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354 ANAM.
Their clamorous boldness is easily seen through, and
the least opposition or firmness reduces them to the
meanest degree of submission and fawning.
" Such are the more revolting traits' in their cha-
racter ; they are in a great measure counterbalanced
by a large share of others that are of a more amiable
stamp. They are mild, gentle, and inoffensive in
their character, beyond most nations. Though addicted
to theft, the crime of murder is almost unknown
amongst them.* To strangers, they are affable, kind,
and attentive ; and in their conduct, they display a
degree of genuine politeness and urbanity quite unknown
to the bulk of the people in other parts of
India. They are, besides, lively and good-humoured,
playful and obliging. Towards each other, their conduct
is mild and unassuming"; but the omission of
accustomed forms or ceremonies, the commission of
the slightest fault, imaginary or real, is followed by
immediate punishment. The bamboo is the universal
antidote against all their failings.
" The Cochin Chinese are more industrious than
we should be apt to suspect, considering the oppressive
nature of the government. Where the government
interferes but little, as in the fisheries on the coast,their
industry is indeed very conspicuous, and there seems
every reason to believe that, were they freed from oppression,
they would be equally so in other branches.
They are capable of supporting a large share of fatigue ;
and the quantum of daily labour, as for instance in
the operation of rowing, or of running, is in general
obstacle to the
very considerable. But the greatest
development of industry proceeds from the oppressive
* Lieutenant White says, that murders are now by no means
unfrequent, especially by poison.