The Bangkok Recorder.

A Weekly journal will be issued from the printing office of the American Missionary Association, at the mouth of the Canal, "Klawng Bangkok Yai" It will contain such Political, Literary, Scientific, Commercial, and local intelligence, as shall render it worthy of the general patronage.

The Recorder will be open to Correspon- dents subject to the usual restrictions.

The proprietor will not be responsible for the sentiments of his correspondents.

No communication will be admitted un- less accompanied by the name of the Cor- respondent.

No rejected manuscript will be returned unless as a special favor.

Half Yearly9.00

Quarterly4.50

Extra Copies to Subscribers0.50

""Non. do$0.45

First, insertion-ten lines or half a square, and under, ONE DOLLAR and each additional line, FIVE CENTS.

Subsequent insertion, SEVENTY FIVE Cent, for ten lines, and each additional line, FIVE CENTS.

Advertisers must be particular to specify the number of insertions.

Standing advertisements as per Con- TRACTS.

Communications and remittances can be sent to the subscriber, or left at the store of Messrs. Virgin & Co.

Suspension of the Habeas
Corpus Act in Ireland.

With reluctance, evidently unfeigned and deep, her Majesty's Government have asked extraordinary powers from Parlia- ment to enable them to stifle the Fenian conspiracy; and, with equal reluctance, Parliament have complied with the re- quest. A bill for suspending the Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland passed through both Houses on Saturday, and immediate- ly received the assent of the Crown. Un- less previously repealed, it will have effect until Sept. 1, 1866. It authorizes the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to apprehend and detain until that date any persons whom he suspects of conspiring against her Majesty's person and Government. Its provisions have already been put in force against a considerable number of persons known to the police as active participants in an insurrectionary plot, and the principal object for which it was passed will by this time have been main- ly accomplished.

It had been the hope of her Majesty's advisers, and the not unreasonable ex- pectation of her subjects in general, that the embryo rebellion, which adopts the name of Fenianism, would have been crushed by a calm but vigorous enforce- ment of the ordinary powers of law; nor had that hope been abandoned even so short a time ago as the opening of Par- liament. The conspiracy, however, only staggered for a few days under the blow which the Special Commission had inflic- ted upon it, and very speedily resumed its progress. The seat of its vitality is on the other side of the Atlantic, whence there is a constant flow into Ireland of men, materials, and money for fomenting rebellion. The emissaries from this cen- tral organisation have learned, by the experience of their convicted predeces- sors, to pursue their treasonable calling under such precautions as may keep them out of reach of legal evidence; and al- though their persons and designs are, in many instances, well known, they are a- ble to evade the present administrative powers of justice. The Irish Executive, apprehending, it would seem, an approach- ing outbreak, but precluded by Constitu- tional restraints from acting upon the in- formation they possess, cannot answer for the preservation of the public peace unless authorized by Parliament to set a- side the customary safeguards of person- al liberty, and to proceed against the ac- tive organizers of insurrection on sus- picion in default of legal evidence. The alternative submitted to the Legislature on Saturday last was—-a concession to the Government of legal authority to lay their hand at once upon suspected con- spirators, or a collision attended with more or less loss both of life and proper- ty. Parliament wisely and humanely chose a policy of restraint to one of bloodshed.

The necessity for the measure has, we think, been made out. The Irish Gov- ernment, it may be fairly presumed, pos- sesses fuller information than they can just now make public, consistently with their purpose of rooting out this Fenian plot. But they have told enough to con- vince the most sceptical that serious mis- chief is brewing, and to show clearly enough that the ordinary power of law is insufficient to put a stop to it. Probably they have not been a moment too early in their application to Parliament, for promptitude and decision may rescue, not only Ireland, but the enemies of her peace, from much worse evils. A clean sweep of the paid emissaries who have spread themselves over the island, and who, by a lavish expenditure of the funds with which they are supplied from vari- ous sources, and by delusive promise of assistance, are busy in beguiling an ignor- ant peasantry and in seducing soldiers from their allegiance, will be an act of mercy as well as of executive vigour. It will instantly stay the current of sedition- mongers from beyond the seas, and, in all likelihood, will turn it back to the quart- er whence it comes. Meanwhile the dupes of conspiracy will wake up to the reality of the case, and will find that the anticipation that had been so carelessly but so confidently entertained by them were but a feverish dream. Then, when the dark shadow of Fenianism has slunk away into the final retreat of lying vanities, the same Parliament, we trust, that has suspended the Habeas Corpus Act will set itself earnestly to the much more difficult, but also far nobler, work of conquering disaffection, and by wise, kindly, and apt legislation, will render future conspiracy impossible.—-ILL. LON. News.

The Peabody Benefaction.

The announcement, two or three weeks since, of Mr. Peabody's second donation of £100,000 "for the benefit of the poor of London," which, added to that bestow- ed in March, 1862, making a minimum of a quarter of a million sterling, has been followed by the publication of that gent- leman's letter to the trustees of his fund. The scale of munificence upon which the American banker has dispensed his boun- ty is so vast that it dwarfs the most ex- travagant limits of eulogy, and makes us "beggars in thanks." The practical wis- dom, however, which he has displayed in indicating his wishes as to how the money may be most usefully employed, is quite worthy of the gift. He authorizes his trustees to use any portion of the fund in building lodging-houses for the labour- ing poor; but, as the difficulty of obtain- ing sites within the area of the metropolis becomes greater every year, he desires that eligible freehold sites may be sought out and secured at a distance from the Royal Exchange not exceeding ten miles. He suggests that the most economical arrangements procurable might be made with railroad companies "for the convey- ance of working people at stated hours to and from London at such moderate fares as will come within their means." Should dwellings erected by the trustees be remote from schools, they are to be at liberty to set apart space adjacent to the buildings, and to erect thereon school- houses for the children of the families holding tenements; but the course of education to be given in such schools is to be strictly of an elementary and liter- ary character, from which all sectarian influences and denominational jealousies must be rigidly excluded. These school- rooms, Mr. Peabody hints, furnished with books, periodicals, and newspapers for such as might choose to attend, might be open some hours during the evening; and popular and scientific lectures might be introduced occasionally, "at a charge, if any, merely sufficient to defray necessary expenses." He recommends that where the lodging-houses are situated at an in- convenient distance from good markets, apartments, either within or near the buildings, be provided, "in which the tenants may organize co-operative stores for supplying themselves with coal and other necessary articles for their own consumption;" and he desires that his trustees will, after the year 1868, publish annually in the London newspapers, in the month of February, "a report of the progress in buildings (if any should be commenced), with an account of receipts and expenditures, with the various items attending the management of the fund."

One is at a loss which most to admice —the liberality which conferred the gift or the thoughtfulness which has traced out the channels through which the ben- efits of it to the London poor may flow. There is, however, one circumstance con- nected with the suggested manner of ex- pending it which will add incalculably to its worth. The buildings erected by means of this fund, and tenanted by honest and industrious poor, will pay a considerable sum total in the shape of rent; and the constantly and progres- sively increasing income so accruing will, in its turn, be laid out in the same way. The founder of the original fund evid- ently views it with satisfaction in this light. "It will act more powerfully in future generations than in the present; it is intended to endure for ever." His trustees fully recognize this characteristic of the two donations committed to their management. "The most moderate re- turn, they say in their reply to the do- nor, "from so large an investment will furnish a permanent income, the judici- ous expenditure of which must in time exert an irresistible influence in raising the character of that class of houses which are now occupied by the labouring population in all parts of the metropolis; and thus to a remote posterity your name will continue to be held in grateful re- membrance by the people of London as the benefactor of the poor on a scale hitherto unequalled in this or any other country.

