There is a serious probability of war with Burmah. King
Theobau has, it appears, laid claim to the Karenee country, a district between the Salween and Sitang, in north-eastern Pegu, which was declared independent by Lord Dalhousie, and in 1875 was protected by us against a threatened invasion by the late King. It is impossible that the claim should be allowed, if only because the Karns in Pegu are the most determined supporters of the British rule, and Theebau, in making it, must have been well aware that he was threatening the British. It is not yet known whether the claim will be persisted in, but the Burmese Court has accumulated troops in that direction, and the British Resident at Mandalay has been directed to withdraw, as a warning to the Sovereign. He was to have departed on Friday, but it is extremely doubtful whether Theebau will recognise the significance of the hint thus conveyed, and probable that he feels the necessity of strengthening his throne by some military triumph or other. Judging from the obviously inspired state- ments in the Times' telegraphic correspondence, we should say that the Viceroy expected war without displeasure.
