272 
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 
fourth century B. C., a young prince of 
Delhi made war upon his father for the 
partition of his kingdom, was defeated 
and banished with thousands of his 
followers. They journeyed eastward, 
crossed the Ganges, the Irriwaddy and 
the Meinam, but did not cross the Me- 
kong; for here they found primitive 
tribes whom they easily subdued. Here 
they established the kingdom of Cam- 
bodia, reduced the Siamese, the Anna- 
mites and all the tribes of the peninsula 
of Indo-China to subjection, and became 
very rich and powerful. In the course 
of the centuries, they built several capi- 
tals in diiTerent parts of their domin- 
ions, of which Angkor Thom is the 
largest. The Chinese historian, above 
referred to, visited them in the thir- 
teenth century, just before, as alleged, 
they were overthrown by the Siamese 
and Annamites. The account he gives of 
their wealth and splendor is well nigh 
unbelievable ; yet their sources of wealth 
were extraordinary, including as they did 
the tribute of the subdued tribes, the 
great fertility of the soil, and the ruby 
mines of Battamberg, which are still in 
operation. Could this have been the 
fabled wealth of India which tempted 
Columbus to venture westward, and 
quite incidentally discover a new world? 
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY 
THE seventh annual banquet of 
the National Geographic Society, 
on January 26, was the largest 
and most enthusiastic dinner in the his- 
tory of the Society. Members were 
present from all parts of the United 
States. The special event of the even- 
ing was the announcement of the elec- 
tion of Mr. James Bryce, the British 
Ambassador, as an honorary member 
of the National Geographic Society, in 
recognition of his personal contributions 
to and interest in geographic science. A 
unique feature of the menu were dates 
grown in California, an account of which 
is given on page 291. 
The program of speeches follows : 
DR. HENKY GANNETT, PRESIDENT OF THE 
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY 
Ladies and gentlemen of the National 
Geoyraphic Society: One year ago, when 
I reported on the progress of the Soci- 
ety, I stated that it contained 74,000 
members. Tonight the Society contains 
107,000 members. This great member- 
ship enables it to be a very powerful 
factor, especially in the matter of diffu- 
sion of geographic knowledge, for which 
purpose the Society publishes the Na- 
tional Geographic Magazine. A year 
ago it was said that the magazine was 
just as good as it could be, but our mem- 
bers think it has improved during the 
year. Today the Society publishes other 
works for the increase and diffusion of 
geographic knowledge. During the past 
year the Society has kept close watch of 
the volcano at Bogoslof, a little volcano 
which once or twice or three times a year 
goes on a rampage. 
We are fortunate tonight in the fact 
that Dr. Graham Bell has consented to 
act as toastmaster. As you know, he 
was President of this Society for many 
years, and it is largely due to his efforts 
that the present prosperity of this Soci- 
ety has come. I take great pleasure in 
introducing to you Dr. Alexander Gra- 
ham Bell. 
THE national geographic SOCIETY, BY 
dr. ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL 
Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen 
of the National Geographic Society: In 
thanking you for the honor conferred 
upon me by selecting me to preside over 
this meeting as toastmaster, allow me to 
congratulate President Gannett and the 
National Geographic Society upon the 
continued growth and prosperity of the 
Society. Do you realize that this growth 
and prosperity is unprecedented in the 
history of the world? There has never 
