged back again. On the way, when foot-sore and weary, he knocked at a cottage and asked shelter, he was re- fused. He entreated to be permitted to lie down on some straw in an out- house, the good woman, struck by his manner, overcome her husband's re- luctance, and they admitted him to their fireside. He repaid their hospi- tality by his pleasant conversation, and they were so pleased with him, that when, on the morrow, he offered to pay them, they refused to take money, asking only to be remembered kindly. Many years after, when Step- henson became a rich man, he called upon this couple, who were not a lit- tle surprised to find what a distin- guished guest they had received.

There had been a heavy trouble in his native home during the young man's absence. The child was well, but the father, Robert Stephenson, had met with an accident, by which he was terribly scorched, and rendered totally blind. In this great affliction, the family helped the old man as well as they could, but that was not much, and of necessity some debts were incurred. It took £18 out of his £28 to do this, and soon after, he moved the aged couple to a comfortable cottage near his own dwelling, and supported them there until the close of their lives.

One who was so dutiful to his own parents, richly merited that his son should be dutiful to him, and in all his biography, whether literary or scien- tific, there is nothing more truly noble and beautiful than the perfect love between George Stephenson and his congenial-minded son. Not often is it permitted for parent and child to be so completely congenial in the character of their minds as were these. Amid all his trials and his triumphs, it must have been his greatest earthly comfort that his son shared his honourable toils, and drank deeply into his own spirit.

Very slow at this time was the outward progress of our hero. He had not only all those heavy kindred cares upon him, but in 1807-8, he was drawn for the militia, and the cost of procuring a substitute swept away all his savings.

Many years after, when addressing a society of young men at Belper, he said "Not having served an apprentice- ship to an engineer, I had made up my mind to go to America, considering that no one in England would trust me to act as an engineer."

Between the years 1808-12, his first skill as an engineer was put to the test. A neighbouring coal-pit was drowned with water, and the pumping engine used, was wholly inefficient to draw it off; after a long delay, the managers agreed to let Stephenson try his hand at improving the pumping engine; he was completely successful, and a pre- sent of ten guineas was made him beyond his wages. His name was now up through the country side, and he was called to remedy the defects of other engines. As usual, he varied his toils by an ingenious employment of his leisure. The housewives of the district were indebted to him; for by a simple contrivance, he made the smoke-jacks at the chimney side rock the cradles of the infants. He used also to cut out men's suits of cloths so dexterously, that "George Step- henson's cut" is spoken of to this day; meanwhile, his favourite occupations of last making, and clock and watch mending, went on, and filled up his leisure—reading, writing, and above all arithmetic not being forgotten.

During these four years he saved £100 in guineas; and during a demand for gold, he sold his guineas for twenty- five shillings each, and began to feel his footing more secure in a worldly sense, though his wages were still very moderate. He was 31 years of age before he obtained his regular em- ployment as an engineer to a colliery, at £100 a year.

One of the strongest determinations of Stephenson was that his son Robert should have a good education. Ac- cordingly he sent the boy to a good school at Newcastle, where he proved himself as diligent as even his active father could wish. The youth's edu- cation aided the further development of his father's mind, for as Robert in time attended the lectures at the New- castle Literary Philosophical Society, he was required to bring home an abstract of what he heard, and few more beautiful sights could be seen than young Robert on a Saturday af- ternoon, when he returned to his home at Killingworth, giving his father an account of scientific matters, or read- ing with him some valuable scientific book, or making drawings and experi- ments. Both child and man were carrying on their education.

The wooden tram-ways that ran in front of the cottage where Stephenson first saw the light, were of course the means of suggesting the modern rail- way, and the first locomotive or tra- veling engine that Stephenson made was simply a contrivance by which coal waggons might be propelled along the tram-ways with more speed and less expense. His own account of the matter is this. "The first locomotive I made was at Killingworth colliery, and with Lord Ravensworth's money. Yes! Lord Ravensworth was the first to trust me with money to make a lo- comotive engine." That engine was made in 1813, and Stephenson called it "My Lord."

He did not claim any inventive power as to the locomotive. His men- tal history is chiefly remarkable for his aptitude at improving and apply- ing what, but for his practical common sense, might have only been scientific curiosities. A man of wondrous gen- ius in Cornwall, named Trevethie, made a locomotive steam-engine to travel on common roads, as for back as 1802. But though marvellously ingenious, there was such danger as- sociated with this invention, that it never found permanent favour or suc- cess, and Richard Trevethie left a name second to none as a man of gen- ius, but he wanted what is as rare and as valuable as genius—plodding, sound, common sense. In these latter quali- ties Stephenson excelled, and they stood him in greater stead than the loftiest genius without them.

Telegrams.

London Feb. 12th,—The proceed- ings of the Royal commission in Ja-

maica have commenced—-English ad- vocates have been engaged on behalf of Messrs. Gordon, Underhill, and others. An American Revenue Commission have submitted the Report to Congress, proposing a tax of five cents per pound on Cotton.

A letter received from Deebeh Las- sam (l) announces that the Abys- sinian captives are still alive, and jour- neying with the Emperor. Egyptian Government missed Schori; (l) sold into slavery nearly four thousand Ne- groes, crops for Mutic.

Galle, 15th Feb.-—Arrived, Steamer Madras, from Australia, Sydney, Jan- uary 20th, other dates not received. No news of importance from New Zea- land. The utter failure of the Hanhan fanaticism in the East has disgusted the majority of the people with the war, which may be said to in a fair way of dying off. The murderers of Revd. Valkner not yet been tried at Adelaide. Excitement about new gold-fields continues at Melbourne. A rumour is afloat, that Sir Charles Darling has been recalled.

Napoleon opened the Chambers to- day. Referring to Mexico, he said he had arranged with Maximilian to re- call the French troops, and fixed a time.

London, 17th February.-—Parlia- ment has suspended the Habeas Cor- pus Act in Ireland.

United States Steamer Curcius wrecked—-all perished.

Nearly 200 Fenians apprehended. Four Non-Commissioned Officers of the 73rd Regiment arrested at Lime- rick. Enquiry instituted.

