all the useful arts. They are not as frank, jovial, and simple-hearted as the Japanese, but they are equally polite, quite as affectionate to their kindred, and always generous to the unfortunate. Though many of them have been degraded by slavery, there seems to be an entire absence of cruelty and malevolence in their nature. Though ignorant and superstitious, they are neither bigoted nor intolerant; always slow to take offense, but ever ready for reconciliation. Being peaceably disposed, singularly confiding, and constitutionally timid, they are susceptible of imposition on the part of foreigners of unscrupulous tendencies, and as they are conscious of their weakness as a nation, they are easily overawed by manifestations of force. Siam occupies an isolated position, and for centuries was comparatively unknown, even to Eastern nations. Being beyond the reach of that advanced civilization which of late years has impressed itself upon and affected the time-honored institutions of the East, it would be unreasonable to expect to find here those more refiued ideas of civilization which have won their way in India and some of the remoter islands known to the commercial world. Nevertheless all the elements of progress are ready to be set in motion, and, when finally aroused, Siam will enter on a career of improvement which will speedily place her in advance of some of her neighbors. The present king is earnestly anxious to promote the welfare of his subjects, and proposes to institute numerous reforms, not only in the government, but in the habits and customs of the people. He has been, however, persistently opposed by a powerful cabal, representing the interests and aims of those who cling with inflexible tenacity to the usages and traditions of the past, but by a sagacious course of action he has partially succeeded in overcoming their prejudices. His naturally well-balanced mind has been enlarged by frequent intercourse with missionaries and other foreigners, by the study of English and American history, and by reading the best literary productions of foreign authors. He fully recognizes the vast superiority of foreign art in every branch, and in the construction of his new palace, and the royal mint, which has been recently established, he has adopted the modern style of architecture and many of the latest improvements in useful appliances, as well as the new forms of ornamentation. DAVID B. SICKELS. Statement showing the commerce of Bangkok for the year ending December 31, 1876. |