GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF THE KINGDOM OF SIAM.
HISTORY OF SIAM.
The name of Siam was first heard in Europe in the year 1502. Nine years
after Alphonso d’Albuquerque had conquered the peninsula of Malacca,
some intercourse took place between Portugal and Siam, which, however,
was interrupted by the long wars between this country and the Burmese.
In 1632 an English vessel touched at the ancient capital Ayuthia.
Shortly afterwards the Portuguese at Goa sent a party of Dominican and
Franciscan missionaries to Siam, and the communication between the two
nations became more frequent. The King engaged in his service three
hundred Portuguese soldiers, who were distributed over the country,
having lands allotted to them for cultivation, and who contracted
marriage with native women. The missionaries built two churches, and
established a school.
After a while the Dutch power began to supplant that of Portugal in
the East, and, in the course of the seventeenth century, the empire of
Siam was brought into contact with the new conquerors of the Indies.
The Portuguese colonies gradually became extinct; and the influence
of the Batavian settlers increased so much, that they established at
Ayuthia a Dutch factory, which, under its director Schonten, attained
its greatest prosperity about the year 1690. Various articles of
merchandise were introduced into Siam, from whence, in return, were
exported skins, sapan-wood, &c.; and the country, from its position
and the richness of its natural productions, became at that time an
important station for the commerce of the Dutch between China and
Japan, and the valuable islands of Ceylon and Java.
France herself, at the height of her maritime power under Louis
XIV., could not equal the power of the Dutch Company, though, at one
period, chances eminently favourable presented themselves to her. A
Greek adventurer named Constantine Phaulcon, of whom we shall have
subsequently to speak, opened for himself a remarkable career in Siam,
where he was converted to Romanism by the missionaries. He suggested
to the King to send envoys to Louis XIV., and their arrival in France
produced a sensation, the echo of which we have heard in our own day in
the embassy from the same country to Napoleon III. His Most Christian
Majesty replied by accrediting ambassadors to the Siamese Court--De
Chaumont in 1685, and La Loubéze in 1687. Each was accompanied by
several Jesuit priests; and a force of 500 men, under the command of
General de Fargues, was stationed at Bangkok. The General, however, was
not able to maintain his position; Constantine met with a tragic end,
and the Jesuit fathers were kept as hostages. These failures destroyed
the French influence for more than a century and a half, and for a
time strengthened the power of Holland.
This brief glance at the intercourse between Europe and Siam in the
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries will suffice.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Thérond, from a Photograph.
PAGODA AT AYUTHIA.]
The celebrated German traveller Mandelslohe visited the capital Ayuthia
in 1537, and called it the Venice of the East--a title which, as we
have seen, is equally applicable to the modern capital Bangkok. The
Portuguese explorer Mendez Pinto, who also paid a visit to Siam in
the sixteenth century, gives a favourable picture of the country, and
all that has since come to our knowledge respecting it shows that he
merited a greater faith in his statements than was accorded to him by
his contemporaries.
EXTENT OF SIAM.
The empire of Siam is of great extent. Its limits have varied much
at different epochs of its history; and even now, with the exception
of the western frontier, the lines of demarcation cannot be exactly
traced, most of the border-lands being occupied by tribes more or less
independent, and there are perpetual wars between the Malay and Burmese
races on the one side, and the Cambodian or Chinese on the other. As
nearly as can be calculated, the country extends, at present, from the
4th to the 20th or 22nd degree of north latitude, and from the 96th to
the 102nd degree of east longitude; and according to this computation,
its length would be about 1200 miles and its breadth 400 miles.
PROVINCES OF SIAM.
The Siamese dominions are divided into forty-one provinces, each
presided over by a phaja or governor, and these, again, are subdivided
into numerous districts under the authority of functionaries of
inferior rank, of whose administration little can be said in praise.
The northern provinces are five in number--Sangkalôk, Phitsalôk or
Phitsanulôk, Kumphang-Phet, Phixai, and Tahëng. In the centre are nine
provinces--Nantaburi or Jalat-Khuan, Pak-Pret, Patummatoni or Samkuk,
Ayuthia or Krung-Kao, Ang-Thong, Monang-Phrom, Monang-In, Xainat, and
Nakhon-Savan.
There are seven in the west--Monang-Pin, Suphan or Suphanaburi,
Kan-Chanaburi or Pak-Phrëk, Rapri or Raxaburi, Nakhon-Xaisi, Sakhonburi
or Tha-Chin, Samut-Songkhram or Mei-Khlong.
The eastern provinces number ten--Phetsjaboun, Bua-Xum, Sara-Buri,
Nopha-Buri, Nakhon-Najok, Patsjin, Kabin, Sasong-Sao or Petriu,
Battabâng, and Phanatsani-Khom.
In the south are--Pakhlat or Nakhon-Khuen-Khan, Paknam or
Sananthaprakan, Bangplasor or Xalaburi, Rajong, Chantaboun or
Chantabouri, Thung-Jai, Phiphri or Phetxaburi, Xumphon, Xaya, and
Xalang or Salang.
Siam has been distinguished by the historians of the country under
two great divisions--Monang-Nona, the region of the north, at first
the more populous portion, and Monang-Tai, the southern region.
The Chronicles of the south are sometimes called ‘The Chronicles
of the Royal City’ (Ayuthia), and commence at the period when this
place became the capital. De Barrios relates that, in his time (the
fifteenth century), nine states were in subjection to the monarchs of
Siam, two only of which were peopled by the Siamese race--viz., the
southern kingdom, and that of the north, whose chief city was Chaumua.
The Siamese language, likewise, was spoken only in these two countries.
Siam is called by the natives Thaï, or Monang-Thaï, which means “free”
or “the kingdom of the free.” Archbishop Pallegoix, who is a great
authority in these matters, maintains that the modern name Siam is
derived from Sajam, or “the brown race.”[2]
[2] The word Siam is Malay, from which language this name, as well
as many others of Indian places, has been borrowed by Europeans. The
Siamese know it not.
