One hundred years ago
It is time to warn Englishmen that there is positive danger of the annexa- tion of Burmah, and to ask them whether that project has or has not their approval. Affairs on the Irrawaddy have arrived at just that position which among Englishmen precedes strong and occasionally ill-considered action. It is quite clear that 'something must be done', and clear also that men familiar with the subject begin to despair whether anything can be done except annex. Even if Lord Dufferin has not recommended annexation . . . it is cer- tain that opinion in India, as well as within British Burmah, has become unanimous on the subject. The King of Burmah — a man educated in our own colleges, and as bad as Asiatics so educated sometimes are, drunk with pride, with bloodthirstiness, and, according to report, with wine — has, under the influence of intrigues sanc- tioned by M. Jules Ferry, though now repudiated, lost his head altogether, and is at last becoming dangerous to British security.
Spectator, 17 October 1885
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