There being disturbances in Malaya, the submarine cable between Madras
and Penang, with the contempt for human curiosity obser- vable in cables, has seized its opportunity of obtaining distinction even in the depths of the sea, and has collapsed. It will be a month before it can be repaired. The nearest point is now Ran- goon, and news from Perak, therefore, even if sent every day, will be a week old. This week there is none, beyond statements that Mr. Birch's murder was not premeditated, which may or may not be true ; that General Colborne has started from Hong Kong with 300 men, and will therefore command in any operations at Perak; and that the 3rd Buffs, a Goorkha regiment, and some artillery have started or are starting from Calcutta. Quite a little fleet of gunboats is concentrating at Perak, and General Colborne will have at his disposal above 1,700 Regulars, 500 Blue-jackets and Marines, 800 Goorkhas, and 200 or 300 armed police. This force is quite sufficient for any probable operations, more especially as the Chinese miners, as usual, are enthusiastic at the prospect of legally killing Malays, whom they regard very much as Western Americans regard Red Indians. The Chinese merchants have, it is stated, offered to place 2,000 Chinese at Sir W. Jervois's disposal.
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