CONNECTION WITH NEIGHBOURING STATES.
While several districts in the north and east are tributary to this
country, it appears to have been itself originally a great fief of
China. Thus the King of Siam receives from this neighbouring empire a
special confirmation of his authority, much resembling the patronage
accorded by the Sultan to the Barbary states. However, if the external
forms of this vassalage are observed, it is rather from a profound
respect for tradition and ancient custom than from any virtual
recognition of the power of the Emperor of China to acknowledge or
interfere with the rights of sovereignty. One of the dependencies of
this country, Cambodia, is also claimed by Cochin-China, and its ruler,
unable to resist either of his more powerful neighbours, is forced to
pay tribute to both.
POPULATION.
The population of Siam cannot yet be determined with any great
exactness, but it is certain that it bears no proportion to the extent
of territory. Archbishop Pallegoix estimates it at only 6,000,000--a
computation, however, very different from that of Sir John Bowring.
The difficulty of arriving at any correct result is augmented by the
Siamese custom of numbering only the men. Thus, the native registers
showed, a few years ago, for the male sex, 2,000,000 Siamese, 1,000,000
Laotians, 1,000,000 Malays, 1,500,000 Chinese, 350,000 Cambodians,
50,000 Peguans, and a like number composed of various tribes inhabiting
the mountain ranges.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Bocourt from a Photograph.
SIAMESE WOMEN.]
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
In the north, a chain of mountains, covered with snow, extends from
the province of Yunan to China, and its ramifications form two
great divisions, between which is situated the fertile valley of
Siam. Another chain stretches towards the west, as far as the Malay
peninsula. The great river Menam, already mentioned, traverses the
level country from north to south, taking its rise in the southern
slopes of the mountains of Yunan, and empties itself into the Gulf
of Siam. It is the Nile of this region, the great fertility of which
is owing to the annual overflowing of its waters, an event eagerly
looked for by the inhabitants, and welcomed as a blessing from
Heaven. The Menam begins to rise in the month of June, and in August
the inundation reaches its height, and then the waves of the ocean,
opposing themselves to the current, force the waters of the river back
upon its banks. The lands situated towards the middle of the great
plain receive most benefit from this operation of nature, the higher
districts being too much surrounded by mountains, while the lower are
impregnated with so much salt water as to render the cultivation of
rice difficult. If the regular inundations are, as a general rule,
productive of immense benefit, they now and then, as in Egypt, lay
waste the country: thus, for example, that of 1851 destroyed all the
sugar-plantations; and the water, to a depth of three or four feet,
resting on the earth for some time, a large number of cattle perished,
the rice-crops suffered seriously, and many valuable fruit-trees were
carried away. Some years afterwards, however, in accordance with
nature’s beneficent law of compensation, the produce was only the more
abundant.
The ancient annals of Siam relate that, about the seventh century,
Chinese junks used to ascend the stream as far as Sang-Khalak,
a distance of 120 leagues from the sea; at present it is only
navigable for 30 leagues at most. This alteration has arisen from a
gradually-increasing collection of sand and alluvial deposit--a process
which goes on in some of our western rivers, as, for instance, the
Rhine and the Meuse.
The low grounds, as is usually the case in hot climates, are less
healthy than the mountainous districts, and the forests especially are
the seat of malignant fevers. Several other rivers, and numberless
canals, fringed with bamboos and fruit-trees, round which fly a
multitude of birds, give a pleasing aspect to the country, which is
bounded on the horizon by richly-wooded hills.
The rivers are rich in fish, which, in addition to rice, forms the
principal food of the people.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Sabatier, from a Sketch by M. Mouhot.
PERFORATED ROCK IN THE ISLE OF EBOULON, GULF OF SIAM.]
The shores of the sea are very picturesque, and the coast is studded
with islands covered with the most luxuriant vegetation. “The Gulf
of Siam,” says Mgr. Pallegoix, “is not subject to storms, nor to
the destructive typhoons experienced on the Chinese seaboard; thus
shipwrecks are of rare occurrence.”
Sir John Bowring recommends to his countrymen a project which he
believes feasible, and which would scarcely be secondary in importance
to the intersection of the Isthmus of Darien or that of Suez. It is
the union of the Bay of Bengal with the Gulf of Siam. He hopes that
the establishment of amicable relations between Great Britain and the
Siamese Empire will lead to the ventilation and eventual solution of a
question so interesting both in a geographical and commercial point of
view. It would be, in reality, as he says, a noble enterprise, which
would considerably shorten the voyage between India and Eastern Asia,
by making no longer necessary the tedious détour through the Straits of
Malacca, a passage which occupies not days, but weeks.
MINERALS.
The soil of this country, composed in great part of alluvial earth,
in Siam watered by its great river, and in Cambodia by the Nekong and
many other streams, refreshed by the periodical rains, and glowing
beneath a tropical sky, possesses almost unlimited capabilities. The
mountains in the north contain precious metals, but the working of them
is as yet very imperfectly attempted. The tin of Siam has been long in
repute; copper, lead, and iron have also been discovered. Diamonds and
other precious stones exist, although the exact localities where they
are met with are not known, for the natives are very mysterious on
the subject; but it is supposed that diamonds are found on the eastern
boundary of the Gulf.
ARCHIVES.
The history of the empire, arranged in the form of chronicles, is
preserved in the archives, and not permitted to be inspected by
strangers. The late king made investigations into these documents,
which, previously to the foundation of Ayuthia, towards the middle of
the fourteenth century, only presented a mass of confused materials,
in which truth and fable are curiously intermingled, as in the annals
of all nations, and pre-eminently those of the Orientals, who love to
substitute highly-coloured narratives, in the style of the Arabian
Nights, for plain history.
The Siamese trace their genealogy up to the first disciples of
Buddha (Gandama), and commence their records five centuries before
the Christian era. A succession of dynasties, varying their seat of
government, figure in the earlier volumes; and the miracles of Buddha,
and the intervention of supernatural beings, are frequently introduced.
