Burmah is not annexed, and a rumour is growing up
in Calcutta that it will not be, though no native Prince is named as having been even considered by the Government of India. It looks very much as if the Cabinet had determined to await a vote of Parliament,—an irresolute course, and, with so many questions to be settled, not a wise one. All Parnellites will vote against the annexation, lest it should by any chance add to the strength or the prosperity of the Empire. The delay has the assent of Lord Dufferin ; but it is producing considerable local mischief. The disbanded Burmese soldiery have, as usual in Asia, taken to dimity, which, until a permanent Government is formed, is a pleasant and profitable way of living,—the dacoit being able to escape any party sent in pursuit, though be dreads the unwearying hunt which a regular Government keeps up. The deceits are accordingly killing scattered- Europeans, plundering isolated towns in the interior, and forming compacts with the Shan tribes, who see that their chaneeof claiming rich lands istat its-best during= interregnum. Cavalry are to be employed against them, but will do nothing, as they cannot enter the forests or cross the network of streams which protects many Burmese districts. The only effective course is to proolaim the Empress, amnesty everybody up to date, embody picked " dacoits " as a rural police, and patiently hunt every future offender, if it be for twenty years. Sir A. Phayre, but just dead, after a fine career, would in six months have made Bnrmah as safe as Dorset.
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