Mr. Peabody will live, we trust, to see some of the moral results to be expected from his liberality. He has employed the most efficient means within his reach to attract public attention to a matter which has been suffered too long to lie comparatively unheeded, and the neglect of which has already proved to be a pro- lific source of evils, physical, social, and moral.

France.

THE Senaté having last week given a general approval to the Address in reply to the Emperor's speech, has since oc- cupied itself in discussing the various paragraphs seriatim. The notable incid- ent arising out of this debate was the ludicrous tirade against England and everything English indulged in by the well-known anglophobist, the Marquis de Boissy. Apropos of the meeting of the French and English fleets at Cherbourg, the Marquis gave expression to a feeling which is more common over here than is generally supposed. He ridiculed the notion of there being anything like real sympathy between the navies of France and England. "Are the two navies," exclaimed he, "friends or foes? Friends, never! Foes, certainly! This is the feeling they have in their hearts." The crot- chety Marquis saw great reason for rejoicing that England had what he be- lieved to be two grand dangers ahead—-a war with America and a Fenian revo- lution—-and proclaimed that he wished to hold up PERFIDE Albion to the scorn of all nations, and to rouse every civilized Power against her. The president called the speaker to order, and the audience expressed its disapprobation; neverthe- less, the Marquis persevered until he had fired off his last shot, when he resumed his seat with an air of triumph. During the discussion of the particular paragraph of the address relative to Mexico, Mar- shal Forey startled his fellow-senators by proclaiming it as his opinion that not only ought the return of the French troops to be delayed, but that fresh reinforcements should be sent out in aid of the Emperor Maximilian. The Government, as may be supposed, lost not a moment in disavowing all that the Marshal had said upon this latter point. The Roman ques- tion was the next important matter that came up for discussion, and Pius IX.'s friends mustered strong and lauded the Papal administration to the skies, and abused Victor Emmanuel and his ad- mirers in good set terms. This brought forward M. Rouher, who, after expres- sing his confidence in the good faith of the Italian Government, remarked that France would not cease to keep in view the reconciliation of the Pope with the kingdom of Italy. The Address was on Wednesday unanimously adopted.

Austria.

The draught of the address in reply to the Emperor's speech at the opening of the Hungarian Diet has been brought forward in the Lower House. The ad- dress expresses confidence in the Sove- reign, and congratulates his Majesty on the Constitutional sentiments contained in the speech from the throne and on his recognition of the continuity of rights. The address accepts the Pragmatic Sanc- tion as the basis of negotiations, and points out that the safety of Austria and the independence of Hungary are not antagonistic. It announces that a special bill will be prepared for the settlement of matters common to Hungary and the rest of the monarchy, and declares the readiness of the Diet to negotiate with the other provinces, while reserving the independence of each. It also states that the desire of the Diet is to bring about the real restoration of the Constitution, and expresses hopes that his Majesty will speedily be crowned as King of Hungary.

Spain.

Advices from Panama state that Peru had formed an offensive and defensive alliance with Chili, and had declared war against Spain. Five Peruvian vessels of war had sailed with orders to join the Chilian squadron and commence hostili- ties immediately. The Spanish fleet had thoroughly blockaded Valparaiso, and was expected to make an attack on that city.

In consequence of the serious declara- tions contained in the Spanish Red Book respecting the policy of Spain towards Italy, the Cabinet of King Victor Em- manuel have despatched an energetic note to Madrid.

By way of New York we have news from Chili and Peru. It is to the effect that an alliance against the Spaniards had been formed by these two States. The blockade of the Chilian ports, with the exception of Valparaiso and Calders, had been raised. Off the latter port there had been a fight, in which she Spaniards got the worst of it.

United States.

The President, in reply to a delegation of coloured men, who requested that negroes should be allowed the right of suffrage and representation, said he be- lieved that the negroes in the south would not be benefited by those rights, and that the result would be a war of races. To another delegation, who waited on him to express satisfaction at his policy, he an- nounced his intention to adhere to the doctrines expressed in his annual mes- sage ; and that, as he was not a candidate for re-election, he could afford to do right.

The House of Representatives has pass- ed a bill extending the privileges of the homestead law to freedmen, and giving eighty acres of public land in Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, or Arkansas, to each settler, without distinction of color, on payment of five dollars at the time of settlement. Over 10,000,000 acres have been appropriated to this purpose.

The Government having disowned the outrage on Bagdad, the principal actors in the affair were being arrested. The whole blame is thrown upon General Crawford.

The New York Tribune states that the Marquis De Moatholon and Mr. Seward have had a final interview on Mexican affairs, at which it was under- stood the Emperor Napoleon had ordered the withdrawal of all the French troops from Mexico.

The Senate, by a vote of 31 to 10, has adopted the amendment to the bill for protection in civil rights, declaring all natives of the United States not subject to foreign Powers, except Indians, to be citizens, without distinction of colour.

The House of Representatives had adopted, by a majority of 120 to 46, a resolution in favour of an amendment to the Federal Constitution, providing that, in allotting representatives to the several States, according so the number of their population, no persons excluded from the suffrage on account of their colour shall be reckoned among the population.

During an interview with some senators President Johnson had declared that he regarded the extension of the suffrage to negroes in the district of Columbia at the present time as a measure fraught with evil both to whites and blacks. He had likewise declared his aversion to any fur- ther amendments of the Federal Con- stitution. He added that if there were to be any amendment—-which he did not deem at all necessary-—he thought repres- entatives should be allotted to States in proportion to the aggregate number of voters, and direct taxation should be ap- portioned in proportion to the aggregate amount of property.

The Federal debt, on Feb. 1, amount- ed to 2,842,000,000 dollars, being an in- crease of 17,000,000 since Jan. 1.

India.

The Bombay mail has not brought news of much interest. The apprehension of further outbreaks on the Peshawar fron- tier had subsided, and the assembled troops had been ordered back to their cantonments. It was thought, however, that hostilities would have to be renewed in Bhootan, as the abandoned guns had not been restored to the English Govern- ment in conformity with the treaty of peace.

The Jamaica Question.

A THIRD series of papers relating to the disturbances in Jamaica was issued, as a bluebook, yesterday week.

The principal paper is a despatch from Governor Eyre explanatory of the man- ner in which Dr. Underhill's letter ob- tained publicity in the island. In reply to Mr. Cardwell's inquiry, Mr. Eyre says: —"I did not direct, authorize, or in any way sanction the publication of that letter; nor do I know in what manner or through whom it was made public." He then goes on to explain that, for the pur- pose of obtaining information to enable him to prepare a report respecting the letter, he found it necessary to send copies of it to the custodes, to the minis- ters of religion of all denominations, and to several other persons from whom he thought he might get useful information. As Mr. Eyre says, considering the large number of persons to whom Dr. Under- hill's letter thus became known, the ma- jority of whom were not under the con- trol of the Government, it is not surpris-

ing that it soon found its way into the public prints. Mr. Eyre flatly denies that the letter was printed in the GAZETTE. He contends that the publication of the letter was the necessary consequence of its having been sent to the Secretary of of State, and he therefore holds that the whole responsibility rests upon the writer.

(All the forgoing articles are from the ILL. LONDON NEWS of Feb. 17th and 24th)

Tattooing.

