OF SIAM. 



247 



Government has not been disturbed, and that it is yet as rigid, formal and 

 energetic as before. 



It must be confessed that theif system of government is in many 

 respects well adapted to the genius and locality of the people ; that it is 

 minutely, as well as extensively efficient, cannot be denied. It is to these 

 causes, and to the constant tension preserved throughout the various sinews 

 of the State, that Siam is entitled to rank amongst the kingdoms of the 

 East ; for neither her population, since that is but limited, nor her territo- 

 ries, large though ill-peopled as they actually are, would confer a right to 

 such an honor. 



The Government penetrates by its spies into the domestic circle, and 

 even punishes those, who having the opportunity do not become informers ; 

 never trusts an individual, however low in office or high in favor and 

 dignity, with any degree of solitary and unchecked power ; suspects every 

 subject to be a disguised enemy; and exacts from the bulk of the male 

 population their personal service, and from the higher ranks the homage of 

 slavery and fear ; monopolizes wealth ; cripples and confines trade both 

 domestic and foreign by senseless, unprofitable and perverse restrictions, and 

 mean, narrow minded regulations, and is frequently for a time indulgent to 

 delinquency, that in the end it may satiate its cupidity and shew itself 

 unsparing, as it always is, in retribution. 



There is a strong affinity betwixt the Siamese and Burman plans of 

 government. But in their details it would seem that a firmer chain of 

 responsibility has been wrought throughout the body politic in Siam than 

 in that of Ava. 



Were the TJiai nation as bold and militant as they are crafty, plausi- 

 ble and ambitious, they might well from their unanimity be deemed danger- 

 ous neighbours, even to European settlements. For what else than their 

 unity of purpose could have enabled them, until checked partly by Euro- 

 pean influence with inferior numbers, to overawe the Malayan States of 

 Keddah, Perah, Patani, Salangore and others. They are perfectly aware 



