Page:George Archdall Reid 1896 The present evolution of man.djvu/376

364 And to the question—

"Can you give us your impressions as to the effect of the use of opium upon the people with whom you were brought into contact in Burmah, whether Chinese or the Burmese?"

he said—

"Of the four races I found in Upper Burmah, Kachyins, Shans, Burmans, and Chinese, the Burmese were the more decidedly susceptible to the influence of the drug undoubtedly. The Chinese seemed to resist the influence of it more than even the Hill-men, but in all cases where the habit was once formed the emaciation of the consumer and the deterioration of his moral character alike ensued."—Ibid. p. 24.

To the question—

"You have been speaking thus far of the regulations which were established by the native Government of Burmah with reference to the suppression of the opium habit. When the country passed under the rule of the Government of India, what was the policy then adopted with reference to opium?"

he replied—

"The Government of India made a very important proclamation in English, Burmese, and Chinese, to the effect that her Majesty the Queen-Empress would not receive a revenue from the sale of opium in Upper Burmah, and a law was put upon the Statute Book, making it penal to sell opium or any of its preparations to men of the Burmese race. At the same time, the possession of opium or liquor- by Burmans was not an offence, but it has been made so during the last year, I believe."—Ibid. p. 25.