One of the customs of the New Zea- landers is particularly worthy of atten- tion—that of tattooing. It is found in various parts of the world, and is of very ancient origin. Its history begins at least with Herodotus, who informs us that both in Thrace and Lybia, the natives were ac- customed to puncture and color their faces, and various parts of their bodies. The practice of pricking different forms on the person—-crowns, anchors, and the like—-is still common among our soldiers and sailors. It has been asserted that in some of the Egyptian paintings there is a distinct indication of tattooing on some of the figures. It is well known that our ancient British forefathers dyed their bodies with wood, and painted or tattooed them with various designs. Many savage tribes still adhere to the custom, but it is nowhere more prevalent than among the New Zealanders.

The word “tattoo,” by which we now designate all those indelible devices which have been pricked into the skin, is of Oceanic origin, and has been traced to the language to Tahiti. The operation is regarded with religious veneration, as the individual tattooed is supposed by this means to be placed under the imme- diate protection of a divine being. The god of the tattoo is called Tiki, and his worship prevails through the Oceanic group. The images of Tiki are like most other savage idols, chiefly remarkable for their ferocious expression—the natives apparently associating extreme wisdom and power with excessive ugliness.

In all the Oceanic Islands, tattooing is practised in the same manner. The in- struments employed are neither numer- ous nor complicated. They consist of a pick—-a needle-like tool-—a small wooden hammer, that serves both to drive in the needle, and to remove the blood that gushed out. The process is described by the New Zealanders as “Moko,” and it is still practised. A traveler, long resident in New Zealand, tells us that in crossing through a native village one morning, he observed Tawi, one of the aborigines, tattooing another, the son of Dire-depahi, on the upper part of the thigh. The operation was evidently very painful; but it was borne with stoical patience. The prick employed was made of the wing-bone of a pigeon, sharpened to a point. With this instrument, which was ingeniously fitted into a handle, the op- erator traced the various lines required for the completion of the device, strik- ing it now and again with a piece of wood about a foot in length. The blood flowed freely, but the patient remained perfectly calm, supporting himself, as he lay half erect, on his elbow. The needle was frequently dipped into water mingled with the juice of a tree, thus giving a dark color, almost black, to every line.

An operation so painful and so tedious is necessarily extended over a long period. No man, however savage or stoical, could submit to being tattooed from head to foot without intervals of repose. A chief must be thoroughly tattooed; but to ac- complish the complete work, occupies years. It is begun in infancy, and con- tinued at intervals, but is seldom finished before manhood.

The artists whose business it is to tat- too are held in great estimation. They are assigned a high social rank, and are well paid for their labour. Some of them exhibit very considerable ability in the design and execution of the devices which they imprint on the skin of their patients. They are generally of what might be called an ornamental character, although the effect produced scarcely merits the term. Scroll-work, geometrical figures, and the like, are principally employed; fruits, flowers, or animals are rarely at- tempted. A recent traveler expresses himself as fully convinced that were some of these native artists placed under proper instruction, they would take no mean rank among the painters and sculp- tors of Europe.—-THE FRIEND.

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS —-Captain Winner once recieved a sharp answer from a negro which will bear repeating. The black man had long been acquainted with him, gene- rally helping him load his vessel. In the course of a conversation one day Winner accidentally remarked that he was a Christian. “You a Christian!” said the darkey, in astonishment, “Law’s a mighty massy I’d never found it out in the world if you hadn’t told me.

Bangkok Recorder

The Provinces & States
of Siam.

One of our correspondents, under date of the 10th ult., propounded to us two important questions, for the purpose of eliciting information now peculiarly needed by the foreign com- munity and the several governments in treaty relations with this country, concerning the several States and de- pendencies of Siam. The first ques- tion is—-How many Provinces are there? and the second-—What are their relations to the central government? We had studied the general subject involved in these questions a long while before the questions were propounded to us, but much more carefully since. From what we had learned before and have recently added to our stock of knowledge touching this matter, we will now venture an attempt to answer the questions, only promising, that while we think our answer will be found in the main correct, we cannot flatter ourselves that it will not con- tain some, and perhaps, many mistakes, for one of the most difficult things to be done in this country is to obtain perfectly accurate information on sub- jects relating to Siamese territory and government.

The civil government of Siam is mainly divided between two Prime Ministers—-viz.-—Chôw P'raya Sré- suriwôngs t'ôh Sâmuhâ P'râ Kâlahôme and Chôw P'râya P'oot'ârap'eiwat'nôh Sâmuhâ Nayôk. Theformer is regard- ed as being on the right hand, and the latter on the left of the throne-—with the idea that the king is sitting on his throne with his face to the east. Hence that part of his kingdom at his right hand is the Southern division, and that part at his left hand is the Northern division; and such is in fact the general division of the kingdom be- tween these two Prime Ministers. But it is not strictly so, for there is another high Minister who comes in and claims by law as belonging to his jurisdiction a considerable portion of Siam North of a due line East and West of the capital, and a very large portion South and West. The title of this high Lord is Chôw P'raya P'râklang. Hence there is in fact three Noble Lords to whom all the kingdom of Siam is apportioned out in charge-—that is to say all the state business appertaining to each of these several divisions must be trans- acted under the seal of the Lord to whom it is assigned.

The seal of Chôw P'râya Srêsuri- wông P'râ Kâlahôme is the figure of a kôch'sâe (an animal somewhat like a lion but having two ivory tusks like an elephant). The seal of Chôw P'râya P'oot'ârap'ei Sâmuhâ Nayôk is the figure of a lion, and the seal of Chôw P'râya P'râklang is the figure of a lotus flower.

Chôw P'râya Kâlahôme is over every thing that concerns the military and navy. Chôw P'râya P'oot'ârap'ei is over all that appertains to the habita- tions and dwellings of the people—- numbering and classifying them—-the appointment of magistrates among them, and the royal treasury in general. Chôw P'râya P'râklang is over all the foreign interests—-as foreign corres- pondence—-reception of ambassadors and consuls, together with all the business they may have with the Siam- ese government—and all vessels of trade both domestic and foreign-—He has also an important charge over the Trea- sury department, and hence that part of his title called P'râklang. But this charge, if we understand it correctly, is strictly speaking, subordinate to the Prime Minister of the Northern division.

All other departments of govern- ment are merged into these three grand divisions—-as for example the agricul- tural department, having the noble Lord Chôw P'râya P'ôulât'ape at its head, and the department of ruling the capital, guarding the royal palaces, having Chôw P'râya Yômârat, the Lord mayor, at its head, fall under the Min- ister of the Northern division and all their business must have the sanction of his seal.

Each of the three Lords over the three grand divisions of the govern- ment, has a fixed number of Provinces or States over which he exercises a special authority and throughout which his own particular seal is essential to sanction all state business, and these States are denominated, interior or in- prop, centrally and outer. The interior

and central belong to Siam proper— the outer are simply tributary States.

Each one of the High chiefs has his own system of judiciary comprising several grades of courts. Appeals may be made from the lower to the higher and from the highest to the supreme tribunal, at which the king himself is judge, or some prince or other high officer of government, to whom the king especially refers the case. The latter is the usual course. Appeals from the P'râklang's highest court must be made to the tribunal of one or the other of the Prime Ministers. This we believe is "the king's high way" for the people to obtain justice. But it is much more pleasant to look at it as sketched on paper than it is in the usual experience of the people. There are many "lions in the way" and unlike those found by Bunyan's pilgrim, they are unchained.

Each of the three Ministers is al- lowed by old custom (which is law) so to manage the affairs of his juris- diction, so that he shall be well paid for his charge. Their salaries are far from being adequate to their sta- tions, and their perquisites are proba- bly many fold more than their salaries. It is the universal custom for the people to lay presents at the feet of their rulers high and low, whenever they desire any favor from them, and the more valuable the presents the more sure of course are they of ob- taining their requests. The natural tendency of these presents is to act as bribes, and bribing on a large scale with all its horrible corruptions grows out of this pernicious custom. It must be abolished if Siam is ever to take an honorable rank among civili- zed nations. Her officers of govern- ment, from the highest to the lowest must have salaries sufficient to support them well in the discharge of their duties, and it must be made a high crime for them to take any thing in the character of a bribe.

