THE KING OF SIAM'S AMAZONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1892, 24 February 1888, Page 31

THE KING OF SIAM'S AMAZONS.

A correspondent ' derives the following curious facts from the Prince of Siam, brother to the King, who has been on a visit to England : — He gave us some curious information about the King's Amazons, the Royal Guard being composed entirely of women. This battalion consists of 400 women, chosen among the handsomest and most robust girls in the country. They receive excellent pay, and their discipline is perfect. They are admitted to serve at the age of 13, and are placed in the army of reserve at 25. And from that period they no longer serve about the King's person, but are employed to guard the Royal palaces and Crown lands.

On entering the army the Amazons make a vow of chastity, from which there is no exemption, unless any of them should attract the King's attention and be admitted among his wives. The King's choice seldom falls on the most beautiful, but on the most skilled in military exercise. The costume these women wear is very rich.

Their full dress is composed of a white woollen robe, embroidered with gold. The cloth is extremely fine, and descends as far as the knee. It is covered with a light coat of mail and a gilt cuirass. The arms are free, and the head is covered with a gilt casque. When wearing this dress on State occasions, their only weapon is a lance, which they handle with wonderful dexterity. With their undress they are armed with a musket. The battalion is composed of four companies, and each company 100 women, commanded by a captain of their own sex. Should the captain die, the company is drilled during three days by the King, who appoints the most competent to succeed to the command.

The King of Siam never undertakes any expedition without being accompanied by his female guard, nor does he ever hunt, or even ride, without an escort of the same guard, who are devotedly attached to his person. Every individual of the battalion has five negresses attached to her service, and having thus no domestic occupation, she can devote herself exclusively to the duties of her profession. There is a parade ground near the city, where one company is stationed for two days every week to exercise themselves in the use of the lance, the pistol, and the rifle. The King attends once a month at these exercises, accompanied by his brother, who shares, in some degree, the sovereign power, and distributes prizes to those most deserving. When the death of one of the parties ensues, the deceased receives a magnificent funeral, and the high priest pronounces a panegyric, declaring that the deceased, by her valour, has merited eternal rest in the abode of the blessed. The survivor receives the congratulations of her companions ; but, as a measure of discipline, she is sentenced to pass two months away from her companions in fasting and prayer. The military organisation of this battalion is so perfect that the entire army endeavours to imitate it.