Later on there are accounts of matrimonial alliances between Siamese
princes and the Imperial families of China, and of embassies to, and
wars with, neighbouring countries, the whole interwoven with relations
of prodigies and marvellous legends respecting Sudra and other
divinities. After the establishment of Ayuthia as the capital, history
assumes its rightful place, and the succession of the sovereigns and
the course of events are registered with tolerable correctness. The
city of Ayuthia was founded by Phaja-Utong, who took the title of
Phra-Rama-Thibaldi.[3]
[3] “The word Phra, which so frequently occurs in this work, here
appears for the first time; I have to remark that it is probably
derived from, or of common origin with, the Pharaoh of antiquity. It
is given in the Siamese dictionaries as synonymous with God, ruler,
priest, and teacher. It is in fact the word by which sovereignty
and sanctity are associated in the popular mind. As the title Divus
was appropriated by the Roman Emperor, as in most monarchies a sort
of sacredness is attached to the royal person, the orientals have
made gods of their kings, their heroes, and their sages, without any
scruple. Image-worship is in fact only the materialising or incarnating
of the idea of Deity.”--_The Kingdom and People of Siam_, Sir John
Bowring.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Catenacci, from a Photograph.
RUINS OF A TEMPLE AND STATUE OF BUDDHA AT AYUTHIA.]
EPOCHS.
The following dates, drawn from the annals, and marking important
epochs in the sacred history of Siam, are believed to be nearly
correct:--
Christian Buddhist
Era. Era.
The reigning Buddha died on the 3rd day
of the 6th month of the year of the
serpent, corresponding with the year B.C. 543
The first great Buddhist Council was
convoked under Ajatra-Sutra (in India)
the year of the death of Buddha
The second grand Council was convoked
under Hala-Sokkaraja B.C. 443 100
The third, under the rule of Sri Dhamma
Soka B.C. 325 218
The fourth grand Council B.C. 143 400
The Buddhist doctor, Phra Buddha Ghosa,
introduced Buddhism into Cambodia A.D. 422 965
It was in the year 1000 of the Buddhist era, A.D. 457, that King
Tuang, whose accession and glorious reign had been announced by a
communication from Gandama himself, and who possessed, in addition to
his other claims to distinction, “a white elephant with black tusks,”
introduced the alphabet Tai, which was communicated to a numerous
conclave of Buddhist priests. The ancient chronicles terminate with the
establishment of Chao-Utonng in the new city of Si-Ayo-Thaya (Ayuthia),
but leave the date of this event rather doubtful.
SIAMESE MONARCHS.
The following is the list of Siamese monarchs since the foundation of
this capital:--
Siamese Era. Christian Era.
712 1350 Phra Rama Phiobodi.
731 1369 ---- Rama Suen (his son).
732 1370 ---- Borom Raxa (his brother).
744 1382 ---- Rama Suen II.
747 1385 ---- Phaja Ram (his son).
763 1401 Inthaxara.
792 1430 Borom Raxa Phirat.
805 1442 Boronua Irai Lokharat.
834 1472 Phra Rama Phibodi.
875 1513 Raxa Kuman.
876 1514 Xaja Raxa Phirat.
889 1527 Phra Jot Fa.
891 1529 Maha Cha Kraphat Raxa Ihirat.
909 1547 Phra Chao Xang Phuok.
914 1552 Mahinthara Thirat.
926 1564 Phra Naret.
957 1595 Eka Thotsarot.
963 1601 Chao Fa.
964 1602 Phra Chao Song Iham.
989 1627 Phra Chao Prasal Ihong.
1017 1655 Chao Fa Xai.
1018 1656 Phra Chao Xam Phuok.
1050 1688 Phra Phet Raxa.
1059 1697 Chao Dua.
1068 1706 Name unknown.
1120 1758 Chao Dok Ma Dua.
1128 1766 Interregnum.
1129 1767 Phyja Tak.
1173 1811 Phra Phuti Chao Luang (the
founder of the present dynasty).
1187 1825 Phen Din Prasat Ihong.
1213 1851 Phra Chao Prasat Ihong.
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
Instead of dwelling on the ancient history of Siam, we prefer to
give an extract from the appendix to the celebrated work of Sir John
Bowring, ‘The Kingdom and People of Siam:’ the passage originally
appeared in ‘The Chinese Repository,’ and is from the pen of the late
king:--
“Our ancient capital Ayuthia, before the year A.D. 1350, was but the
ruin of an ancient place belonging to Kambuja (now known as Cambodia),
formerly called Lawék, whose inhabitants then possessed Southern Siam,
or Western Kambuja. Ayuthia is situated in lat. 14° 19′ N., and long.
100° 37′ E. from Greenwich. There were other cities, not far remote,
also possessed by the Kambujans; but their precise locality or much
of their history cannot now be satisfactorily ascertained. Some time
near the year A.D. 1300, the former inhabitants were much diminished by
frequent wars with the northern Siamese and the Peguans, or _Mous_, so
that these cities were vacated, or left in a ruinous state, and nothing
remained but their names.
“Former inhabitants declared that the people of Chiang-rái, a
province of what is now called Chiang-mái (North Laos), and Kampengpet,
being frequently subjected to great annoyance from their enemies,
deserted their native country, and formed a new establishment at
Ch’á-liang, in the western part of Siam proper, and built a city,
which they called Thepha-mahá-na-khon, whence has been preserved in
the national records the name of our capital down to the present day,
Krung-Thepha-mahá-na-khon. Their city was about lat. 16° N., and long.
99° E., and there five kings of the first dynasty reigned, until the
sixth, named U-T’ong Rámá-thi-bodi, ascended the throne in 1344. This
king, it is said, was son-in-law of his predecessor, who was named
Sirichai Chiang Seu, who was without male issue, and therefore the
throne descended to the son-in-law by right of the royal daughter.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Thérond, from a Photograph.
