- Author:
- Grant, Colesworthey
- Publication Info:
-
Calcutta:
Thacker, Spink and Co,
1853,
pg VI
Text on page VI
ri
arbitrary, and wanton proceedings against British subjects, ending in an open and gross insult to the Governor-General's representatives, violated nearly half the articles of the Treaty ofYandeboo, and, forgetful of past experience, have hasted, once more, to "try conclusions" with an English power.
As no war by Britain ever had a more righteous beginning, so it is hoped and believed none will prove to have had a more beneficial conclusion. There is future bloodshed to be savedathe resources of a fine country to be developed, and justice rendered to a people who, twice uniting themselves to our interests, have once been abandoned to the vengeance of their Burman conquerors* and now, risking a like danger, pray to exchange the tyrannic and detested yoke of Burmah for the merciful rule of the Christian.
The annexation of Pegue will relieve its rightful inhabitants, the Talines, from subjection, and the Karens (whose remarkable and interesting tradition will be fulfilled) from bondage to a power despotic and barbarousaa government without wisdomaan executive without principle or mercyapunishments which are revolting, and a spirit altogether, from the highest to the lowest official, (with honourable exceptions no doubt) corrupt and grasping, (the fruits of that wicked system, originating in the supreme head of the state, which makes advancement in office obtainable only through bribery, and its emoluments to depend almost entirely upon the exactions of unbridled authority)aa spirit which, exclusively, seeks self aggrandizement. When such a spirit governs the rule of Britain, may it be Written of her, also, as of the ruler of old,a" MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN."The annexation of Pegue will relieve its rightful inhabitants, the Talines, from subjection, and the Karens (whose remarkable and interesting tradition will be fulfilled) from bondage to a power despotic and barbarousa a government without wisdoma an executive without principle or mercya punishments which are revolting, and a spirit altogether, from the highest to the lowest official, (with honourable exceptions no doubt) corrupt and grasping, (the fruits of that wicked system, originating in the supreme head of the state, which makes advancement in office obtainable only through bribery, and its emoluments to depend almost entirely upon the exactions of unbridled authority)a a spirit which, exclusively, seeks self aggrandizement. When such a spirit governs the rule of Britain, may it be Written of her, also, as of the ruler of old,a " MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN."