America, 10th February.-—A col- ored deputation has gone up demand- ing suffrage.

The President advises the Negroes to emigrate declaring that enfranchise- ment would breed war of races in the the South.

The Canadian Commissioners have failed to obtain renewal of the Reci- procity Treaty.

Peru and Chili have declared war against Spain—-the other South Ame- rican Republics expected to give in their adherence.

A Spanish Fleet has blockaded Valparaiso.

Bombay, 26th February.—-The Sultan of Muscat has been murdered.

All the Arab Tribes on the Coast of Muscat are in open revolt.

The murder is supposed to be in retaliation for the operations of the Steamer Highflyer against the Waha- bees.

America.

The Mexican question is again the chief subject of interest in the news from America. The President had laid the correspondence between his government and France before Con- gress, and it will be seen from the sub- joined abstract of it that there is little chance of agreement between the two Powers. A telegraphic notice of this correspondence appeared in our last:—-

In July last Maximilian's agent made an unsuccessful attempt to obtain Fed- eral recognition through the intermedi- ary of M. de Montholon. On Novem- ber 16th Mr. Seward wrote to Mr. Big- elow, the American ambassador at Paris, representing that the presence and the operations of the French army in Mexico, and its maintenance of an authority there, caused serious concern to the United States. Nevertheless the objection of the United States is still broader, and includes the author- ity itself which the French army is thus maintaining, and which is in di- rect antagonism to the policy of the Federal government and the principle on which it is founded. Every-day's experience of its operations confirms the justice of the views expressed by the Federal government at the time that the attempt to institute that au- thority first became known. The United States still regard the attempt to establish permanently a foreign im- perial government in Mexico as disal- lowable and impracticable, because the United States could not now agree to compromise the position heretofore assumed. They are not prepared to recognise, or pledge themselves hereaf- ter to recognise, any political institu- tions in Mexico in opposition to the Republican government with which they have so long maintained friendly relations. He dwells so earnestly on on this branch of the political relations because at present they supersede those of commerce in the consideration of the American people.

On November 30th, Mr. Bigelow re- ports having read Mr. Seward's des- patch to M. Drouyn de Lhuys, who thanked him, though he felt obliged to say that he derived neither pleasure nor satisfaction from its contents.

On the 4th December, Mr. Seward writes to Mr. Bigelow:-—"Your des- patch of Nov. 24th seems to discourage on our part expectations of an early withdrawal of the French from Mexico.

It must be remembered, however, that the opinions on that subject which received from M. Drouyn de Lhuys were expressed not only without the emperor's positive sanction, but also in the absence of any knowledge on the part of the French government as the definite conclusions of the Presi- dent on the subject discussed. It is desirable to leave no part of those op- inions open to misapprehension. It is signally desirable that we shall be au- thorised to infer that such expositions of imperial views as are given to us in the name of the French government are made with the emperor's approval."

On December 16th Mr. Seward writes to Mr. Bigelow that it is the Presid- ent's purpose that France should be respectfully informed upon two points —-first, that the United States earnestly ship desire to cultivate sincere friend- ship with France. Second, that this policy would be imminently jeopardised un- less France could deem it consistent with her interest and honour to desist from prosecuting armed intervention in Mex- ico to overthrow the existing Republic an government, and establish upon its ruins a foreign monarchy. In conclu- sion, Mr. Seward says that the United States will not recognize Maximilian even if the French troops are with- drawn from Mexico.

The papers presented to Congress include a confidential letter from M. Drouyn de Lhuys to M. de Montholon, the French ambassador at Washington. dated October 18th stating that he re- newed the assurance of the strong de- sire of the French government to with- draw its auxiliary corps as soon as cir- cumstance permitted. The French government has been ready to adopt, without a moment's delay the basis of an understanding with the Washing- ton government. What it asked of the United States was an assurance that it was not their intention to im- pede the consolidation of the new or- der of things founded in Mexico. The best guarantee the French government could desire would be Federal recog- nition of Maximilian.

On December 6th Mr. Seward wrote to M. de Montholon saying:—-"After a review of all the facts, the President is gratified with the assurance you give of the emperor's good disposition. I regret, however, to be obliged to say that the condition which the em- peror presents is one which seems to be impracticable."-—Straits Times

Mexico.

The Emperor Maximilian has de- livered a speech in reply to an ad- dress offering condolence upon the death of King Leopold, in which he expressed confidence in his destiny, and a determination to continue the course which he has commenced. He would not change the Democratic cus- toms of Mexico, but he considered a strong rule was the last anchor of safety for the country. He looked forward to the future without anxiety.

The Ranchero, of Matamoras, states that Bagdad was abandoned by the Liberals on this 26th January, and that a Federal guard was stationed there. The Imperialists took posses- sion the same day. Cortinas and Es- cobedo had left the neighbourhood of the Rio Grande. The leading mer- chants of Matamoras, both foreign and Mexican, have published a protest against the proceedings of the Federal civil and military authorities on the Texas side of the Rio Grande, charg- ing them with the responsibility of the troubles and outrages perpetrated on the Rio Grande by aiding the par- tisans of Juarez—a party which they declare has at present no more foot- hold there than is afforded by Federal officials. The Consuls of Great Bri- tain, France, Spain, and Prussia, tes- tify to the truth of the protest.

Bangkok Recorder.