THE PAGODA OF AYUTHIA, FROM THE RIVER.]
“U-T’ong Rámá-thi-bodi was a mightier prince than any of his
predecessors, and subsequently conquered and subjected to his sway
all Southern Siam, and some provinces in the Malayan peninsula. He
made Ch’á-liang the seat of his government for six years, and then, in
consequence of the prevalence of disease of a pestilential character,
he caused various researches to be made for some more healthy location,
and finally fixed upon the site of Ayuthia, and there founded his new
capital in April, 1350. This date is an ascertained fact. From this
period our Siamese annals are more exact and the accounts generally
reliable, being accompanied by dates of days, months, and years, from
1350 to 1767.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Thérond, from a Photograph.
VIEW TAKEN FROM THE CANAL OF AYUTHIA.]
“Ayuthia, when founded, was gradually improved and became more and
more populous by natural increase, and the settlement there of families
of Laos, Kambujans, Peguans, people from Yunnán in China, who had
been brought there as captives, and by Chinese and Mussulmans from
India, who came for the purposes of trade. Here reigned fifteen kings
of one dynasty, successors of and belonging to the family of U-T’ong
Rámá-thi-bodi, who, after his death, was honourably designated as
Phra Chetha Bida--_i. e._ ‘Royal Elder Brother Father.’ This line was
interrupted by one interloping usurper between the thirteenth and
fourteenth. The last king was Ma-híntrá-thi-rát. During his reign the
renowned King of Pegu, named Chamna-dischop, gathered an immense army,
consisting of Peguans, Burmese, and inhabitants of Northern Siam, and
made an attack upon Ayuthia. The ruler of Northern Siam was Mahá-thamma
rájá, related to the fourteenth king as son-in-law, and to the last as
brother-in-law.
“After a siege of three months the Peguans took Ayuthia, but did not
destroy it or its inhabitants, the Peguan monarch contenting himself
with capturing the king and royal family, to take with him as trophies
to Pegu, and delivered the country over to be governed by Mahá-thamma
rájá, as a dependency. The King of Pegu also took back with him the
oldest son of Mahá-thamma rájá as a hostage: his name was Phra Náret.
This conquest of Ayuthia by the King of Pegu took place A.D. 1556.
“This state of dependence and tribute continued but a few years. The
King of Pegu died, and in the confusion incident to the elevation of
his son as his successor, Prince Náret escaped with his family, and,
attended by many Peguans of influence, commenced his return to his
native land. The new king, on hearing of his escape, despatched an army
to seize and bring him back. They followed him till he had crossed the
Si-thong (Burman, Sit-thaung) River, where he turned against the Peguan
army, shot the commander, who fell from his elephant dead, and then
proceeded in safety to Ayuthia.
“War with Pegu followed, and Siam again became independent. On the
demise of Mahá-thamma rájá, Prince Náret succeeded to the throne,
and became one of the mightiest and most renowned rulers Siam ever
had. In his wars with Pegu he was accompanied by his younger brother,
Eká-tassa-rot, who succeeded Náret on the throne, but, on account of
mental derangement, was soon removed, and Phra Siri Sin Wi-mon-tham
was called by the nobles from the priesthood to the throne. He had
been very popular as a learned and religious teacher, and commanded
the respect of all the public counsellors; but he was not of the royal
family. His coronation took place A.D. 1602. There had preceded him a
race of nineteen kings, excepting one usurper. The new king submitted
all authority in government to a descendant of the former line of
kings, and to him also he intrusted his sons for education, reposing
confidence in him as capable of maintaining the royal authority over
all the tributary provinces. This officer thus became possessed of the
highest dignity and power. His master had been raised to the throne at
an advanced age. During the twenty-six years he was on the throne he
had three sons, born under the royal canopy--_i. e._ the great white
umbrella, one of the insignia of royalty.
“After the demise of the king, at an extreme old age, the personage
whom he had appointed as regent, in full council of the nobles, raised
his eldest son, then sixteen years old, to the throne. A short time
after the regent caused the second son to be slain, under the pretext
of a rebellion against his elder brother. Those who were envious of the
regent, excited the king to revenge his brother’s death as causeless,
and plan the regent’s assassination; but he, being seasonably apprised
of it, called a council of the nobles and dethroned him after one
year’s reign, and then raised his youngest brother, the third son, to
the throne.
“He was only eleven years old. His extreme youth and fondness for play,
rather than politics or government, soon created discontent. Men of
office saw that it was exposing their country to contempt, and sought
for some one who might fill the place with dignity. The regent was long
accustomed to all the duties of the government, and had enjoyed the
confidence of their late venerable king; so, with one voice, the child
was dethroned and the regent exalted under the title of Phra Chau Pra
Sath-thong. This event occurred A.D. 1630.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Thérond, from a Photograph.
RUINS OF A PAGODA AT AYUTHIA.]
“The king was said to have been connected with the former dynasty, both
paternally and maternally; but the connection must have been quite
remote and obscure. Under the reign of the priest-king he bore the
title Raja Suriwong, as indicating a remote connection with the royal
family. From him descended a line of ten kings, who reigned at Ayuthia
and Lopha-buri--Louvo of French writers. This line was once interrupted
by an usurper between the fourth and fifth reigns. This usurper was
the foster-father of an unacknowledged though real son of the fourth
king Chau Nárái. During his reign many European merchants established
themselves and their trade in the country, among whom was Constantine
Phaulkon (Faulkon). He became a great favourite through his skill in
business, his suggestions and superintendence of public works after
European models, and by his presents of many articles regarded by the
people of those days as great curiosities, such as telescopes, &c.
“King Nárái, the most distinguished of all Siamese rulers, before or
since, being highly pleased with the services of Constantine, conferred
on him the title of Chau Phyá Wicha-yentrá-thé-bodi, under which title
there devolved on him the management of the government in all the
northern provinces of the country. He suggested to the king the plan of
erecting a fort on European principles as a protection to the capital.
