The news from Burmah is not much, but it indicates
to Anglo- Indians a good deal. In the first place, Theeban means fighting. Even if his gunners have not fired upon the steamer which carries the Ultimatum, as was reported on Thursday, his action in over- ruling the majority of his Council is most significant. Oriental rulers, although despotic, are by no means sorry, when they intend retreat, to shelter themselves behind their counsellors' opinion. He has done this, moreover, in the teeth of much domestic re- sistance, and-possibly of an gmeute, that being the only explana- tion of the rumour of his death by violence. Again, Lord Dufferin and Mr. Grant Duff evidently expect no submission. They would not make the contracts they are making if they did, nor would they embark such a large force. Finally, note the silence in which the work is being done. If Lord Dafferin thought menace would bring Theebau to reason, he would menace; but even when at Delhi, though he had a fine opportunity, he said
nothing. Annexation may not have been decided on; but no one who knows the ways of Indian action will doubt that the Government has resolved finally to be done with Theebau. As yet, no other Prince of the Bnr,nese House is in the least in front.