Our readers, we presume have not forgotten the discussion we had in our columns some two or three months since with a distinguished Buddhist Champion, and they may, perhaps, won- der why they have heard nothing more from him. We feel now constrained to confess that this silence has not been from any power we flattered our- selves we had in silencing him by ar- gument, but rather from an unwilling- ness we have had to publish his puerile effort. It was sent for publication many weeks since, and we have thus long laid it aside not by any means be- cause we wanted time to study how to answer it, but simply because we feared our readers would not think it worth the space it must needs occupy in our small paper. We still have the same fears, and hence have de- termined now to make but a few brief remarks concerning it. The article possesses some interest as a specimen of the utter weakness of Buddhism to sustain any argument against the Bi- ble. The writer instead of replying a word to any of our answers to his pre- vious objections, produces another which he evidently thinks is a poser and may well stand as his grand ulti- matum. And what is wonderful about it is, that he has taken it from that good christian work for children—- The Rollo Series, written by Rev. J. Abbot of N. York. The chapter which after all his re-search he has light- ed upon is that one where Miss Mary teaches Jonas, Rollo, and Lucy that there is really no rainbow "set in the clouds" or any where else, but that "it is only an optical illusion in peo- ples eyes." Our most highly distin- guished Buddhist advocate having quoted from the Bible all the passage found in the 9th Chapter of Genesis con- cerning the Rainbow, not copied what Miss Mary taught concerning it, then with an air of great triumph puts to us the scoffing question, "Is this the Book which you affirm to be the greatest luminary in the world, and which is going to enlighten the whole earth, imparting to mankind the high- est and best knowledge"? He then gives us his own peculiar ultimatum—-saying The Bible appears to some to be but a feeble taper in its power to impart light, or more properly as a single lucifer match.

Now while we are glad to have a fresh confirmation of what we well knew before, that Buddhism is proving herself by her mightiest Champion to be utterly weak and puerile in argument against the Bible and Christianity, we cannot but deeply lament that such a man in such a high place of power and influence is so sadly deluded. When we consider the tremendous respon- sibility he assumes—-the millions of precious souls he is leading to eternal ruin with his own, we often times groan out in anguish of spirit—-O that he were wise—-that he would consider his latter end—-that he would but be willing to study the Bible with a docile spirit, stripped of all pride of opinion, of all self conceit, of all fear of finding some- thing in that Blessed book of God to disturb his repose in Buddhism and to draw his heart into a love of its teachings! Then would he most cer- tainly find in it "the words of eternal life" and by them with their author's eternal power and grace be saved with an everlasting salvation. It is not only for his own soul and the millions he is now leading that we fear, but also for the future welfare of the Kingdom which he causes to blaspheme the name of the most High and only God our Saviour, and to despise and even openly ridicule the only and infallible Chart God has given mankind to direct them to eternal life. Jehovah's threatening found in Isaiah LX. 12th looks as if it were pointing directly to Siam in her present prolonged and fearful infidelity. "The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea those nations shall be utterly wasted." But while we thus frankly and affec- tionately express our fears for Siam, we do still entertain lively hopes that she will yet be saved as a nation, and finally greatly blest as a Christian kingdom. But these hopes, we are fully persuaded can only be realized by speedy repentance on the part of those who rule Siam; and for this we do and will continue to hope even unto death.

object in uniting Siam at the present time is to further the interests of the British Telegraph Company in carrying through their line from Maul- main to Singapore with a branch from Tavoy to this city.

From a government document of which we give a translation in one of the columns of this issue, our readers will rejoice to percieve that Siam is not going to be behind any neighbor- ing nation in allowing her territory to be traversed by Telegraph lines.

Nothing has occurred here for a long time that has given us so much hope for Siam as a nation as this noble de- termination of her government to allow herself to be put into lightening communication with Western Asia the isles of South Eastern Asia, Australia and Europe. Mr. Reid be- ing an old acquaintance of His Ma- jesty's, a man of the most respectable and powerful connections, will, we doubt not, accomplish great good by his present mission. The grand work he has in hand has, we trust al- ready advanced to a point from which it cannot go backward. Within a year or two at the farthest, we may boldly predict, messages will be flashing be- tween Bangkok and Maulmain and Singapore daily; and as the great western line from Europe is already complete to Maulmain, we shall in that time be on the most intimate speaking terms with all Europe.

We learn also that Mr. Reid will at the present time exert his influence in bringing up for discussion before the Siamese government the project of having a railroad constructed between this and Maulmain. This, at first thought, may seem to some a too rapid march in the line of improvement for such a country as Siam. But on more mature reflection, we think it will be found not a wild project. Siam is now loudly summoned by passing events to come up promptly to the aid of such projects as bid fair to unite her closely and indissolubly with Bri- tish interests. What possible danger could there be to her interests in al- lowing British capitalists to construct a railroad from Maulmain to Bangkok? How surely would such a road in suc- cessful operation enhance the wealth and glory of her great emporium? How closely would it draw the ties of intercourse and union between the British nation and herself? If she would maintain her independence for ages to come, what other course can she take half so likely to secure it as by such a union? Hence though Americans as we are, our hearts burn within us to exert our little influence to induce Si- am to cultivate the closest intimacy with her western neighbor, and not only invite England to come and aid her in making the railroad and the telegraph line above spoken of, but also to con- struct a ship canal across the isthmus of Kraw. This would give Siam a glorious name to be transmitted on- ward to the end of time.

A government document.

The statement that the Siamese government have forbidden or hin- dered the establishment of any telegra- ph line is not correct. The Siamese government has not opposed—has not forbidden any one, or any company to make such a line. There was a certain party which extended to government a written proposition to construct a telegraph line from Paknam to Bang- kok. There were two proposals made in regard to it. One was that the party should have the exclusive right of making and using the line for a period of 25 years—forbidding every other party from making any other line within that period, that at the expiration of the 25 years the party would sell all right and title in the same to the Siamese government, and that the government should be under obligation to purchase it whether it could be used or not. The other proposition was that during all the period of 25 years the Siamese govern- ment should guarantee that no part of the telegraph line should be lost, and if lost that the government shall make it good. Now the Siamese government can- not accept of either of these proposi- tions. She cannot promise to forbid other parties making tele graph lines; because an English company has al- ready made better propositions than these. They have already entered upon negotiations for connecting a tele- graph line from Bengal and British India with Mergue. From thence they propose to stretch the line through Siamese territory from Kroh to Ranawng—and thence to Takooda P'óóng—thence to Takǒǒda P'a, and from thence to Keddah. From Keddah they will make it to Pre— thence to Sallingkaw, Malacca, and Singapore. They intend to extend it to Sumatra, Borneo, Batavia, Austra- lia and China.