This was so acceptable a proposal, that at the king’s direction he was
authorised to select the location and construct the fort.
“He selected a territory which was then employed as garden-ground, but
is now the territory of Bangkok. On the west bank, near the mouth of
a canal, now called Báng-luang, he constructed a fort, which bears
the name of Wichayeiw Fort to this day. It is close to the residence
of his Royal Highness Chaufá-noi Kromma Khun Isaret rangsan. This fort
and circumjacent territory was called Thana-buri. A wall was erected,
enclosing a space of about 100 yards square. Another fort was built
on the east side of the river, where the walled city of Bangkok now
stands. The ancient name Bangkok was in use when the whole region was
a garden.[4] The above-mentioned fort was erected about the year A.D.
1675.
[4] Such names abound now, as Bang-cha, Bang-phra, Bang-plá-soi, &c.;
_Báng_ signifying a small stream or canal, such as is seen in gardens.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Thérond, from a Photograph.
THE GREAT TOWER OF THE PAGODA WAT-CHING AT BANGKOK.]
“This extraordinary European also induced his grateful sovereign King
Nárái to repair the old city of Lopha-buri (Louvo), and construct there
an extensive royal palace on the principles of European architecture.
On the north of this palace Constantine erected an extensive and
beautiful collection of buildings for his own residence. Here also he
built a Romish church, on which are still to be seen some inscriptions
in European letters, supposed to be Dutch or German; they assuredly
are neither French nor English (perhaps they are Greek, as he was of
Greek extraction, and born at Cephalonia). The ruins of all these
edifices and their walls are still to be seen, and are said to be a
great curiosity. It is moreover stated that he planned the construction
of canals, with reservoirs at intervals for bringing water from the
mountains on the north-east to the city Lopha-buri, and conveying
it through earthen and copper pipes and syphons, so as to supply the
city in the dry season on the same principle as that adopted in Europe.
He commenced also a canal, with embankments, to the holy place called
Phra-Bat, about twenty-five miles south-west from the city. He made
an artificial pond on the summit of Phra-Bat mountain, and thence, by
means of copper tubes and stop-cocks, conveyed abundance of water to
the kitchen and bath-rooms of the royal residence at the foot of the
mountain. His works were not completed when misfortune overtook him.
“Many Siamese officers and royal ministers were jealous of his
influence, and murmured their suspicions of his being a secret rebel.
At length he was accused of designing to put the king to death by
inviting him to visit the church he had built, between the walls of
which, it is said, he had inserted a quantity of gunpowder, which was
to be ignited by a match at a given signal, and thus involve the death
of the king. On this serious charge he was assassinated by private
order of the king. (This is the traditional story: the written annals
state that he was slain in his sedan while faithful to his king, by
order of a rebel prince, who perceived he could not succeed in his
nefarious plans against the throne while Constantine lived.) The works
which he left half done are now generally in ruins, viz. the canal to
Phra-Bat and the aqueduct at the mountains.
“After the demise of Nárái, his unacknowledged son, born of a princess
of Yunnan or Chiang-Mai, and intrusted for training to the care of
Phya Petcha raja, slew Nárái’s son and heir, and constituted his
foster-father king, himself acting as prime minister till the death
of his foster-father, fifteen years after; he then assumed the royal
state himself. He is ordinarily spoken of as Nai Dua. Two of his sons
and two of his grandsons subsequently reigned at Ayuthia. The youngest
of these grandsons reigned only a short time, and then surrendered the
royal authority to his brother and entered the priesthood. While this
brother reigned, in the year 1759, the Burman king, Meng-luang Alaung
Barah-gyi, came with an immense army, marching in three divisions on as
many distinct routes, and combined at last in the siege of Ayuthia.
“The Siamese king, Chaufa Ekadwat Anurak Moutri, made no resolute
effort of resistance. His great officers disagreed in their measures.
The inhabitants of all the smaller towns were indeed called behind the
walls of the city, and ordered to defend it to their utmost ability;
but jealousy and dissension rendered all their bravery useless. Sallies
and skirmishes were frequent, in which the Burmese were generally the
victorious party. The siege was continued for two years. The Burmese
commander-in-chief, Mahá Nōratha, died, but his principal officers
elected another in his place. At the end of the two years the Burmese,
favoured by the dry season, when the waters were shallow, crossed in
safety, battered the walls, broke down the gates, and entered without
resistance. The provisions of the Siamese were exhausted, confusion
reigned, and the Burmese fired the city and public buildings. The
king, badly wounded, escaped with his flying subjects, but soon died
alone of his wounds and his sorrows. He was subsequently discovered and
buried.
“His brother, who was in the priesthood and now the most important
personage in the country, was captured by the Burmans, to be conveyed
in triumph to Burmah. They perceived that the country was too remote
from their own to be governed by them; they therefore freely plundered
the inhabitants, beating, wounding, and even killing many families, to
induce them to disclose treasures which they supposed were hidden by
them. By these measures the Burmese officers enriched themselves with
most of the wealth of the country. After two or three months spent in
plunder they appointed a person of Mon or Peguan origin as ruler over
Siam, and withdrew with numerous captives, leaving this Peguan officer
to gather fugitives and property to convey to Burmah at some subsequent
opportunity. This officer was named Phrá Nái Kông, and made his
head-quarters about three miles north of the city, at a place called
Phō Sam-ton, _i. e._ ‘the three Sacred Fig-trees.’ One account relates
that the last king mentioned above, when he fled from the city wounded,
was apprehended by a party of travellers and brought into the presence
of Phyá Nái Kông in a state of great exhaustion and illness; that he
was kindly received and respectfully treated, as though he was still
the sovereign; and that Phyá Nái Kông promised to confirm him again as
ruler of Siam, but his strength failed and he died a few days after his
apprehension.