The Chôw P'râya Kâlahome holds a special jurisdiction over the Western and South Western provinces. These are Prât'ôômât'aneô, Nâk'awn K'u'an k'ân, Nâk'awn Séét'âmarât, Chôôm- p'awn, Lâng-sôôan, T'alâng, P'ét- ch'âbureô, Klawngwan, Bangtâp'an, Takôôa-t'oông, Takôôa-pa, Kôôi, Pran, Ch'eiya, P'at'âlôông, and Sâng- k'lâ. He also has authority over the outer provinces and counties on the Malayan peninsula—viz. Pâttang, Srai, Yaring, Kâlantan, Tringanu, Cam- mâmand, Nawng chick, Jala, Ramarand Ragel, on the eastern side; and on the western side he has Kedah, Plis, and Sâtoon &c.

Chôw P'râya P'oot'âp'eii has special authority over the following States at the North, Northeast and Northwest viz.-—Singâbureô, Sâbureô, Lôpbu- reô, Sârabureô, Pra-ch'ei-ch'an, Ayuthia, Nâk'awn-nayok, Prâchim, Ch'ach'ôôang-sow, Sôôp'an, T'arong, Bua-ch'ôôm, Ch'eitaran, Kâmpran, Nâk'awn Râtch'asema, Prât'âbong, Nâk'awn Siamrap, Râhââng, Ootârâ- dit, P'itsanôôloke, Sawank'âloke, Sôôk'ôt'ei, Kâmp'aang-p'et, P'ich'ei, Nâk'awn Sawân, P'ichit, Mânorôm, Ch'einât, Oot'ei, Int'âbureô, and P'rômbureô. He has also supervis- ion of the tributary states in northern Cambodia, Cheangmai, Lamp'ôôn, P'raa, Nân, Lôôang-P'râbang, Nâ- k'awn P'ânom, Nâk'awn-ch'ôôm, and P'asâk.

The Chôw P'râya P'râk'lang holds jurisdiction in the Southeastern part of the kingdom over the States of Ch'ân- tabureô, Trat, R'ayawng, Ch'onbureô, Samôôt'âprakan,-—at the North Non- t'âbureô, and at the West Samôôt'- songk'ram, Sâk'awnbureô, and Nâ- k'awnch'eisôô.

He also has a general charge over the states in Southern Cambodia.

Each of the interior or inner pro- vinces is ruled by a governor appointed by the King of Siam without any re- gard to hereditary descent from the previous incumbent. The governors are usually selected from among men in or about the capital whom the king delights to honor, and from such, ge- nerally, as have been trained into gov- ernment service as sons of nobles and lords;—-this vein of aristocracy being as essential to the monarchy of Siam as to any other.

The duties of each governor are to rule the State over which he is placed in the name of the king, taking the supervision of all the civil affairs of the State, administering justice to the people, executing special demands of the Supreme government upon the services or the property of the people, and to collect taxes and imposts, the same as is done in the capital. The usual Siamese phrase by which the act of ruling a Province or State is designated, is the significant one kin muang—-literally eat the State. The idea is that the ruler gets his liveli- hood and wealth by that service and from the people of the same. There was originally, no doubt, much more of truth than poetry in the phrase, the great object being to get a living with riches and honors out of the people, and not to remove obstruc- tions in the way of the people’s being blessed with prosperity. But we fan- cy that matters have been gradually improving in this respect since the present reign commenced; still there remains too much reason for a literal rendering of the phrase in regard to many of the governors that now rule those States.

The Provinces denominated central as for example Nāk’awn Rātchāsēma, Prattabong, Nākawn Siamrap, and Rahāāng are usually governed by their own hereditary chiefs and offi- cers. The laws and customs and mode of government in those Provinces are much the same as at the Capital, with but few modifications to suit their peculiar circumstances. The control- ling power is vested in the chief alone. The taxes and imposts are collected by his authority and transmitted to the Capital.

The outer or tributary States of Siam, as for example Cheang-Mai, Lampoon, Luang Prâ bang and the other Laos Provinces at the North, are ruled by their own hereditary princes who have laws and customs peculiar to themselves. Their taxes and imposts are collected for them- selves alone, and not for the supreme government at Bangkok. But the Laos chiefs are accustomed to send an annual tribute to the government of Siam, and the Malayan tributary pro- vinces are expected to send to the supreme government a triennial tri- bute, consisting principally of silver and gold artificial trees of various sizes from 3 feet to 6 feet high with corresponding branches and leaves.

All the Siamese tributary States are virtually under the Protectorate of the King of Siam—-the king being Lord paramount or Suzerain. When a chief accedes to the seat of supreme authority in any tributary State, it is necessary that he obtain the sanction of the Suzerain. In case the Suzer- ain is called upon to select a chief for any tributary State, he must make the selection from that State and the prince must be unanimously approv- ed by both officers and people of the State. Enjoying such popularity his appointment may be confirmed by the king of Siam, and not otherwise.

Should quarrels and disputes arise between the chief and his subordi- nate rulers, or should they act un- justly and make complaints against each other, producing confusion and anarchy, it is then the duty of His Siamese Majesty their Suzerain to send an army to restore peace and punish the leader or leaders of the trouble, whom the majority of the officers of government and of the people condemn. This the king does by bringing him or them to the Capi- tal for punishment as transported criminals. The king does not him- self or by proxy adjudicate in such cases. That is done, as above inti- mated, by the judiciary of the tribu- tary State to which the criminals belong.

Should war be made upon a tribu- tary State by a neighboring State not tributary to Siam, and the govern- ment of such a tributary State duly inform His Majesty the king of Siam of the matter, and request his aid His Majesty their Suzerain will, in such a case, feel himself under obliga- tion to render assistance to the amount of his ability.

Udangmejay, the present capital of Cambodia was formerly a tributary of Siam as Cheang Mai now is. “But the French came and made a treaty with the chief by which his country has been made an independent nation and he has become as an absolute sovereign, or a free chief under the mutual protectorate of the Emper- or of France and the Monarch of Siam. Yet even now, the chief King of Cambodia is doing some times ac- cording to former customs, giving in- formation of certain affairs to the Sia- mese authorities.”

We hope and trust there is much correct and important informa- tion in the above notes, and that all the errors which may be found in this our effort to answer the questions of our correspondent will be promptly corrected by him who is so well able and has ever shewn himself willing to communicate information concern- ing Siam.

To our Buddhist Champion.

We will at the outset frankly ac- knowledge that our antagonist has in his last article displayed much more tact and power at argumentation than we had conceived it possible for him to summon. And we are really sur- prised to find that he, having been educated in the temples of Siam, is so well acquainted with the European rules of polemic controversy. It would almost seem that he had been trained in a fully civilized land, and had received lessons on argumenta- tion from some of our distinguished western logicians. We were particu- larly impressed with his remarks on the importance of arguing directly to the point in question, and keeping out all subjects and even words irrelevant to that point. We fully agree with him in the views he has so clearly and forcibly expressed in that regard; and it has ever been our purpose as well as principle to discuss with him ac- cording to that excellent rule of a "point blank now" at the point in question. We had flattered ourselves that we had in the main held to that rule in our practice, and were quite taken aback to find that our antago- nist was of the opposite opinion, and was feeling himself very dishonorably treated, not to say insulted, by what he conceived to be our violation not only of that good rule of logic, but al- so of the Buddhist sacred books, in our mode of reply to him in No 13.

