Page:Brief sketches of Siam (Smith, 1909).pdf/15

 tendencies in the southern parts of Asia were SO manifest. He had no love for the white race, did not desire their presence in his country, but did all he could to prevent their coming to reside here perminently. The treaties which had been made with Englantand America were not encouraging to progressive comnerce. Desiring a better treaty America sent Mr. Balestier in the U. S. Sloop of War “ Plynouth ” to Bangkok to When the Sloop negotiate a new and better oue. arrived off the bar, the Siamese Government sent down barges to bring up the ambassador and leading officers of the Sloop. The ambassador came up alone and resided at the place prepared for him by the Siamese Government. Needing an interpreter he applied to the American Baptist Mission for one of their number to go up and reside with him and act as such during his stay. They complied with his request in allowing the Rev. S. J. Sinith to meet the need. The adroit Siamese .officials treated him courteously, but artfully qut witted, out-generaled and rendered abortive all his attempts to get an audience with the King and negotiate a new treaty. Baffled, disappointed and humiliated, the Siamese Government return him back to his ship. The English Government like wise desired a new treaty and asigned this work to Sir Rajah James Brooks, who visited Siam with two steamers, the larger one to remain outside the bar, the smaller one to bring him up to Bangkok. Having reached the bar he sent to Pahknam for a Siamese pilot to bring him and his smaller steamer to Bangkok. Whether by accident, or design, which, is uncertain the vessel was stuck at the mouth of the river. Mr. Brooks was obliged to write to the Siamese Government for conveyances to bring him up to Bangkok. They complied and he was conveyed to the place prepared for him. This gentle