SIAMESE EVIDBNCE& EXCLUSION 



W hich wc have no reason to doubt, ifts should l>e 

 compiled to receive, with some distrust, the statements 

 On oath of those classes of Siamese who are precluded 

 by their customs and by these codes from giving evi- 

 nce at aft. This extraordinary people, whoso 

 respectable ascent, viewed as an Indo-Chinese raoe,up 

 the steep path of civilization, is ever retarded^ and 

 often changed to a descent for a while, by the trammels 

 of inveterate custom and of hereditary barbarism;— 

 this nation, or rather government, which sees n -thing 

 but perfection in alHte institutes; — has endeavoured to 

 fret rid of the evil effects of perjury bj a sweeping 

 exclusion of numerous classes, which, in civilized so- 

 cieties, form a vital part of the body politic, from the 

 privilege of giving evidence in a court of justice or 

 elsewhere. It is probable that here, as in other mat- 

 ters, tfie practice of the Siamese courts may relax, 

 anil be at variance with the law digests. These last 

 however, shew no less than twenty-nine except .ions, the 

 ie-lhiuiu- hein- iiic principal noes. It will be evident 

 from the context, where the exclusion is absolute, 

 and where only ordained to prevent interested per- 

 sons giving evidence.. 



The digest from which this list has been taken does 

 not explain the reasons. But these have been put 

 down as given by a respectable Siamese of Baukok. 



1 . Debtors — because afraid of the creditor. 



2. Bla.-ksrnilhs— because noted and reputed as 

 pilferers of the iron given to them to make imple- 

 ment*. 



3. Scoffers at religion— this requires no explanation. 



4. Slaves — because under the controul of their 

 masters as propcrt> — eligible in indifferent matters. 



:>. Gamesters— because liable to be bribed, and 

 reckless. 



<>. Empirics— because in the habitual practice of 

 deception. 



