All the Siamese tributary States are virtually under the Protectorate of the King of Siam – the king being Lord paramount or Suzerain. When a chief accedes to the seat of supreme authority in any tributary State, it is necessary that he obtain the sanction of the Suzerain. In case the Suzerain is called upon to select a chief for any tributary State, he must make the selection from that State and the prince must be unanimously approved by both officers and people of the State. Enjoying such popularity his appointment may be confirmed by the king of Siam, and not otherwise.

Over the past several years we’ve learned a lot about the unintended consequences of social media. Platforms intended to bring us closer together make us angrier and more isolated.

All his temples seem to be along rivers, while temples along the southeastern coast seem to be late (one in Hsia-p’u, Fukien, was built in 1866 (Hsia-p’u hsien-chih).

Their bearing, which was simply the bearing of commonplace individuals going about their business in the assurance of perfect safety, was offensive to me like the outrageous flauntings of folly in the face of a danger it is unable to comprehend […]