“The conquest by Burmah, the destruction of Ayuthia, and appointment
of Phyá Nái Kông, took place in March, A.D. 1767. This date is
unquestionable. The period between the foundation of Ayuthia and its
overthrow by the Burmans embraces 417 years, during which there were
thirty-three kings of three distinct dynasties, of which the first
dynasty had nineteen kings with one usurper, the second had three
kings, and the third had nine kings and one usurper.
“When Ayuthia was conquered by the Burmese, in March, 1767, there
remained in the country many bands of robbers associated under brave
men as their leaders. These parties had continued their depredations
since the first appearance of the Burman army, and during about
two years had lived by plundering the quiet inhabitants, having no
government to fear. On the return of the Burman troops to their own
country, these parties of robbers had various skirmishes with each
other during the year 1767.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Thérond from a Photograph.
PRIEST’S HOUSE NEAR AYUTHIA.]
“The first king established at Bangkok was an extraordinary man, of
Chinese origin, named Pin Tat. He was called by the Chinese Tia Sin
Tat, or Tuat. He was born at a village called Bánták, in Northern Siam,
in lat. 16° N. The date of his birth was in March, 1734. At the capture
of Ayuthia he was thirty-three years old. Previous to that time he had
obtained the office of second governor of his own township, Ták, and
he next obtained the office of governor of his own town, under the
dignified title of Phyá Ták, which name he bears to the present
day. During the reign of the last King of Ayuthia, he was promoted to
the office and dignity of governor of the city of Kam-Cheng-philet,
which from times of antiquity was called the capital of the western
province of Northern Siam. He obtained this office by bribing the high
minister of the king, Chaufá Ekadwat Anurak Moutri; and being a brave
warrior, he was called to Ayuthia on the arrival of the Burman troops,
as a member of the council. But when sent to resist the Burman troops,
who were harassing the eastern side of the city, perceiving that the
Ayuthian government was unable to resist the enemy, he, with his
followers, fled to Chautaburi (Chautabun), a town on the eastern shore
of the Gulf of Siam, in lat. 12-1/2° N. and long. 101° 21′ E. There he
united with many brave men, who were robbers and pirates, and subsisted
by robbing the villages and merchant-vessels. In this way he became the
great military leader of the district, and had a force of more than
ten thousand men. He soon formed a treaty of peace with the headman of
Báng-plásoi, a district on the north, and with Kambuja and Annam (or
Cochin China) on the south-east.”
Such is the short historical sketch, given by the late King of Siam, up
to this date, and which we must complete from other sources.
As much by stratagem as by force of arms, he gained possession of the
northern districts; but, not deeming himself secure enough from hostile
attacks in that part of the country, he decided on falling back towards
the south, and established himself at Bangkok, having previously
surprised and put to death Phrá-Nai-Kông, the Burman governor of that
place, and seized on a quantity of money, provisions, and ammunition.
Its proximity to the sea afforded many advantages, one being that
escape would be tolerably easy should fortune prove adverse to him. He
there built a palace on the western bank of the river, near the fort,
which is now standing.
After various encounters with the Burmans, he reduced them into
subjection, mainly through the assistance of his flotilla; and on one
occasion he overpowered their whole camp, recovering great part of the
booty they had amassed, and finally freeing the country from those
bitter foes, who had brought into it so much desolation and terror.
The people, in gratitude to their deliverer, gladly aided him in his
assumption of royal authority. He issued his mandates from Bangkok,
appointed viceroys, and distributed colonists far and wide for the
repeopling of the country. Thus, by the end of 1768, he found himself
sovereign of all the southern part of Siam and the eastern provinces on
the shores of the Gulf.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Bocourt from a Photograph.
DETAILS OF THE PAGODA WAT-CHANG AT BANGKOK.]
Profiting by a sanguinary war between China and Burmah, he reconquered
the northern district of Horahh. He had still to contend with a revolt
organised by a prince of the old dynasty, who, pending the struggle
with the Burmans, had taken refuge in Ceylon. This, however, was
soon quelled; and two more provinces were recovered, which had taken
advantage of the foreign invasion to assert their independence. At the
end of three years Phya-Jak was master of the whole of the north,
and had everywhere re-established peace and order. His dominion being
now set on a firm foundation, it was a comparatively easy matter
successfully to resist a new attack of the Burmans in 1771; and the
year following he sent an expedition into the Malay peninsula to take
possession of Lagor, whose governor, formerly a vassal of the king,
had assumed the sovereignty, and proclaimed Phya-Jak a usurper. The
governor, being worsted in several engagements, took refuge with the
chief of Patawi, a town in the peninsula, by whom he was surrendered
to the followers of Phya-Jak. The king himself, meanwhile, had entered
Lagor, made captives of all the governor’s family, and carried off
his treasures. Among his relatives was a daughter possessed of great
beauty: the King gave her a place in his harem; and, through her
intercession, her father and all the family were spared. Three or four
years afterwards she procured his reinstatement as prince of that
district, which at the present day is governed by his descendants.
Phya-Jak’s reign did not end happily: in the latter part of his life
he fell into a state of morbid melancholy, treated his subjects
with cruelty, and lost his popularity. One of his generals, Chakri,
commanding in Cambodia, took advantage of these circumstances to
concert a plot against the King, who was taken prisoner at Bangkok,
and assassinated in the year 1782. Chakri ascended the throne, and,
dying soon afterwards, was succeeded by his son. The old quarrels
with the Burmans were renewed about some disputed districts on the
northern frontier; and the Siamese monarch came victoriously out of two
encounters, but, in a third, was overcome, and lost the western part of
the country lying towards Burmah.
This king died in 1809, and his son and successor, fearing, or
feigning to dread, conspiracies against him, put to death one hundred
and seventeen Siamese nobles, among whom were several generals who
had fought by his father’s side against the Burmans. This atrocious
massacre, and the murder of a cousin much beloved by the people,
alienated their affections from him. In other respects he ruled with
wisdom and moderation: keeping in check the turbulent Malays, he also
successfully repulsed the incursions of the Burmans, bringing his
prisoners to Bangkok, where he gave them lands to cultivate, and thus
extended his capital.