In the territory of Siam they propose to be at the whole expense of the work and the protection of it after it is finished. Whenever any of their servants shall seize any Siamese sub- ject found guilty of stealing or other- wise damaging the line, they will hand said offender over to the Siamese au- thorities for trial according to the laws of the province in which the trespass has been committed. Said company do not ask the Siamese gov- ernment to forbid any other company making a telegraph line, or ask her to purchase their property after a certain period, or to guarantee its security.

This proposal the Siamese govern- ment has already received, and agreed that whatever privileges the Malayan provinces of Pre, Sallingkaw, Johore and other Malayan countries shall grant said company, the Siamese government will do the same.

This line is a long one, and will probably be of great advantage to the country. The constructing of it is not going to involve the Siamese gov- ernment very much in any way. She is to have no trouble or expense in ma- king or keeping it in repair.—All she will have to do will be to dispense jus- tice to persons whom the company shall hand over for that purpose. The wire and glass of which the line is to be made are such things as thieves will be likely to steal. The country abounds with men who make a business of steal- ing bits of iron, as nails, wire &c. to exchange the same for candies and match paper. And they will even steal bricks from the pavement, and bamboos, and mangrove wood and bark, and plank from bridges in bye places. They will even pull out nails from buildings in such places. Such things they do often.

Now the Telegraph lines wherever made will be continually liable to such depredations. And if the Siamese gov- ernment should establish a guard along the line it would be like putting chains day and night about the necks of the persons in charge who are now free. This would occasion great difficulty and trouble. In desolate places it would be like putting chains about the necks of the Siamese govern- ment. And the government thus wait- ing to protect the line for hire, might not get any pay, and if perchance she get pay, it would not be a suitable compensation for all her trouble in guaranteeing the security of the prop- erty.

Now if any company will undertake to construct a telegraph line in Siam- ese territory on the same terms as the above, the Siamese government will receive their proposition.

Government Notification.

Chow Phya Prǎ'k-lang, a royal counsellor, and Minister for Foreign affairs, to J. M. Hood Esq. Consul for the United States of America.

Sir—I crave the honor of informing you that I am in receipt of a letter from Chow Phya P'ǒǒt'ǎra p'éi Sǎ- mǒǒhǎ-nayok, who is in charge of the taxes on houses, sheds, market-stalls, boats, and floats, directing me to notify all the resident consuls that the system of taxation which the tax-farmers have been authorized to follow in collecting taxes from the people is in a state of confusion with regard to some of the smaller matters: while the larger matters are working quite acceptably. But there is a rubbing and chafing in the operation of taxing (the smaller vessels) because the taxes formerly levied on larger vessels com- ing from foreign lands to trade, as square rigged vessels and Chins junks, have been removed. And subsequent- ly all carts were likewise exempted from taxation because they come loaded with merchandise from the jungles, with articles that are taxed to increase the government revenue. And again persons coming in from the country from whatever direction to work out their taxes, beg that they may have the privilege of loading their boats with food and other provisions according to their several necessities free from tax- ation.

[Hence] it is now the pleasure of His Majesty the king to grant the people of Siam the favor of freedom from paying taxes on their small boats. But all boats that trade from the Provin- ces on the sea coast and from the rivers (of the same) being freighted with merchandise of various kinds going or coming and thus causing the govern- ment revenue to be increased, shall still pay taxes as (formerly.)

It is now the pleasure of the king to exempt from taxation such boats as trade in the rivers, and that come from the (inner) provinces—boats with masts and sails, and small boats that are em- ployed in the country. Taxes shall be continued to be levied only on boats that moor in the river and remain for a time selling their goods from them instead of having their goods sold from regular market places and stalls—-using their boats as stores much as the floating houses are used, and boats laden with brick and sand. As brick and sand are not taxed, and houses, on land, and houses on water, and market stalls, and gambling sheds and places where sundry merchandise is stored, govern- ment begs the privilege of levying taxes on all such boats and houses as from the beginning.

But the old arrangement in regard to sheds, market stalls, houses, and floats in the range or neighborhood of markets not employed in trading—- interspersed among those that are ex- empting such from taxation on the score of their not being thus used, the government now sees that they should pay taxes equally with their neighbors, because they occupy places in the mar- ket that should be turned to account for the support of government: but their occupants refuse to employ them for that purpose which is not right. Hence it is proper that they should be taxed and thus be obliged to con- tribute their share in the business of the market, that the country may be thus benefited. And in regard to the mar- ket which enjoys the benefit of a Police force as a guard, it is proper that the taxes on the buildings of the market should be increased so as to pay the expense of the Police force.

Issued on Wednesday the 4th Month, the 13th day of the waxing moon, the year of cow, and 7th of the decade, corresponding with March 14th 1866.

Correspondence.

Sir-—Having read an article in the Bangkok Recorder the Siamese issue under date of 17th March—-3rd No. and 19th page, that four Chronometers belonging to Europeans had lately been stolen, and that two of the thieves had been caught and the Siamese govern- ment had not inflicted any punishment upon them, we beg to insert in the “Recorder” the following explana- tion.

In the international Court there is a case of stealing a Chronometer which occurred in 3rd month the year of the cow—-7th of the decade. Lóóbang Oopǎtate-t’ooi-hán seized a woman who was found engaged in selling a watch chain. And made a written complaint to Kroma Mun warǎ-chák t’aranōōp’ǎp the purport of which was that other watch chains and other goods had been stolen: but there was no men- tion of any watch or Chronometer in that complaint. When the case was inves- tigated it was found, after going back from the person in whose hands the chain was to the 5th person, that had successively possessed it, that Chant’a and K’ong servants of Lóóbang Oopǎtate-t’ooi-hán had stolen it from him and sold it. The court then directed Lóóbang Oopǎtate to deliver over Chan- t’a and K’ong his servants to the court. Lóobang Oopâtate could hand over to the only K'ong, and Chant'a he could not deliver up. As to K'ong, he gave in testimony that on a certain day Lóóang Oopàtato and his wife being asleep-—he saw Chant'a go up stairs and come down again, when Lóóang Oopàtato awoke and said that his watch with a gold case was gone together with its chain. When he learned that K'ong had given in this testimony he made another statement to court with regard to the matter, say- ing that his gold watch had also dis- appeared with its chain. The court then took the mother of Chant's into custody in the place of her daughter as they did also the person who stood as security to the wife of Lóo- ang Oopàtato for Chânt'a so that these should exert their influence to bring Chant'a before court. The court then offered a reward of 40 ticals for the person of Chant'a. Now so long as the person Chant'a who was charged with the theft could not be found for trial, how could the court punish any other persons who were afterwards involved in the matter of purchasing and selling the stolen goods?

