Geographical Journal (Journal of the Royal Geographical Society): Volume VIII, No. 5 [‎23v] (49/154)

452
JOURNEY ROUND SIAM—DISCUSSION.
view of an Eastern monarch. We went down the west and up the east coast.
The contrast was striking as one came up to the more northern ports of the
Peninsula, where the suzerainty is not British. I well remember the remarks
his Majesty made at the time, that it was quite visible what could be done by
good administration. I only wish to ask a question upon two points of some
importance. On most maps there is marked a river flowing through Korat down
to the Mekong; when I went to Korat in 18941 did not see anything in the nature
of a river which would be of any use. The question is of some importance politically
as well as geographically. Perhaps Mr. Black, who was there at a different season,
saw something of the kind. As far as I can make out, everything in the
nature of commerce must come westwards, that is to say, westwards from Korat.
I would also like to know whether it is yet finally decided for the railway to go as
far as Korat, or to stop at the point it has now reached. In its present condition
it will not largely assist trade, though it has its uses. I shall never forget with
what delight we walked along the top of the embankment after toiling over heavy
jungle tracks. At the same time, if rails were laid it would be probably somewhat
more useful to Siam generally. One would like to know if Mr. Black has any
opinion on these points.
Mr. Black : As regards Mr. Morant’s first question about the river flowing
eastwards from Korat to the Mekong, there is such a river called Nam Mun. It flows
past Korat, about 13 miles distant. It is a very small stream there, and in the dry
season it contains only a few inches of water. Where it enters the Mekong its course
is obstructed by rapids, and even the native boats, which at present go down that
river, are obliged to have their goods taken out and carried overland; so that in its
present condition, for the purposes of commerce it is not what might be called a
practicable river. In the rainy season, of course, there is a great deal of water,
and launches could, and, in fact, I believe a couple of launches were run for a
short time from a place near Korat called Ta Chang down to Ubon, below which
the rapids begin. Trade on this river could be fostered and developed, but this
would take some time. As regards the railway, I am sorry to say that I have no
information to give. If it were continued to Korat, it would develop an entirely
new country, and pass over a tract which is now very difficult to traverse. At
present this railway has been constructed for a distance of 75 miles, or half way.
I here still remains a distance of from 80 to 85 miles to Korat to be constructed.
The President : It now only remains for us to thank the authors of these two
papers. Mi. Clifford has opened to us countries which, I may say, were almost
entirely unexplored. It is true that the coasts of these countries have been known
for centuries. I remember well that the great Arctic navigator, John Davis, was
becalmed for many days off that coast of Trengganu and Pahang, and in sight
of these lands he lost his life through the treachery of some Japanese pirates. But
with regard to the interior of these states, we know next to nothing. We must all
admire the hardihood and pluck with which Mr. Clifford explored th’em, and I think
we must also applaud the gallantry of those youngsters who, in a dark ui^ht, risked
their lives down the rapids; for, although it was only to bring their master his
dinner, still it was an act of heroism. His account of the country is instructive,
and his narrative of the journey most interesting. I am very sorry that Mr Black was'
obhged to skip a large portion of a very valuable part of his paper, because he was
afraid of boring you, which I am sure he would not have done. What he has told
us is certainly most instructive and interesting, and I know you will desire me to
return your cordial thanks to Mr. Black and to Mr. Clifford for the papers we have
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