The English Government, wishing to form a commercial treaty with this
prince, sent Mr. Crawfurd on a mission to Siam; but although that
gentleman obtained much interesting information respecting the country,
he failed in attaining his purpose. Allowed to remain with his suite
for some time at Bangkok, they were treated rather as prisoners than
guests. Their propositions were rejected; and the only concession
obtained from his Majesty was a promise not to increase the export
and import duties, the entire abolition of which had been the object
of the negotiation. The King died in 1824, and was succeeded by his
illegitimate son, Crom-Chiat.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Catenacci, from a Photograph.
RUINS AT AYUTHIA.]
TREATY WITH GREAT BRITAIN.
This prince, although he feared the English, saw the advantages
of an extended commerce, and, in 1826, concluded a treaty with Great
Britain, then represented by Captain Burney; but it did not effect
all that had been desired. Direct mercantile intercourse between the
two countries was certainly guaranteed, and assistance in all cases
of shipwreck on the coast; but English subjects, during their stay,
were to be subject to the laws of the empire; and in each province the
commerce could be extended or limited at the will of the governor.
As these functionaries constantly infringed the terms of the treaty,
and imposed heavy charges on the native articles exported, as well as
on British goods introduced, disappointment naturally resulted; and
the Siamese, fearing a resort to arms on the part of England, made
preparations for defence, and fortified the mouth of the Menam.
MISSIONS IN SIAM.
Meanwhile France was attempting to resume her old intercourse with
Siam; but at first great distrust was manifested of the Catholic
missionaries. In 1780 they had been ordered, on pain of death, to
quit the kingdom; they retired for a time, but again gradually
insinuated themselves, and met with considerable success. We owe to
Mgr. Pallegoix, in addition to an interesting relation of the progress
of the mission, very important information concerning this empire in
the far East--its literature, and the character and the manners of the
inhabitants. He established there seven churches and four chapels; a
seminary in which are thirty native pupils, several other schools, and
four monasteries; and has baptized eight thousand Siamese. The King,
annoyed at the advance of the new religion, issued, in 1848, an edict
against the missionaries, commanding the destruction of all their
places of worship; but it was very partially carried into execution.
The Protestant mission has had a more restricted sphere of action.
The celebrated Dr. Gutzlaff made a long stay at Bangkok in 1828, and
finished there his translation of the New Testament into Siamese. This
work was published at Singapore, and has since been widely circulated.
In 1830 he revisited Siam, and translated the greater part of the
Scriptures into the languages of Cambodia and Laos. At his request the
American Baptists founded the first Protestant mission at Siam; the
Presbyterians established a second in 1840; and a third was founded, in
1850, by the Society of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign
Missions. Their labours, however, have not yet been crowned with any
great success; nevertheless, by uniting to their ministerial office the
practice of medicine, they have done much good, and been favourably
received by the people.
The French priests have recently made efforts to gain an influence
over the government of Siam. At the death of the King Orom-Chiat, his
son Chao-Fa, then twenty years of age, should have been his rightful
successor, but an elder illegitimate son seized on the throne,
promising his brother to resign it in a few years. This promise not
having been fulfilled, the prince, as we have before mentioned, went
into complete retirement, and gave himself up to scientific pursuits.
He then came into contact with the Catholic missionaries, and, at their
persuasion, made himself acquainted with their religion.
ARCHBISHOP PALLEGOIX.
In 1851 the King fell ill, and, in spite of the promise to his brother,
wished to appoint one of his own sons as his successor; but he was
answered that the country had already a sovereign; and, on his decease,
Prince Chao-Fa mounted the throne, under the name of Somdet Phra. Mgr.
Pallegoix addressed to him a letter of congratulation, and presented
him with a portrait of Louis Napoleon, then President of the French
Republic. The King, in return, made him a gift of money, and revoked
the decree of banishment against the five Catholic priests; and at an
audience granted to the bishop before his departure for Europe, in
1852, he charged him with messages to Prince Louis Napoleon and the
Pope,--intrusting to him an autograph letter for the latter, written
in English, and expressing a great regard for his Holiness, as well as
his resolution to grant full toleration in his kingdom to the Catholic
religion.
He also declared to the archbishop[5] his intention of assuring to his
subjects entire religious liberty, with which view he made inquiries
from time to time respecting the work of the Catholic missionaries, so
as to protect the converted natives against the heathen governors. From
that time the friendship with France has never been interrupted, but
has become more and more intimate.
[5] Mgr. Pallegoix died April, 1862, at Bangkok, where the king had him
buried with great pomp.
TREATY WITH FRANCE.
Negotiations were commenced at Bangkok in 1856, in the name of the
French Government, which terminated in a highly satisfactory manner,
a treaty of friendship and commerce being signed on the 15th August
between the two countries, which was ratified in the following year.
The reception accorded to M. de Montigny, the French envoy, on this
occasion by the two kings, was as brilliant as it was cordial; nor was
he entertained less kindly by any of the authorities with whom he came
in contact, which proved that Siam has preserved a pleasing remembrance
of the embassies exchanged with Louis XIV.
All this augured favourably for the future friendly relations between
the two Crowns; and these were confirmed in the year 1861, when his
Siamese Majesty sent an embassy to Paris, where it arrived in June, and
was received with great magnificence.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Bocourt from a photograph
SIAMESE LADIES AT DINNER.]
COMMERCE.