Now we would humbly beg his pardon for having given him this of- fence. It was not intended, neither do we think that there was much rea- son for him to judge that we did "lug in irrelevant matter" and thus attempt "to cover up the point" under dis- cussion. When and where did we "lug in the subject of lions and other stories into our argument"? He himself most surely "evinces a deli- rious mind" in seeming to suppose that all the subjects on which we have dilated in the *Bangkok Recor- der* for the last six months were quite out of place because they had no bearing upon our discussion. We can scarcely suppress our risibility when our royal champion gives us to think that he felt himself hard pressed against a wall by the *outrageous* and quite unexpected side push he charges us of having given him. But now that he has come out of his cramped quarters and is displaying uncommon freedom and power, we feel that it is becoming in us to be sober minded since the Lion of Buddhism has been so much aroused.

We confess that our reply to him on his objections to the Bible for its simple and unscientific account of the origin and use of the Rainbow, was such as might seem to render us guilty of the charge of dodging "the question" by a "side push with irre- levant matter." The reasons why we took the course we did with that arti- cle, we have already sufficiently stated in No 13 and 15. But as we have learned that such reasons have little or no force in his or any other Buddhist's mind, we feel now determined to give him henceforth only a "fist for fist argument" and scrupulously avoid all appearance of "pushing him with our side."

With the exception of that one ar- ticle which we did indeed rather rude- ly treat, we beg to ask our antagonist and with him all who have read our previous replies to his objections to the Bible, if we were not faithful in answering nearly or quite all the skeptical questions he propounded? Take for instance the objections he alleged against the Bible concerning the account it gives of the creation some days after the light, the rudeness of Noah's Ark, his apparent ignor- ance of ship-building and navigation the want of continued miracles to confirm the truth of Christianity, etc. When and where did we violate that excellent rule of logic to which our antagonist professes to have such high regard? So far from it, we have heard from our friends in many quarters that in their opinion we had stuck too closely to that rule, and were occupying too much space in our small paper with arguments on points too plain to require an argument.

In the course of our reasoning, we have had occasion to put here and there a question to our champion as grave and important to the argument as why he ever put to us. But what has he done with them? Not one has he made the slightest attempt to answer, but treated them all, as he falsely charges us of having done with his— by covering them all up with irrele- vant matter. Indeed he has virtually reiterated questions that we had care- fully answered before, and flourishes them about as though we had never written a word that had any bearing upon them. We had labored to show him that the Bible uses popular lan- guage and scarcely ever employs scien- tific al terms in speaking of the sky, the sun, moon and stars, just as he him-self, with all his knowledge of astronomy, does in speaking to his children. But instead of offering a word of reply to it, he came forward with another ob- jection of the same class, which he thought he had found in the Bible account of the rainbow. He flatter- ed himself that he could prove from that, that the writers of the Bible were utterly ignorant of science, inasmuch as they appear not to have known that the rainbow is “simply an ocular illusion that it is not in the cloud at all nor in fact any where else.” And because he thinks Miss Mary of the Hoilo [?] America has demonstrated that, he judges the Bible cannot be a book wor- thy of our confidence. Now because he thus ignored our previous reasoning all this, we were but too successfully tempted to treat lightly, even border- ing on ridicule that outrage allso [?] of polemical civility and sound logic. But enough of this fault finding. Let all the past be dropped, hoping that both parties will be benefitted by our mutual criticisms.

We desire the best good of our an- tagonist and of the hundreds of mil- lions he represents, and therefore feel happy to labor unweariedly “in sea- son and out of season” in the paper and out of it, and by all authorized modes of reasoning and persuasion if by any means we may convince him and his most venerable host—unpar- alleled in numbers, of the inimitable excellence of the Bible as a light to guide the footsteps of mankind to ho- liness and happiness here, and to eter- nal life hereafter.

Having thus cleared the way we will in a future issue resume an or- derly and orthodox argumentation with our Buddhist Champion.

Queen Victoria and the Bible.

It was a noble and beautiful answer of our Queen—-the monarch of a free people, reigning more by love than law, because seeking to reign in the fear of God —it was a noble answer she gave to an African Prince who sent an embassy with costly presents, and asked her in return to tell him the SECRET of England's greatness and England's glory; and our beloved Queen sent him, not the number of her fleet, not the number of her armies, not the amount of her boundless merchandise, not the details of her inexhaustible wealth.

She did not, like Hezekiah; in an evil hour, show the ambassador her diamonds and her jewels, and her rich ornaments, but handing him a beautifully bound copy of the Bible, she said, "Tell the Prince that THIS IS THE SECRET OF ENGLAND'S GREAT NESS."—BRITISH WORKMAN.

KING EDWARD VI.-—At the coronation of this youthful king, which was on February 20th, 1547. he being then only nine years old, when three swords were brought, as signs of his being king of three kingdoms, he said there was one yet wanting. And when the nobles about him asked him what that was, he answer- ed, "The Bible! That book," added he, "is the sword of the Spirit, and to be preferred before these swords. THAT, in all right, ought to govern us, who use the sword, by God's appointment, for the people's safety. He who rules without the Bible, is not to be called God's minis- ter, or king. From that alone we ob- tain all power, virtue, grace, salvation, and whatsoever we have of Divine strength."

Some interesting anecdotes connected with the youthful days of this excellent prince, have been preserved. One day when engaged with some companions in amusements suitable for his age, he wished to take down something from a shelf above his reach. One of his play- fellows offered him a large book to stand upon; but, perceiving it to be the Bible, King Edward refused such assistance with indignation, and reproved the offender, saying that it was highly improper that he should trample under his feet that pre- cious volume, which he ought to treasure up in his head and heart."

Correspondence.

Sir: —This was a case tried in the British Consulate in which James Mc Kay was plaintiff, and Daniel Mac- lean defendant.

The plaintiff produced a contract dated in 1862, in which he had agreed with Mr. John Clay, engineer pro Dan- iel Maclean, to lift a boiler then sunk in the river for the sum of $ 70. The defendant was to find all labor and material for the same.

The defendant then stated, that very probably the plaintiff bought the said contract in Hong Kong, for twenty dollars.

The plaintiff then produced a letter from Mr. Kempt, clerk to Borneo Co. Limited, stating that he was present at the writing and signing of the said con- tract. The Consul took the letter in his hand and threw it down on the table the same as if it was on fire, saying that he would not read any letters of that sort; (and said) the witness would be summoned to appear and put on oath. The plaintiff then lifted Mr. Kempt's letter off the table, seeing there was not the least chance of it igniting, and put it in his pocket.

The defendant then stated that he had lifted three boilers for the plaintiff's one, and that he had never seen the plaintiff before, and that he had never received any bills for the amount claim- ed, except one with an impertinent note, and that he superintended the work himself.

The plaintiff then said the defend- ant was not there except on three oc- casions, and each of these times, on- ly from fifteen minutes to half an hour; and here was Mr. Moore present that carried three bills for the amount claim- ed in 1864.

The Consul then said that he would put the cause off from this day the 11th to the 16th April.

April 16th 1866, at 10 A. M. plain- tiff and witnesses had arrived at the Consulate; at 11, 45 A. M. the defend- ant came. The plaintiff and witnesses were then called in.

First witness, Mr. Kempt sworn— stated, that the contract now produced is the same which was written and sign- ed in my presence, and further the plaintiff was working on board of two gun-boats for several days and nights, but how long he could not now say.

