The Indian mail brings the news of the reduction of
Amoy in China, by the Northern expedition under Sir HENRY' Porrinosa ; a success of which the most is said when it is explained that the fortifications of that port were regarded by the Chinese as impregnable. They did not need, however, to learn that the British are overwhelmingly their superiors in warfare : what they have to be taught is, that the Barbarians are their equals in diplomacy ; and Sir 'Hamar POTTINGIER has not yet had time to nnteach the lessons of his predecessor.
The Chinese at Canton had rumours that a succession of blows bad been followed'up in the taking of Ningpo and Chusan, and the blockade of the Great Canal. It is not easy to suppose that they have invented a story so consistent with the British reports respecting the purpose of the expedition ; nor is it in their usual style to magnify the successes of opponents. The Emperor of Burrnah, alarmed by the promptitude and decision of the Indian Government in meeting his warlike demonstrations with the immediate concentration of forces on Moulmein, has drawn in his horns; • and his hostile attitude is converted into a harmless parade of pomp. Reinforcements are therefore no longer diverted from China.
The mountaineers of Cahill still harass the British : for Sniar ,Soarsii, the immediate cause of our troublesome position in the North-west provinces, is not yet removed by death from the throne, whence his own unpopularity and imbecility would drive him were not British blood and treasure poured forth upon his territory.
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