The Journal of the Siam Society Vol. LXIV, Part 1-2, 1976 - Khamkoo

AMEHICAN DlPLO~IATS JN SOUTHEAST ASIA 97
it be published. This report was based on replies to more than 100
letters of inquiry he had sent to "leading importers and exporters" all
over Asia. The consensus was that American trade prospects were
bright, but competition was fierce, 1898 was to be a crucial year, and
"delay will be fatal." A number of specific recommendations were given,
including the construction of a Nicaraguan canal, the annexation of
Hawaii, and expansion of the American merchant marine.2ls
Department of State cban~ed the title to "The Markets of the Far East"
and published it in the Consular Reports series, omitting, however, any
mention of the politically sensitive issue of Hawaiian annexation.219
The
Several important political events took place during Barrett's term
in Bangkok, in which, however, he played only a minor role.
In January
ofosl895 Crown Prince Vajirunhis, who was thought to be favorably
inclined toward the United States, suddenly died and was succeeded by
his younger half-brotber.22P
Despite this c-risis in the royal family, later
in the same month King Cbulaloogkorn announced the creation of a
nominated "Legislative Assembly," who~e functions were purely advisory
but which some saw as Siam's first step away from absolute monarchy
and towards more representative rule.
Barrett reported approvingly,
but at the same time cautioned that Siam's progress, "is yet too superficial
to be productive of extensive good and have its influence over all
218) Barrett's summary, but not the paper itself, is to be found in Sip,m Despatches,
January 26, 1898. Barrett had earlier written an article on the proposed
Nicaraguan canal and the Pacific, and when in a similar case the Department
of State pointed out that active diplomats were not supposed to write for the
press, Barrett argued that he had "only one purpose-that of building u}'
America's Comme1·cia( ir~terests in the Pactfic and Far East." (Siam Despatches,
May 25, 1897.)
219) Consular Reports, vo!. 57, no. 213 (June 1898), pp. 187-89. See also Barrett's
.. -Trade Opportunities in Siam," dated January 14, 1898, in the same volume,
no. 212 (May 1898), pp. 55-60.
2_20) Siam Despatches, January 7, 1895, and January 16, 1895. A few months
earlier the young crown prince had reportedly told Barrett, "Jf I were born
again, I should like to be born in America." (Siam Despatches, September 28,
1894.)