BURMAH. [From the Straits Times, August 15.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 854, 8 October 1853, Page 4

BURMAH. [From the Straits Times, August 15.]

It will be perceived by the latest intelligence from Burmah, that the rumour which we published five weeks ago, bad a better foundation than the camp stories upon which a contemporary believed it to be based. The line of policy laid down by Lord Dalhousie in his minute of NoTember — has been for the present so completely successful, thst some paragraphs in that statepaper, now appear almost prophetical. The Go-vernor-General has obtained the precise result for which be was most auxious, by the means upon which he most confidently relied. The blockade of the river has exhausted the resources of Bur- i mah Proper, and the King in the midst of a | starving people has given way, and promised to do anything required of bits if the British will but consent to open the navigation of the Irrawaddy. It is questionable whether even in this extremity he will consent to put his signature to j a formal treaty, but it is certain, we believe, that he has forwarded a written consent to tbe most important of our demands. He will allow us to retain undisturbed possession of our conquests, and will offer no molestation either directly or indirectly to the British Government. It is said alsoj that be has conceded a much more important question, viz., the right of free trade in every portion of his dominions. Tbe British merchant may therefore establish himself in Ava or Bhomo as securely as in Oude or Hydrabad, and engage in'the-great trade with Western China, with no greater risk than is, inherent in a residence under an irresponsible despotisms The navigation of the Irrawaddy is also, we presume, secured, and it is scarcely possible that even the barbarian dignity of tbe Court of' Ava should preserve the Lord of the White Elephant from the usual Consequences of Anglo-Saxon neighbourhood. He may strive fora while to maintain his independence, but if there be any truth in. analogy, he will ultimately find a British Resident at his Court, backed by a power against which resistance is hopeless. Ultimately, and at'no distant period, tbe " red line '" may stretch for 300 miles, along the frontier of China. That such a course of events is sufficiently probable we are ready to admit, but perfect »"s his been the success of the Governor-General's policy we still retain: our belief that, an advance on Avf" will ultimately be necessary. We cannot trust the professions of the King. He is acting t at this moment in obedience to an 'irresistible necessity, but With, the danger his terrors will disappear. Oriental Courts never, learn wisdom from experience, and the entry, of European tr«« ders into his dominions will create a fertile source of difficulty and disagreement. Even should tbe Burmese, with the improvidence of their race.

continue dependent upon Pegu for their suppliesof food, it requires oue entire year to reduce them' to starvation point, and the Government cannot constantly injure its own subjects by depriving them of tbeir beit market for so long a period.. The next aggression, then, roust be met by the advance which is now 10 studiously avoided, and followed by the annexation now so earnestly deprecated. In the meanwhile we may, we imagine, answer the question at the bead of our . article in the affirmative. It is peace. It has not, it is trie,. been proclaimed in Pegu, and we question whether it will not be first announced in this country, but in either case it cannot be far off. The army of Ava, or a portion of it, will sink into the garrison of Pegu, and tbe work of civil administration will be commenced in earnest. The dynasty of Alompra has obtained for a brief space longer permission to continue the fearful cruellies whichhave rendered its existence a disgaee to humanity, and the Indian Government will be Jauded in the Times, the Moniteur,and the AHgemeine Zeitung for *' moderation." — Friend of India.