Witness was then ordered outside. Mr. Moore was then called, and sworn:—stated, that when he was chief-mate of the "Bangkok Mark" plaintiff sent him on three different occasions with bills to the defendant. On two occasions he gave the bills to Mr. John Clay, engineer to the de- fendant, and the third time he carried a bill which was receipted; he brought it back again as Mr. Clay said he would come on board himself that afternoon and settle it, but did not come: and Mr. Moore further stated, that on this last occasion he got two new nuts made for the truss-bands of the fore-yard, and that he asked Mr. Clay what he was to pay for them. Mr. Clay answered, no- thing for such a trifling affair.

During the time the last witness was on oath the defendant was laughing all the time.

Defendant sworn:—stated, that he never authorized Mr. Clay to engage the plaintiff or any one else. Consul then asked him if he saw the plaintiff there at work, he answered, that he did and a number more of Europeans, but he could not tell who they were.

Plaintiff was then sworn:—and stated, that there was no Europeans at work there, except Mr. Clay, Mr. Norton, and plaintiff. Consul then asked plaintiff if he could swear that Mr. Clay was authorized by defendant to engage the plaintiff, he answered, no. The Consul then said, he would de- cide the case against the plaintiff. The plaintiff then said, that he would appeal to the supreme Court. Consul answered, he could not. Plaintiff then asked for the decision of the Court in writing. Consul said he could not have it. The plaintiff then said, that he would have to leave Court as a forger, referring Consul to defendant's state- ment of the 11th inst. viz:—"Plaintiff having bought the said contract for $20 in Hongkong," Consul said, he did not hear defendant make that statement.

Plaintiff then referred the Consul to Mr. D. J. Edwards and Mr. Moore, who were both present. The Consul stated that it was wrong of the defendant to make that statement. This finished the case.

The plaintiff leaves the above state- ments and decision of Court to an in- telligent public.

When Consul's have only one Ear, and one Eye to hear and see with, it is high time they were recalled home.

Mr. Editor.-—Notwithstanding your very enviable position as an assistant in efforts to keep the cars of progress on the track and the passengers from jumping out and breaking their necks, still I must tender my sympathies to you and those engaged with you in the same Herculean undertaking.

While it delights me to see the grow- ing inquiry of all classes after all sorts of knowledge, not excepting religious the grandest of the whole, I am pain- ed that you have so few works of sci- ence and literature prepared in the languages of the people to put in the hand of the masses, by which their multiplied inquiries would be solved without occupying space in your too small paper. Were your inquirers, as formerly, only personal visitors, you could have the assistance of maps and drawings, chymical and philosophical apparatus, etc. as do all teachers of science in Christian countries. But these cannot be introduced into a newspaper; and to pars[?] your native correspondents without some suitable answers to their inquiries would be tantamount, in their estimation, to an acknowledgment of a defeat, not thinking for a moment that though a man has truth on his side, it is much easier for another to ask him questions concerning that truth than for him to answer them. Even the most eminent philosophers frankly acknowledge that a child's questions are often beyond their ken. Homer, the great Grecian poet, it is said, worried himself to death because he could not answer the inquiry of an ignorant fisherman.

Now, though it be a fact that your helps are so limited, I am glad to see you encourage the spirit of inquiry e- ven at the hazard of having it come up sometimes not in the most desirable form, for it will lead eventually, I might say, according to the laws of mind, necessarily, to the procuring of men by those in power, whose ener- gies shall be wholly devoted to the work of translating books on science and literature, as well as religion at whatever cost. And I am happy to be a- ble to say, that there are now men well qualified for the responsible underta- king, and would enter into it should they be called for, which I venture to predict for your encouragement, will not be long hence. For this grand un- dertaking His Majesty the King to- gether with some of the princes, the Prime Minister and others are e- ven now quite well furnished, having good European libraries which in their present form are of little service ex- cepting to a few amateurs in the English language, and even those would much better understand translations of their English books into their own lan- guage. Most of our scientific works are written for cultivated minds, and must be so translated as that they will be adapted to a people like this, who have no terms to express the most simple principles. This is especially true in chemistry, philosophy and met- aphysics. They know a great deal a- bout the mind, it is true, and much more about matter, but have no such thing as natural, moral, or mental philosophy as a science, and hence new terms must be introduced and a new class of words added to their vocabu- lary.

And here is suggested the necessity of having that Siamese and English Dictionary of yours completed. It is now much needed, and will be still more so continually as the people be- come more intelligent. What student in Europe or America would not as soon think of doing without his din- ner as his dictionary? And yet the Si- amese have nothing worthy of the name. I hope you will get your Siamo-Eng- lish dictionary through the press as soon as possible, though I am not so stupid as to suppose that with all the business already upon you, you can ac- complish such a work without a good deal of time, and much less, without am- ple remuneration. The time is past that you Americans, should work for the Siamese "free gratis and for nothing" as your missionaries have hitherto done and are still doing for the most part. The Siamese have risen too high in the scale of nations to prize what costs them nothing. They have learned to take from your hands the grandest historical and religious books the world possesses without a civil "thank you," which the most uncultivated of them would not fail to do should you pre- sent them with a mere flower. They have become accustomed to feel that the reception of the books you offer them is a sufficient reward for your kindness, while England's sons not many centuries ago could not pur- chase an entire copy of the sacred vol- ume for a $1000. The Siamese need not wonder at the slow progress Eng- land made towards civilization when literature was so expensive, whilst they themselves, with all the extraor- dinary helps within their reach are no more rapid in their advancement.

Persevere then with a steady hand and loving heart, always encouraging investigation on all important subjects, and you will have the sincere thanks and approbation of all the good if no others.SIGMA.

Mr. Editor.—-It seems to me that your informant, whoever he is, was not at the grand party given last week by the Harbor Master, in honor of the lately married couple, or he would not say it was such a grand affair, every body being so much pleased, and such grand speeches we had.!! Unfortunate- ly I was one of the guests on that eve- ning and very sorry I was, for such an ill arranged affair I have not seen in many a day, and as for speeches, or any thing in that line, there were none. The worthy host of that evening should not have forgotten the King’s party, and the Consuls of Bangkok.

One half of the guests being so much slighted, and in fact some of them felt insulted, were not in a good mood to be sociable. It was a miserable affair. A good many would have left the ta- ble altogether, if it would not have been disrespectful to the bride and bridegroom. But they finally made up their minds to worry it out the best way they could, fully determined not to get into such a scrape again if they can avoid it.

Sir:—Our much respected fellow countryman Thomas Miller Esq. A. G. R. O. A. C. has again taken his de- parture from Siam for his native land. On this occasion his stay with us has been short.

His first residence in Bangkok to- gether with his last, gives his many old friends an opportunity of judging of his many evil and good qualities. May happiness and good fortune at- tend him through life.

Our Paper.

We desire to remind our patrons and readers generally that the "Dang- kok Recorder" is a free paper issued from a free press and open for free discussion; and that while our feelings would sometimes lead us to suppress damaging complaints alleged against one or the other of the parties con- cerned in a discussion, impartial justice will not allow us to do so, since the party feeling aggrieved has equal free- dom to make himself heard through our columns. But while we offer to the public a free platform on which all may stand forth and be heard, we must of course desire and endeavor as any good chairman of a public debate would do, to exclude all scurrility and intermeddling with strictly private af- fairs.

Our local subscribers probably wan- der why they do not get the weekly is- sues of the Recorder on the morning of the next day after their dates. Our apology is that the little pay we get for the paper will not allow of the ex- tra expense of working at night. We wish in every issue to include all the local news up to the evening of Thurs- day, and we must have at least one day and sometimes two after that to get each issue ready for distribution. We shall henceforth endeavor to have the paper reach our patrons in the ci- ty generally on every Friday evening but it will be Saturday morning some- times before they will get it.