Again. In the 4 month 9th of the waxing moon the year of the hog—5th of decade, about two years ago Mr. Mason, Consul for Denmark, made a written complaint to us that a Chro- nometer belonging to Captain Polain was missing. Capt. Polain made en- quiries and found that it was in the possession of Capt. Smith of the ves- sel Marion, and begged that the court would have the matter investigated. The lawyers made enquiries at the vessel Marion, which was a vessel be- longing to the company of Phya Chodûk-rât-sât'ée, and sent orders to Phya Chodûk to deliver up the Chro- nometer together with the person who sold it. Phya Chodûk returned an- swer that he would comply with the order. In two or three days after that, the purchaser of the Chronometer delivered the Chronometer to the D[?]nish Consul. The Danish Consul then sent the Chronometer with a letter to us that we might examine it, and having done so, to return the Chronometer so him requesting that we would stay all further proceedings. In that let- ter of the Danish Consul there were no charges against any one whether Siamese or European, or any other for purchasing the Chronometer as stolen property. When the Danish Consul requested by letter that the prosecution might be stayed we thought it probable that the thief was a Eu- ropean, and that therefore the Danish Consul was so ready to drop the mat- ter. Had he not requested the prose- cution to be stayed, it would have been continued until the matter had been thoroughly investigated according to law.

In the year of the rat—-5th of the de- cade, Mr. Johnson had a Chinese ser- vant-boy arrested and brought before the International court. There was a letter from the Dutch Consul to Mãwm Rajoday-t'ei, stating that the servant-boy had stolen a watch and several other things. The court exa- mined the boy but he would not con- fess to any guilt. Mr. Johnson af- firmed that there were persons that would testify to his guilt, and that he would bring them before court. But he failed to do so, and hence the court could not arrive at the truth of the matter. Mãwm Rajoday-t'ei wrote to the Dutch Consul requesting that he would have Mr. Johnson appear be- fore the court with his witnesses. But he did not appear. Now in this case not yet thoroughly tried, how could punishment be inflicted upon the person charged with'stealing the property?

The case which the Bangkok Re- corder reports, that within the last 25 days a person went on board the ves- sel Clio, and stole a Chronometer, has not yet been reported to the Interna- tional court. The court are hence of opinion that the owner of the Chro- nometer has not yet fixed upon the person who stole it, and that to make complaint of it under those circum- stances would be labor lost. But it is probable that the owner suspects Siamese subjects of being concerned in the theft. And hence the Bang- kok Recorder has made the assertion that the Siamese government is like a machine that has become loose in a vital part and consequently weak. Now we beg to say in reply to that assertion, that the government of Siam is like a machine in good repair. But steam engines go because of fire the chief agent, and a watch goes because of the key which winds it up. When the fire is out, and the key lost, can the steam engine or the watch go alone?

But the truth is the Siamese govern- ment, even, is like a stout machine fixed firmly in its place. And should there be any little thing out of order we have those who are skilled in making all necessary repairs, so that there shall be no failure in the administration of justice.

Births.

At La Clayette (France) the wife of J. M. Alloin, of the firm of Remi Schmidt & Co. in this city, of a son, on the 17th January 1866.

On the 28th ulto. at her residence in this city Mrs Nelson, wife of Mr. Nelson Engineer, of a son.

LOCAL.

Passengers per "Chow Phya." W. H. Reid Esq. G. W. Virgio Esq. and Mrs. Sirr.

Passengers per "Hera" from Hoog Kong, arrived on the 3rd inst. P. Less- ler Esq. Prussian Consul, and family, Rev. Mr. Carden and family, and Mr. Oestmann.

We are happy in announcing the re- inforcement of our missionary corps by the arrival of Rev. P. L. Carden and wife, who join the Presbyterian Mission. They sailed from New York on the 24th of last Oct. and reached Hong Kong the 1st of March. They came from China in the Siamese Bark- intine "Hera" after a passage of 16 days

Mr. Lessler and family, return from China after an absence of about 4 months. We are glad to learn that he and his are all in good health.

The U. S. Marshal's sale of the pro- perty once belonging to J. H. Chan- dler Esq. of this city, was completed this day P. M. The House and lot was bought by Messrs. Scott & Co. for the sum of $10,100 and the other property brought about $1,500, as we have been informed, which added to the previous auction sale some weeks ago, amounts to about $13,600.

The Siam Ship "Conqueror" from Hong Kong arrived here on the 1st inst. reports having been attacked by pirates on the 11th March at 3.30 p.m. and after a severe struggle, in which she had one man killed and eleven wound- ed, was successful in beating off the pirates and putting them to flight

We are very sorry to report that our friend and countryman Franklin Blake Esq. is to take his final leave of us to morrow as passenger per "Chow Phya" for China via Singapore. The breach his departure will make in our American Society here, makes us, even in the anticipation, feel lonely and sad. He has been a fellow resi- dent with us in this city nearly three years, and has put a strong shoulder to the wheel of American affairs in Siam, and proved himself a New England loyalist with us to the very core. We pray for his future welfare in China in connection with the House of Au- gusting Heard & Co.

EXTRACTS.

