A half century among the Siamese and the Lao : an ... - Khamkoo

CONCLUSION 425
iam Allen Butler Hall, the recitation hall
of the new-
Boys' School. On that occasion he delivered an address,
of which the following is a translation:
*'
Ladies and Gentlemen :—I have listened with great
pleasure to the complimentary remarks which have just been
made. I regard them as indisputable evidence of your
friendship for the whole Kingdom of Siam.
*'
During my visit to the United States, the American
people were pleased to give me a most enthusiastic welcome.
I may mention particularly the sumptuous banquet with
which your Board of Foreign Missions honoured me. I
perceived clearly that the American people received me
whole-heartedly and not perfunctorily. This also made
it evident to me that the American people have a sincere
friendship for the Kingdom of Siam. Of this fact I was
profoundly convinced, and I certainly shall not soon forget
my visit to the United States.
" This being so, I feel compelled to reciprocate this kindness
to the full extent of my ability. As my Royal Grandfather
and my Eoyal Father have befriended the missionaries,
so I trust that I too shall have opportunity, on
proper occasions, to assist them to the limits of my power.
" Your invitation to me to-day to lay the corner stone
of your new School Building, is another evidence of your
friendship and goodwill toward Siam. I have full confidence
that you will make every endeavour to teach the
students to use their knowledge for the welfare of their
country. Therefore I take great pleasure in complying with
your request, and I invoke a rich blessing on this new institution.
May it prosper and fulfil the highest expectations
of its founders
"
!
In response to a request from the Principal that he
would name the new school, His Royal Highness sent
the following reply
" Chiengmai, January 2d, 1906.
" I have great pleasure in naming the new school, the
foundation stone of which I have just laid. The Prince
Royal's College. May this School which I have so named,