Sketches of Japanese Manners and Customs by J. M. W. Silver
page 41 of 61 (67%)
page 41 of 61 (67%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
The Japanese often play with cards, which are about a quarter of the
size of ours; and they are much given to gambling, although it is strictly prohibited, and, when detected, severely punished. But the most popular in-door game is & sort of combination of draughts and chess, which frequently engrosses the players for hours at a time. CHAPTER VIII. CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS. Crimes against property are rare in Japan, which is owing to the high-spirited and honourable feelings that actuate all classes of the community; but from the feudal nature of the government, the small value attached to life, and the deadly weapons constantly carried, by the military classes, who are notoriously proud and revengeful, crimes against the person are very frequent. A great check upon criminal offences is the severity of the punishments inflicted, and the disgrace entailed upon the culprit's family. Although the laws are extremely severe, and in their administration there is neither jury nor counsel, justice is delivered with great impartiality; and the judge, who is generally the governor of the town or district in which the offence has been committed, is entrusted with considerable discretionary power. |
|