China and Her Neighbours

by Richard Simpson Gundry, T S Wentworth (Foreword by)

Overview

This book, from the series Primary Sources: Historical Books of the World (Asia and Far East Collection), represents an important historical artifact on Asian history and culture. Its contents come from the legions of academic literature and research on the subject produced over the last several hundred years. Covered within is a discussion drawn from many areas of study and research on the subject. From analyses of the varied geography that encompasses the Asian continent to significant time periods spanning centuries, the book was made in an effort to preserve the work of previous generations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781241106782
Publisher:	Primary Sources, Historical Collections
Publication date:	02/01/2011
Series:	Primary Sources, Historical Collections
Pages:	454
Product dimensions:	7.44(w) x 9.69(h) x 0.92(d)

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER II. FRANCE AND CAMBODIA. Within twelve months after the signature of the Treaty of Saigon, it was found that French interests required the extension of a protectorate over Cambodia. Buffeted between Cochin-China and Siam, that unfortunate State had ended by becoming tributary to both; and it appeared inconsistent with the dignity and duty of France to abandon an inherent right which she had of course acquired with her new possession. The origin and history of the Khmers have been the subject of keen discussion ever since Mouhot's researches disclosed to the world the splendid architectural remains which every succeeding visitor appears to view with equal admiration. It seems, however, to be now generally admitted that tradition and the evidence of style point to an Indian source ; how much soever the race may have been debased by Malay and Mongolian admixture. The ruins of Angkor clearly represent what was once the centre of a rich, powerful and civilized State. At what date that civilization was founded, and how long it endured are among the most interesting and difficult problems offered by the Indo-Chinese peninsula.It is clear, at any rate, that it must have lasted during several centuries, and then, from causes which can only be surmised, was rapidly extinguished. A considerable State implies considerable resources ; and the country is, in fact, fertile, metalliferous, and admirably watered. All prosperity has, however, long since disappeared under conditions of chronic warfare. For the last hundred years, at any rate, Cambodia has been a battle-ground for Annam and Siam ; and its political structure has been knocked to pieces, and its old civilization effaced, bytheir continued blows. The three provinces of rinh-luong, An-gian and Ha-tien, last annexed by t...