One peculiarity is the great abund- ance of flowers. At the East, the meadows, the forests, and the unculti- vated fields, are comparatively destit- ute of flowers. But they abound over all the West, even to the shores of the Pacific. When spring comes, flowers in endless profusion, of almost every variety, fresh and bright with striking colors, adorn the prairies of the West, and turn them into a wild panorama of beauty. California becomes "the flowery land;" and amidst the bar- renness, sage-brush and "perpetual desolations" of the central "plains" where nearly all vegetation fails, these flowers assert their right to live, and even now, in a physical sense, make the desert bud and blossom like the rose.

So they sweep over and over the mountains, springing up from slopes of broken stone, festooning and over- hanging lofty cliffs, peeping out of crevices, hanging on to the least amount of vegetable mold on the almost per- pendicular rock, covering its ragged-

monotones and sameness, or carpeting a whole mountain side with ever-varying pat- terns, in some of which one color pre- dominates, and some another, some coarse and large, and others very deli- cate and beautiful, but in the aggre- gate embracing a wonderful variety. There seems no exuberance of floral wealth and beauty, as if in mockery for any who vainly might strive to cul- tivate there any of the ordinary forms of vegetation. It is also asserted that, by the wonderful law of acclimation by which men and beasts accustom them- selves to altitudes and conditions of climate that seem unnatural, these most fragile forms of vegetable life attain an uncommon hardihood, and flourish on the mountains within de- grees of temperature that would prove fatal to them elsewhere. Plants that we would gladly possess ourselves of, by the tenderest care and culture, spring up through banks of snow, and dot its cold and colorless surface with sweet flowers. Small wild fruits, like rasp- berries, flourish and abound at an altitude of nearly two miles. I remem- ber toiling laboriously up a mountain to a mining town. where the air was so rarified that breathing and the action of the heart were very much affected by it, and where we seemed to be well up with the snow-line lying on the mountain over against us, and were told by some Christain ladies that the only way to keep up a Sunday school through the summer in that place was to have it at 8 o'clock in the morning; for if the children once got out among the raspberries, they could not gather them together again, or at any later hour!

The Triumph of Ideas.

It is hard even for trained thinkers intent upon their work to explain pre- cisely why a true idea always wins—- except indeed by saying what to-day is an argument only with the Record, and the Record's bitterest antagonist, that the Judge of all the earth can do only right, and that He is irresistible—- but the fact remains. Great ideas have strength. Let the strongest man in Europe try a fall with the Emperor Napoleon and he will be beaten, will possibly end his days rowing about under the lash through the bayous of Cayenne. Nevertheless, as sure as the idea of authority, so surely will Napoleonism pass away, leaving only the trace a beacon light leaves when it flashes on a quagmire or a rock. Nothing on earth at this moment seems so invincible as English pauperism. It is pro- tected by the faith of the strongest people that ever lived, by the impreg- nable earth wall of human ignorance, by a wretched perversion of the word of the Son of God, and it will fall never- theless, fall till its defence will seem, not to our "sons" or our posterity, but to us, a momentary aberration which volumes will be written to explain. Ideas are stronger than armies, for they can not only produce armies, as the idea which led to the Crusades did, but they can borrow armies, as the idea which produced Abolition did, and as the idea which demands justice in Jamaica will do. Those good Tories think they have a majority upon that question, which is really an "idea,"—the right of the British subject with pigment in his cuticle to the same measure as the British subject without pigment—- and their view, though an improbable one, is of course a possible one. What then? The Sadducees may say the true policy is to see that the people of Jamaica are oppressed, and be silent lest there should be a fuss about it, and uncultivated people say things pleas- ing to the Almighty but not to Oxford, and the Sadducees will be for their ends in the right. And the idea will march on nevertheless, till it meets some day, and at no long day, the flesh, beautiful or hideous, which will clothe it with the required physical power, and the Sadducees will cower first of all, and acknowledge, "Lo! here is Truth armed." Fighting her is not my business, but concession. Why fight with expediencies which have be- come strong? Whence the flesh is to come from we know not, possibly from some low greed for gain which only the negro can secure to us, but come it will at last, and then the idea clothed and visible will rule with the tyrannical sway which all Anglo-Saxon ideas as- sume. Meanwhile it is well for the few who have not lost the capacity for intellectual faith to march on, carrying their idea over an ever widening range until at last the body is found, careless of those who satirise them as fanatics, dangerous to those who denounce them as evil men, firm even against those who, seeing as clearly as themselves, will lend no hand to help because the workmen reak so with their toil. Was ever enthusiast, yet so silly a she who first put a seed into the ground and expected the rotten mite to grow!

The Central Africans.

At a missionary meeting lay latley held in England, Dr. Livingstone, the African explorer, said:

I should like to answer a question that is often put to me, "What sort of people are those you wander among?"

Now I should like to tell you that they are very far from being savages. On the sea coast they are rather blood- thirsty, especially those who have been in the slave trade, but when you get about three hundred miles into the in- terior, you meet with peop'e who are mild and hospitable.—It is the duty of each man in the village to give ev- ery stranger his supper, and to shew him every hospitality which lies in his power. These people are not engag- ed in hunting, as most inhabitants of this country think they are, but are employed in cultivating the soil. They also manufacture iron, smelting it from stone, and very excellent iron it is.

I brought home with me the last time I was in England some of the ore, and the iron was manufactured into an excellent Enfield rifle. The quality was exceedingly good, and equal to the best Swedish iron.—They also manufacture a superior quality of cop- per, also articles of earthen ware and basket-work.

When we first go among this class of people, with the idea of their being savages, it is rather singular, but I be- lieve true, that they rather believe we are savages. They do not understand where all the black people who are carried away go to. Thousands are taken away annually, and you cannot go any where without meeting with slave parties. Men carry what are called slave-sticks, with a fork at the end of them, which are fastened a- round the necks of the captives, so that it is impossible for them to get out of there or get at the other end, by which they are tied to trees through- out the night.

The people I am now speaking of imagine that the white people eat them. They look upon us as cannibals, and we look upon them as savages. Now, if we take an impartial view of both, we shall find that they are better than each imagine one another to be. —African Repository.

The Pulpit in India.