We are indebted to A Rodlich Esqr. for the loan of two No's of the "London Illustrated News" which were brought from Singapore by the "Jacmel Packet." From these we have gleaned several interesting items of intelligence the most important of which is the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland, but too clearly showing that England has been in imminent danger of a terrible rebellion, and feels that she cannot even now prevent it with- out taking the extreme measure she has. We fervently hope and expect she will prevent the much dreaded ex- plosion, and adopt measures that will eventuate in restoring peace and quiet- ness among her Irish subjects.

The suspension of the Habeas corpus act in the U.S. by the late President Lincoln in 1861 was w. [we?] think, severely criticised by most of the organs of the British government But now being brought into similar circumstances how quickly and universally do they approve of what they condemned in Lincoln. But seeing that Lincoln's bold act resulted well, it is surely wisdom in England to follow the example.

The second great Benefaction of Mr. Peabody for the benefit of the poor in London inconneclion with the £150,000 he gave for the same object in 1862 is indeed magnificent and well worthy of the praise of all men. But let us who are poor and therefore cannot begin to perform such a splendid deed, remem- ber that we have the ability given to us of God to do a deed in his sight and that of all heaven, — as great and very likely much greater than Mr. Peabody's benefaction, by devoting our little all to him as the widow of the two mite's in the Gospel did.

LOCAL.

We have heard of nothing of any special local interest occurring since our last issue. Every thing is won- derfully quiet in the city and the country so far as our knowledge ex- tends. The heavens only have been in commotion, and the result has been several grand thunder showers by which "seed time" has been fully inaugurated exactly in the right sea- son according to Siamese observations.

There is no alarming disease preva- lent among us. Even dysentry which rather prefers this season to all 'others, is not common. The slight fevers which were quite rife a few weeks since appear to be passing away. And the "night sweats" which preyed upon al- most every person during the hot season are now only occasionally heard of. In short we may say that our cli- mate is now for the most part very healthy and delightful.

Prices Current.

EXCHANGE-—On Sight, 3s. 11d. per picul. count 10 d.s. Hongkong, 3 Peen. discount 80 d.s. London, 4s. 6d. @ 1 $ coyan.

FREIGHTS—-Owing to the few foreign ship pine in port, freights have [fallen?] from 40 to 45 cents inside, and 40 cents up side of the bar for Hong Kong.

The following vessels have sailed for Hong Kong since 19th April: Swedish bark "Killinn" rice 4,000 pls. sapanwood 58 pls.

Siam bark "Auson" 3600 picul dy 1103 pls. sapanwood 1235 pls.

Siam bark "Fira" rice 2,000 picul, paddy dy 220 pls. sapanwood 1235 pls. tin 145 pls. hemp 87 pls. mussels 283 pls. car- damums 26 pls. gamboge 13 pls.

British ship "Lennox Castle" rice 12,000 pls.

Hanoverian brig "J. A. Fluchtte" rice 2925 pls. paddy 240 pls.

American ship "A. M. Lawrence" rice 15,000 pls.

Prussian bark "Cathrina Jungeson" rice 4890 pls. mussels 102 pls. tin 16 pls.

Siam brig "Arroy" for Siam [with?] rice 240 pls. paddy 922 pls. sapanwood 11½ teak planks 80

Sir Isaac Newton.

An humble cottage in the retirement village of Woolsthorpe, in Lincolnshire was the birthplace of Isaac Newton, in the year 1643. The sickly child of an already widowed mother, who obtained a scanty living from the pro- duce of a small farm, his lot seemed to present few attractions and fewer hopes. Yet, as soon as he had found opportunity afforded for the exercise of his powers, there were presented early indications of ingenuity, if not of genius, in the mechanical contriv- ances which he made; and in the mills and clocks, the kite and sundials, with which he surrounded himself, there were evidences which augured much for time to come. At any rate, his meditative moods and book-porings were soon found utterly incompatible with the discharge of the humble duties of agricultural life which were entrusted to him. His friends wisely resolved to favour the bent of his genius, and he at length exchanged the stack-yard and the stable for the academic clois- ters of Trinity College, Cambridge, where as a student and professor he manifested those evidences of intellec- tual power and achieved those extraor- dinary discoveries which have given immortality to his name.

Our space forbids us to indicate the various steps by which he rose to eminence in those regions of astronomi- cal science over which his genius loved to expatiate; but that must be reserv- ed, which gives more moral dig- nity to his character than any mere intellectual attainments could have conferred. In those computations which ultimately demonstrated the universality of the influence of the law of gravitation, he unexpectedly found there was an inconsistency between his calculations and his anticipations, which invalidated his theory, and des- troyed the hope which he had so fond- ly cherished of attaining to the dig- nity of solving one of the greatest pro- blems of existence. Instead of attempt- ing, as too many would have done, to "make up the difference" from im- agination or delusion, in order to save their theory, he accepted the result; and, by an act of self-denial which has been emphatically characterized, as "more heroic than any other recorded in the annals of intellectual pursuit, he dismissed the speculation from his mind. His reward came at last. Some false data, which he had assumed to be true, were corrected, and the long desired and long delayed conclusion was obtained. The delight of that triumphant moment, when he saw that the mighty discovery was all his own, can hardly be conceived; and it is affirmed that such was his agita- tion as he continued his calculations, and found that every figure was bring- ing him nearer to the culmination of his desires, that he was at length un- able to proceed, and was obliged to re- quest a friend to conclude them for him.

To convey some idea of the extent of the discoveries of Sir Isaac Newton, it is enough to say, that so intricate and comprehensive have been the prob- lems which he first opened up to re- search, that despite the laborious efforts of Clairault, D'Alembert, Euler, La- grange, and Laplace, it is affirmed that another century will be required to complete the task. Yet, with a mo- desty which throws into still nobler relief his splendid attainments, New- ton tells us, that his own efforts seemed to him "as only a child picking up pebbles from the shore, while the great ocean of truth lay unexplored before him"—-British Workman

God's Plan of Your Life

Never complain of your birth, your circumstances, your hardships; never fancy that you could be something if you only had a different lot and sphere assigned you. God understands his plan, and he knows what you want a great deal better than you. The very things you most deprecate as fatal mis- fortunes or obstructions, are probably what you most want. What you call hindrances, obstacles, discouragements, are probably God's opportunities; and it is nothing new that the patient should dislike his medicines, or any certain proof that they are poisonous. No! 'tis true to all such impatience — choke that envy that gnaws at your heart because you are not in the same lot with others; bring down your soul, or rath- er, or bring it up to receive God's will, and do his work, in your lot, in your sphere, under your cloak of obscurity, against your temptations, and then you shall find that your condition is never oppor- tuned to your good, to 'consent with —A Dr. Bushnell

Ear boring in Burmah.

Students of history are always anxious to discover the customs, manners, habits and peculiarities of those nations or re- ces, with which they desire to become acquainted. Among the domestic cus- toms of many nations, both of ancient and modern times, is that of boring the ears. It has been practiced both by christian and heathen nations from time immemorial. It is intended as a means to ornament the person. Formerly it was a practice generally followed not only among the female sex, but to some ex- tent among the male sex of different na- tions of Europe. The outward adorn- ment of the person by dress and jewelry is highly becoming in every intelligent and rational creature, provided, it is not carried to excess. But where that orna- mentation requires any cruel or painful operation to promote it, the object is clearly inconsistent with the laws of beauty and of nature.

