R. A. CALDWELL by R. A. CALDWELL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 21, 1907

R. A. CALDWELL

By R. A. CALDWELL

Siam

R. A. CALDWELL

In our little world—for it is very small compared with the Eastern world with its teeming millions—we very seldom think of the great continent of Asia, much less of the small countries, such as were visited by the writer not so very long ago. But Siam should not be considered small. While it certainly is not so large nor so thickly populated as China or India, or many places that one might name, still it has a population greater than that of Australia by at least one million people. In this country, as elsewhere, the crying need is for a living Christ, a risen Saviour.

There are many Buddhist temples to be seen everywhere. And about one hundred miles from Bangkok is a footprint supposed to be Buddha’s, solitary and indestructible in the rock. The yellow-robed priests, with their shaven heads, are often met on the streets.

Only of late years have the people awakened to study Western methods and languages. While English is not spoken to any great extent, still some of those with whom I came in contact could speak a little English, and subscribed for (English) Good Health, in preference to the larger religious books, though perhaps it was because the price of the latter was beyond their reach.

Several missionary societies are at work in this country, the most active being the American Presbyterian, which has established several schools, and also has a good printing-press.

The people are not very cleanly in their habits. The majority are fond of chewing the betel-nut—so much so that their black teeth are much in evidence.

The women usually wear their hair short. The lower garment of both men and women is the same. It is like a roller towel, endless, only wider. It is passed around the body, and then between the limbs, and secured in front at the waist. It has the appearance of loose pantaloons. The men often have European garments, including head-gear. They all have stockings and shoes, which, often being white, present a pleasant contrast to the very often gay-colored lower garment and the more sober garments lately acquired.

About three weeks were spent in Bangkok, and that scripture, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white ready to harvest,” impressed me as very applicable to Siam.”