There is lying before us an article from a Lahore paper, which, after de- nouncing the sermons preached in the Panjab pulpits, proceeds to inform its readers that very little good is done by the whole body of Indian chaplains. If this be the case, it might be as well seriously to discuss the question, how best to get rid of the ecclesiastical es- tablishment. * * * * * * *

In supposing all to be true that dis- interested people have to offer about chaplains, we may be permitted to question whether it is not slightly un- fair to lay the omissions of a few at the door of all. At the same time it is open to enquiry whether there is not some cause for the want of popularity (we can find no better word) of this body of men. In such an enquiry, however, it must not be forgotten that the chaplain is a paid servant of Gov- ernment, that the people who discuss his failings are not those who in any way contribute to his necessities. If he tries their patience he is not a tax upon their pockets. His tithe and his glebe, his fees and his pew rents and Easter offerings, are all of them con- tained in his Government salary of Rs. 500 or 800 a month. Those desider- rata clericalia, moreover, which in England sometimes take the form of purses of gold, services of plate, rich silk gowns, and cassocks, and occasion- ally descend even to worsted-worked slippers, are, as we believe, completely unknown in India. When once the Junior chaplain on Rs. 500 a month, has become a Senior on Rs. 800 a month, he has got all that even a 25 years' service in the country can give him. No amount of energy, no su- perior learning, no tact, no eloquence, no number of children, will enable this clerical machine to make up more than Rs. 500 a month for the first twelve, and Rs. 800 a month for the last thir-

teen years of his Indian service. Whe- ther a better system than this could be devised for damping and extinguish- ing any fire of zeal, or fervour of elo- quence, or sparks of ambition the un- happy man may have, is doubtful. Conceive the commissioned officers of the army being divided into captains on Rs. 500 a month, and majors on Rs. 800; with no staff appointments, no higher grades to rise to during a 25 years' service; after which term they are sent about their business with a pension, that, if they have a family, comfortably keeps them from starva- tion—-could anybody expect a very high state of efficiency in such a set of officers? Of course clergymen are not officers; then unfortunately they are men; and (such is the infirmity of human nature) men of a very superior class will not spend the cream of their lives in India for the pay of a Gov- ernment Chaplain. It is prosaic and and perhaps humiliating to take this view of clerical work, but is it not a true view? A clergyman is supposed by many a layman, who is clothed in purple, to be above all thought of "fil- thy lucre;" to work only and always from the highest motives and on the lowest pay; to care not one button how his wife is dressed, or how his children are educated. But we can- not help reminding those of the En- glish Church who take this view, that, as they enjoy the advantages of a mar- ried as well as educated clergy, they must take the disadvantages as well. In England the poorer clergy have hope to live on the hope of some day obtaining preferment, if they can com- mend themselves to their Bishop, or have any thing in them; and mean- while they take pupils, or dabble in the wide field of letters, or sometimes are half starved. Yet the very uncer- tainty of preferment permits them to hope that something will turn up in their favor. In India, while Govern- ment has no doubt given its chaplains a fair competence during the 25 years of their lives, it has done nothing more. It has virtually closed the door of the three Bishoprics to their ambition; it has cut off their Doddingtons and Stanhope.

In the two better paid Presidency Chaplaincies; by its short-sighted par- simony it is now denying to its older servants the pension to which it has declared them honorably entitled; and bids all that are still in its employ, to rest and be thankful on Rs. 800 a month, as the ne plus ultra of a 25 years' residence in India. Were In- dian chaplains Apostles; had none of them families; or were all of them of independent means, the system might work well enough. But, as it is, to expect extraordinary excellence with such very ordinary payment, is in this country ridiculous.-—Friend of India.

Gentlemen.

Perhaps these are rarer personages than some of us think for. Which of us can point out many such in his cir- cle? Men whose aims are generous, whose truth is constant, and not only constant in kind, but elevated in de- gree; whose want of meanness makes them simple; who can look the world honestly in the face, with an equal, manly sympathy for the great and small? We all know an hundred whose coats are very well made, and a score who have excellent manners, and one or two who are what they call in the inner circles, and have shot in- to the very center and bull's eye of fashion; but of gentlemen how many? Let us take a scrap of paper and each make out a list.—Thackeray.

What is the Test Oath

The often-mentioned test oath which Congress imposes on all its members, and which is quite too large for nine- tenths of the Southern elect to swallow, reads as follows:

I, A. B., do solemnly swear (or af- firm) that I have never voluntarily borne arms against the Government of the United States since I have been a citizen thereof, that I have volun- tarily given no aid, countenance, coun- sel or encouragement to persons en- gaged in armed hostility thereto; that I have never sought nor accepted nor attempted to exercise the functions of any office whatever under any author- ity or pretended authority in hostility to the Government of the United States; that I have never voluntarily renoun- ced my allegiance to the United States, nor yielded voluntary support to any pretended Government, authority, power or constitution hostile or in- imical thereto. And I do farther swear (or affirm) that to the best of my knowledge and ability, I will sup- port and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States, and all laws made in pursuance thereof against all enemies, foreign and domes- tic; that I will bear true and faithful allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office which I am about to enter, so help me God.

Prices Current.

EXCHANGE . On Singapore 1 per cent discount On Hongkong 3 per cent discount.

FREIGHTS..Inside 35 cents, outside 30 cents per pl. rice to Hongkong, but higher rates may be expected as there are but few foreign shipping in port. The following vessels have sailed since the 18th March:

Han. sch. "Sophia" to Hongkong with rice 4,000 pls.

Brit. bark "May Queen" to Hongkong with rice 6,000 pls.

Brit. brig "Katinka" to London with paddy 30 pls. sugar 414 pls. sapan-wood 2,900 pls. tin 200 pls. sticklac 170 pls. teak planks 27, guin-benjamin 10 pls. gamboge 6 pls.

Siam bark "Heng Hoi"[?] to Hongkong with rice 6,213 pls. paddy 216 pls. sapan- wood 295 pls. saltfish 40 pls.

Siam brig "Jupiter" to Saigon with a cargo of red ebina.

Swed. Bark "Amoy" to Hongkong with rice 4200 pls. sugar 1,504 pls. teelseed 404 pls.

