An overland telegraphic despatch gives us the meagre informa- tion
that Pegu is to be annexed, the war against Burmah to be suspended. On this slight revelation a contemporary founds a conjectural defence of General Godwin's dilatory tactics. "The annexation of a province would meet our present claims for in- demnity " ' • and "if that object could be effected with a marked absence of any signs of vigour," the enemy remaining "in whole- some ignorance of our power I. hold our prize," "fresh attacks" might "call for fresh indemnity "; and then, "hey for Burmah !" ' This ingenious refinement, however, is like those conjectural de- fences which counsel often make for a prisoner at the bar, when. they dare not call witnesses nor even let the prisoner himself open his month. We do not believe the defence ; for several reasons, especially for two. It is not consistent with the criticism current in the best-informed society of India itself; and it is not consistent with the half of the Burmese campaign which we have already seen accomplished. There was exactly the same delay in regard to Prome that there now appears to be in regard to Ave. Captain Tarleton attained to Prome; he was called back, General Godwin displaying that "marked absence of any signs of vigour" which is thought so cunning ; and yet after all, the General took Prome as soon as lie could get to it in his own deliberate way. In spite of the conjec- tural apology, or even of any official turn which may be given to affairs as they now stand, the public will probably continue to account for General Godwm's " caution " by his superannuation.
