หน้า:พระปกเกล้าฯ กับ รธน ไทย (vol 2).pdf/18

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when these Councillors are replaced by others, the Council would not have the confidence of the people. I think such ideas are rather pessimistic. If there are no more good men in the future, we can have no hope for Siam.

5. That the existence of the Supreme Council lessens the prestige of the King. I admit that this is true, but I consider that the prestige of Kingship in this country can hardly be lower than at this moment. I have already explained the causes I doubt very much whether the old prestige could over be regained. I think that the evolution of the public opinion in Bangkok and educated class has already gone too far, and that it would be a wild goose chase to try and get back any of the old glory. The King should be content to do all the good he can, even though the credit were given to somebody else. I believe that at the present time and with the sentiment of the people as it is at this moment, all credit will always go to somebody else, to some Minister or some Prince, if there is no Supreme Council. If any things goes wrong, it would be attributed to influence of some wicked person and the foolishness of the King is being influenced by that person. People seem to have the idea that the King is a sort of nonentity who is easily influenced by anybody, and that he has no opinion of his own whatever. This statement may sound exagerated, but it is really very near to the truth.

6. That the Power of the King is lessened. This is, of course, what is intended. As I have already said, the days of absolute power are numbered. The S.C. certainly lessens the King’s power to do harm by the arbitrary actions, but surely, it does not lessen his power to