es and _sampans_ of a
few years ago, when the river was the "Broadway" of the city and the
canals its cross-streets. Steamers of various dimensions now
busily ply the river: the kings own several, which they use for
pleasure-boats; eight or ten are fitted up as war-steamers, and others
are packets to Singapore, China and elsewhere, carrying passengers and
merchandise.

The regent, _Pra-Nai-Wai,_ is a sedate, dignified, courteous gentleman
of sixty-five, who walks erect with firm step and manly form, and with
mental and physical powers still unimpaired. His half-brother, who
filled the post of minister of foreign affairs at the commencement
of the present reign, died blind some little time back, after twice
paying ten thousand dollars to a Dutch oculist from Batavia to operate
on his eyes for cataract. His successor, the present minister, is one
of the finest specimens of a Siamese gentleman in the country. He
was first a provincial governor; then went on a special embassy to
England; last year attended the supreme king on his visit to Singapore
and Batavia; and recently accompanied him again to India, whence the
royal party have but just returned. The regal convoy consisted of five
or six war-steamers, and His Majesty, besides his own officers, was
escorted also by the English consul at Bangkok, the harbor-master and
several European officers in the Siamese service. The royal tourist
visited Rangoon, Calcutta, Madras, Bombay, Allahabad and Ceylon;
and entered with great gusto into the spirit of his travels, seeing
everything, asking questions and taking notes as he passed from point
to point. The regent, in conjunction with the second king, held the
reins of government during the absence of the first king; and in truth
the regent has for the most part governed the country since the death
of the late king, in 1868, the young heir being then but fifteen years
of age. The regent is decidedly a favorite with both kings and people,
and his rule has been popular and prosperous.

MADISON AS A TEMPERANCE MAN.

Many years ago, when the temperance movement began in Virginia,
ex-President Madison lent the weight of his influence to the
cause. Case-bottles and decanters disappeared from the sideboard at
Montpelier--wine was no longer dispensed to the many visitors at that
hospitable mansion. Nor was this all. Harvest began, but the customary
barrel of whisky was not purchased, and the song of the scythemen in
the wheatf