A French publication[6] gave the following account of the commerce with
Siam:--“According to the information obtained from M. de Montigny,
the commercial and maritime relations between the kingdom of Siam
and Europe are capable of great development. Already more than sixty
European ships, have since 1854 entered yearly the port of Bangkok, to
which must be added a considerable number of junks and _prahus_, which
navigate the China Sea and the Malayan Archipelago. The markets of
Siam and Laos abound in natural products, such as tobacco, cotton,
sugar, spice, and dyes. The forests abound with magnificent trees,
particularly teak. By the terms of the treaty with France, the duties,
whether import or export, are but three per cent. on the value of the
merchandise. There is therefore room for hope that commerce, favoured
by the moderation of this tariff, will rapidly increase, and that the
French navy will profit by it.”
[6] ‘L’Annuaire des Deux Mondes.’ 1856-1857.
In ‘Les Annales du Commerce Extérieur’ we find the following
account:--“The greater part of the commerce of Siam, Laos, and
Cambodia is in the hands of the Chinese, who are much more active
and intelligent than the natives. Their mercantile transactions are
generally characterised by dishonesty, and we cannot too strongly warn
our traders against the frauds of every kind common in this country,
such as mixing diverse qualities, adulteration, and saturating various
articles with moisture to increase the weight. Raw silk, cotton,
and hemp, tobacco, and other merchandise sold by weight, should be
carefully examined when delivered, and always compared with the
samples, which it is prudent to demand beforehand. The treaty concluded
between the Siamese Government and France abolishes all monopolies, and
obliges the authorities to watch over the strict and faithful execution
of all bargains; therefore, in case of fraud, traders should show a
bold face and demand indemnity. They should be careful themselves to
set an example of strict probity, this being the surest way to improve
the morality of the Siamese merchants, who, in dealing with people of
proved honesty, will have less temptation to employ fraud.
“The best commerce will be, doubtless, that of barter; but it will
be difficult to carry this to any great extent, as these people have
few wants. Their ordinary dress, for example, consists simply of
drawers in the hot season, to which in winter they add one or more
scarves, to cover the upper part of the body. The dignitaries and
wealthy individuals on state occasions wear a rich suit, consisting
of drawers, vest, belt, and a large tunic. They go barefoot, rarely
having even sandals. They are not of a migratory nature, but have their
fixed habitations, and are fond of elegance and luxury. Very imitative
in their ways, they feel a pride in putting on a European dress; and
some of those made after the fashion of Louis XIV.’s reign are still
preserved, especially among the descendants of the Portuguese, who are
numerous. The uniforms of the soldiers are copied from those of Europe;
and the whole nation has a great taste for our Parisian furniture,
cotton, silk, and woollen fabrics, porcelain, china, glass, bronzes,
cutlery, ironmongery, and toys. Other articles in much esteem with
them, and exported by us, are fire-arms, side-arms, saddlery, quilts,
carpets, clocks, and windows. Our champagne, brandy, gin, and kirsch,
would find in Siam a certain and ready sale in exchange for the produce
of the country.”
TREATY WITH AMERICA.
The efforts of the Americans to obtain from the Siamese Government
favourable terms of commerce were for a time fruitless, but in 1833 a
treaty was concluded with the United States, which proved of but little
material benefit. A second embassy from the Western Republic failed
completely. Balestier, the envoy, could not even obtain an audience
from the king, and consequently was unable to deliver his letters of
credit. The Americans had been unfortunate in their choice of Balestier
as their representative, he having formerly been in a mercantile house
at Singapore, and in no favour either with the king or his ministers. A
treaty was, however, eventually concluded between the two nations.
[Illustration:
Drawn by M. Bocourt, from a Photograph.
SIAMESE ROPE-DANCER.]
TREATY WITH ENGLAND.
Sir James Brooke, the English ambassador at Bangkok, found his advances
coldly received. Possibly the Court felt aggrieved by the attitude
assumed by that gentleman; but, whatever may have been the reason,
matters nearly approached to an open rupture. In September, 1850,
he abandoned the negotiation, and Great Britain and Siam remained
estranged, until the English Government, desirous to establish friendly
relations with the Eastern monarch, despatched Sir John Bowring to
Bangkok, with instructions to arrange a commercial treaty, which he
effected in 1855. His travels have been published in two volumes, and
contain, perhaps, the most accurate and full information we possess
of Siam. It was particularly from his acquaintance with the language
and manners of the nation that Sir John Bowring acquitted himself so
well of his task. He was received at Court with great favour, and had
several interviews with the king, whose thirst for knowledge pleased
him, and whose good will he managed to secure. In all his negotiations
with the Siamese ministers he displayed skill and adroitness. Knowing
by experience what would be the most profitable conditions, he
succeeded in effecting the ratification of an advantageous agreement
on the 18th April, 1855, by which the Crown of Siam consented to the
appointment of a British consul at the capital, and granted entire
liberty of commerce to English merchants in all the maritime districts
of the empire. All duties were lowered; those upon opium almost
entirely abolished, provision being made that this article should
only be sold to parties specially licensed by the Government. On the
other hand, the English traders might purchase all the productions
of the country directly from the producer. It is only in times of
scarcity that the king reserves to himself the right of forbidding the
exportation of rice, salt, and fish. English subjects are permitted to
settle at Bangkok, to hold landed property there, build or purchase
houses, and to lease land to others; but this last privilege is only
accorded after a ten years’ possession.
Full toleration in religious matters was guaranteed; and if the
presence of a British ship of war was at any time thought requisite for
protection of their interests, it was permitted to lie in the Gulf, but
not to pass beyond Paknam without express leave from the Government.
INCREASED FAVOUR TO EUROPEANS.
Holland has also renewed her ancient dealings with the country, and
ratified a treaty during the present year (1862). Even before the
arrival of the Siamese ambassadors in Europe, a French publication[7]
said very justly, “The Government of Siam is showing itself more
and more favourable towards Europeans, who find at Bangkok not only
protection, but sympathy and toleration for their religion. Bangkok has
become one of the most considerable markets of Asia; and the kingdom
of Siam is reaping the reward of the liberal politics which it has
introduced into the extreme East, and which is warmly seconded by
France, England, and the United States.”
[7] ‘L’Annuaire des Deux Mondes.’ 1858-1859.