_VISIT TO A GAMBLING ESTABLISHMENT._
I have just now returned from exploring a celebrated gambling
establishment near my house. It is a floating house occupied by a
Chinaman. Chinamen are the master-gamblers of Siam.
All the front of the room in which the gamblers are seated is open to
the river. As you pass along you may see them in a brilliant light,
sitting in two parties on the floor, and most interested in their
bewitching games. Just in front is a little recess on a float, which
is occupied by the musicians and play-actors. Here you will at one
time hear the deafening peals of the gong, the horns through which
they speak making unearthly sounds, then the grating notes of their
various stringed instruments, then all together with human voices the
most unmusical imaginable.
Between these play-actors and the gamblers there is a paper screen,
with lamplight on the side of the performers, where a man is employed
in making shadow puppet-shows for the amusement of the spectators, and
no doubt contributing to the fascinating power of the gambling-shop.
[Illustration: SIAMESE ACTRESS.]
There are many such establishments down the river, and probably many
hundred in Bangkok, which are licensed by government. They afford no
small amount of revenue, but they are, single-handed, undermining the
pillars of this kingdom. Three days in the year the people are allowed
to gamble as they please.
This sin will assuredly be the ruin of this nation unless there is a
speedy reformation.
NOTE.――“Play usually begins late in the afternoon, and lasts
half the night. At one end of a Chinese gambling-saloon is
often an altar, and on it a figure of the god of luck. When
tired of gambling the Siamese adjourn to the neighboring
theatre, where they spend an hour or two watching the
Lakons’ theatrical performances, in which only girls, as a
rule, take part.”