For a long period, it was very fashion- able in England to have the ears of a child bored with a red hot needle. The fond parent had that cruel and barbar- ous plan adopted under the simple be- lief that she was doing her duty to her child. It would enable her child at ma- turity of years to wear earrings and drops. And it is almost wonderful to think of the kinds of rings and drops, which were once worn by ladies, and of the great variety of materials of which these ornaments were made. The fashion is rapidly becoming obsolete in Europe and especially in Great Britian. Parents have more wisdom now than they once had. They do not believe it to be quite right, to subject, a child who is unable to judge for herself, of the propriety of this cruel procedure. To run a red hot nee- dle through the lobe of both ears is no trifling affair. It undoubtedly produces a great deal of pain, and as to ear rings or drops being any addition to the love- liness and beauty of the female face, it is very questionable. Human sentiment looks upon the unnecessary infliction of pain, as both unjust and barbarous. Doubtless this cruel custom will be wholly banished from enlightened com- munities within another generation. Surgeons used at one time, to bore the ears of their patients, as a relief to weak or sore eyes. But they now prefer, where such a remedy may be thought necessary, to place a seton through the back of the neck, instead of disfiguring a man’s looks by making holes through his ears.

Our local readers are well aware, that this process of boring the ears is one of the customs of the people of Burmah in whose land we dwell. It is a very an- cient custom among them, and is prac- ticed indiscriminately among both sexes. We have but to look at any [?]Burman we meet in the street, to be convinced of the fact. It is a practice which is pur- sued among the families of kings, queens, princes, nobles and the great men of the country. In truth there is no portion of the people exempt from it. The cere- mony of boring the ears of a child is the occasion of a great domestic festival a- mong them. It was lately observed at the Burmese capital. One of the Kings children had its ears bored, and the fes- tival lasted for several days.

Among the humbler classes, it may make a festival for a day, or only one morning. In a ramble last week, we witnessed the performance of this cere- mony at Pazoondoung. It may be brief- ly described. The preparations had been in progress for three or four days. The parents of the child have in the first place a couple or three booths, or sheds raised near their house on some suitable spot. The booth is a mere covering from the sun. Cloths are spread out on a frame work of bamboo and then cur- tains are hung round as screens. These sheds are the rendezvous for the guests. A raised floor is put up in one corner for the officiating priests, and they are invi- ted to be present very early in the morn- ing to say prayers and receive the offer- ings prepared for them.

The offering consist mostly of those symbolic trees of plenty, on which a great variety of domestic utensils and re- quisites are found growing. A yellow cloth for the priest rolled up is placed at the top, and an open umbrella crowns the summit of the “TREE OF PLENTY.” Oc- casionally two or three hundred meet to assist in this domestic proceeding. Food is prepared long before the day dawns, mats are spread on the ground, and the tables laid out with crockery for the guests.

The hero or the heroine of the occa- sion is dressed up most gorgeously in gold tinsel and silks, and brought out to have the operation performed. Mounted on the raised platform the poongyees go through their customary prayers, the laity are all sitting crouching round and uttering the responses. Some offerings on those pagodas like trays are placed be- fore the priests. When prayers are over the child’s ears are then bored. If the parents can afford it, the needles are made of gold. These are inserted into the lobe of each ear, and retained in position by a bit of beetulnut behind and a piece of onion in front. The child is cheered up by kind words and presents, but is not drugged in order to bear the pain. This, cruel operation over, the professional operator is rewarded for his services. Sometimes it is undertaken by a man and sometimes by a woman. When the child’s ears are well, the gold needles are given to the borer. The friends seat themselves round the tables for breakfast. This is generally a boun- tiful meal. Occasionally they take a cup of tea after breakfast, but never anything stronger. Good clear water is the universal beverage and an immense supply of beetle is eaten.

The Rinderpost.

This fearful scourge is still scatter- ing destruction and death among the herds of neat cattle and flocks of sheep in the Old World; and every person in America who raises good cattle or sheep, or likes excellent beef, mutton, butter, and cheese, is filled with fearful fore- bodings at the thought that the scourge may obtain a foothold among our an- imals.

Mr. T. S. Gold, corresponding sec- retary of the Connecticut Agricultural Society, has sent us the following let- ter for publication, which will be read with interest. Whether the Massachu- setts pleuro-pneumonia is or is not identical with the “rinderpest,” or with any other pest, it behooves every per- son to manifest suitable interest in pro- tecting our flocks and herds from eve- ry disease of that character.

Mr. EDITOR.—-An article appeared in The Independent of the 16th inst., from the Hon. Amasa Walker, on the cattle plague. He appears to have a- dopted the serious error of confound- ing the “pleuro-pneumonia” or Mas- sachusetts cattle disease, and the “rin- derpest,” or Russian cattle plague.

The pleuro-pneumonia was introduced into Massachusetts in 1859; but by prompt legislative action its ravages were checked. It has been longer known in the milk stables of New York and Philadelphia, as the “stomp-tail cow disease.”

But the “rinderpest” is admitted to be a different and far more fatal disease. Indigenious to the steppes of Russia, in 1856. it spread into Germany. In 1857 Prof. Simonds, of the Royal Ve- terinary College of England, was sent to Germany by the Royal Agricultu- ral Society to investigate the disease.

Prof. Simonds found it terribly dis- tructive, and in the highest degree con- tagious; but he reported “that no fear need be entertained that it would reach England.” He gives as the reasons for this opinion, distance, insular position, military cordons about infected dis- tricts, and no direct cattle trade. Yet by direct cattle trade from Russia the disease has been introduced into Eng- land, where it is spreading with fear- ful rapidity. Indeed the history of its progress forms the leading topic in the journals. Sheep as well as cattle, attacked by it, are capable of commu- nicating the disease. Portions of dis- eased animals, fodder from their stalls, clothing of attendants, each can con- vey the disease.

As Ireland is still exempt from the plague, the English Privy Council has prohibited the importation into Ireland from England “any cow, heifer, bull, ox, or calf,” also “any skins, hides, hoofs, or other parts of the above named animals.” Sheep, swine, and goats were afterwards subjected to the prohi- bition. We agree with Mr. Walker in the value of prevention, and earnest- ly hope Congress will prohibit the im- portation of any of these animals from Europe. S. T. GOLD.

Remedy.

Mr. Worm's remedy has had, as far as we can hear, every reasonable success. Those who pinned or are pinning their faith on remedies of their own proclaim its failure, and the professors have pro- nounced no benediction over it; but none was expected. Mr. Duckham, the editor of the "Hereford Herd Book," who is by no means a believer in cures, bears his testimony, among others to its effect on two beasts belonging to a neighbour, and their seems little doubt that if it had been brought out months ago it would have saved a very large percentage. It is very curious that onions have always been looked on as an antidote for this diseas, and a hundred years ago it was, we hear, a practice to hang a rope of them round the beast's neck. Mr. Worms recommends an increase in the quantity of onions and garlic from 1 lb. to 2 lb. each, the ginger from 1 lb. to 1¼ lb.; and the assafœtida from ¾ lb. to 1¼ lb. If their is scouring, he is in favour of the following mixture for a full-grown beast: —"One desert-spoonful of laudanum and one wineglassful of catechu, in about a pint of thick rice-gruel." How far these remedies will be pursued, under the poleaxe reign, it is difficult to say. It is, however, certain that Dr. Wilkinson, with his hyposulphite; and Mr. Worms, with his medicine, are about the only pioneers that we now have to help us to combat a disease which might be brought over, year after year, by an evil-disposed per- son, in a quill—Ill. Lon. News.