Some surprise is expressed at the absence of news from
Mandelay ; but as a portion of the British force is marching along the river, there could hardly be any decisive intelligence before to-day. It would appear, according to the best accounts, that Theebau has abandoned the idea of resistance to the invaders on their way, and has concentrated his forces for the defence of the capital. They, however, do not appear to have much heart in them ; Mandelay is completely commanded from a neighbouring hill, and as the city is wholly built of wood, there is danger that it will be reduced to ashes. The Burmese, however, move their cities readily, and it is probable that the British would make Ava, the old capital, their seat of government. All the signs point to a decision to annex, particularly the despatch of fresh troops from Bombay, who cannot arrive in time for the actual fighting ; and no doubt the result of the elections hitherto, which is already in Lord Dafferin's hands, will tend in that direction. It would be a singular instance of the irony of fate if the British decree annexing Burmah, and the French vote for evacuating Tonquin, were recorded on the same day. That is quite possible, and would be in exact harmony with the history of Britain and France in Asia.
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