British Bark "Victoria" to Hongkong with 6,745 pls. sapanwood 94 pls.

Siam bark "St. Mary" to Hongkong with rice 8,971 pls. paddy 561 pls.

Siam brig "Brilliant" to Batavia with sapanwood 800 pls. saltfish 1,500 pls. teak planks 150.

British ship "Coral Nymph" to Hong- kong with rice 10,500 pls.

Brem. bark "Brema" to Hongkong with rice 7,620 pls.

British bark "Iona" to Hongkong with rice 11,651 pls. sapanwood 138 pls. teak planks 55.

British bark "George Avery" to Hong- kong with rice 11,641 pls. sapanwood 80 pls. teelseed 137 pls.

Siam schooner "Moridian" to Hong- kong with rice 3,170 pls. teelseed 476 pls. teak planks 260.

April 4th the following vessels are loaded ready for sea.

British Ship "Sir Lancelot for" Hong- kong with rice 17,250 pls.

Siam bark "Iron Duke" for Singapore with sapanwood 820 pls. indigo 600 pls. salt cassay 100, paddy 840 pls. white sugar 200, saltfish 200 pls.

The Hanover brig "J. C. Fichte" met with some damage on the bar, and was or- dered back to Bangkok to discharge cargo and go into dock.

Prussian brig "Catharina" sprung aleak outside the bar, and was ordered back, surveyed, and sent into dock.

Some heartless persons had remarked that however strenuously a teetotaler may resist the use of fermented drinks, he will surely come to his bier at last.

A SATIRICAL French author says, "When I lost my wife every family with which I was acquainted offered me another; but when I lost my horse not one of them offered to make him good."

— It takes but a moment to cloud a lovely morning, and a slight misdeed may mar the happiness of a life time

News Items

FRANCE.—-The Senate has been em- ployed on the Address in reply to the Imperial Speech. The paragraphs on Mexico and Rome were the principal subjects of debate. The Bank of France has reduced its rate of discount.

BELGIUM.-—The King was, with much ceremony, invested on the 12th inst. with the Order of the Garter.

UNITED STATES.-—The Senate has declared all natives to be citizens, ex- cept Indians, without distinction of colour. General Grant will visit Eu- rope during the autumn. The Fe- deral Debt has increased 47 millions of dollars since January. A summary of report of the special commission on the internal revenue laws is given. The New Orleans Price Current fears for the cotton crop unless the freed- men are kept to their contracts for work.

WEST INDIES.—-the Royal commis- sion to Jamaica has opened its pro- ceedings, and the Island Legislature has passed an Act authorizing the evidence to be taken on oath. The Judicial Commission appointed by Governor Eyre to try persons charged with sedition or rebellion has also begun its labours.

SOUTH PACIFIC STATES.—-The Span- ish blockade is now confined to the ports of Valparaiso and Caldera. Ge- neral Prado, the new President of Pe- ru, has declared that the “Chilian conflict with Spain is altogether a Peruvian question.”

CONTINENTAL COMMERCE WITH THE FAR EAST.-—The Danish Foreign Of- fice has, at the instance of the English Government, given warning that ves- sels navigating the China Seas should carry a riffled gun for protection against pirates.

The late thunder storm.

ACCUSTOMED as Singapore is to thun- der storms, we question if ever before since it came into European occupa- tion it experienced such an electric storm as raged yesterday between the hours of eleven and twelve. Dense masses of heavy rain clouds had been gathering over the town for some hours previously, and about half past ten burst into a perfect torrent of rain which the roofs of very few buildings indeed could perfectly resist. The streets were quickly flooded, and in the suburbs for hours afterwards many the suburbs for hours afterwards many of the roads were submerged. About half an hour after the rain commenced, het first thunder pell was heard, so loud and so sudden as to startle every one. From this true flash succeeded flash, and the thunder pealed with scarcely any intermission, with deafen- ing loudness, for over an hour, when the storm appears to have spent itself; though, unfortunately, its traces remain, both in loss of life and property. As will be learned from other paragraphs, several vessels have had their spars split, and many houses, we are in- formed, have had their structure more or less shaken. As far as we have learned up to the present, five lives have perished by the lightning.

One of a row of new buildings in progress of erection in Queen street was struck by the fluid, and the upper portion of the side wall, toppling over, fell upon the roof of the adjoining house (No. 20 occupied by Manuel Beins, a clerk in the Chief Engineer's Office,) crushing through the roof and upper floor of the building, and bury- ing Mrs. Beins and her little brother (a child of 3 years) who were endea- vouring to escape from the house. As- sistance was promptly rendered by the neighbours, and they were quickly exhumed; but too late Life was ex- tinct. The house was most flimsily constructed, one end of the rafters sup- porting the second floor resting merely on a rotten looking horizontal beam extending the whole depth of the build- ing, but the weight of bricks and tiles was not sufficient to have broken through had the floor been properly supported. As it was, according to the evidence of an eye witness, the floor gave way gradually, and had not Mrs. Beins been stupefied by fear she might have escaped with life. An in- quest was held, when a verdict of ac- cidental death was given.

The third victim was a Chinese, named Lim Chean, who had been in the habit of keeping a stall, selling sea weed and sugar cane near the red light. He was struck dead by the light- ning whilst taking shelter under one of the large trees bordering the Esplanade. He was marked along one side of the body, and death was instantaneous. He was taken to the Government dead house, and an inquest was held on his body at the hospital at 5 P.M., when a verdict was returned, of accidental death. The two other victims are reported to be Klings who were struck down while on board a Tongkang in Harbour, but the particulars of their case have not yet reached us.

Odds and Ends.

A living faith is the best divinity; a holy life is the best philosophy; a tender conscience the best law; hon- esty the best policy; and temperance the best physic.

Do not talk to your child of your right over him, or of the limits of your right; but exercise this right so that the child shall feel and acknow- ledge it himself, without thinking of looking for its limits.

Josh Billings says of the servants at Long Branch: "Most of 'em ar black, but many of 'em have lived so long among the whites that they be- gin to adopt their kuller."