The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-10-27 00:00:00

THE BRCrISH. PRESS.

about eleven degrees, which is the Siamese frontier, to the
south, and they embrace generally about one-third of the
breadth of the peninsula, or of the territory lying between
the sea coast and the river Merin. The Siamese frontier
bounds these provinces everywhere to the east. The
country is generally mountainous and woody, and it appears
that a range of bills extends across it from north to south
a part of that greater range which divides nearly the whole
of the Malayan peninsula. At Tavay and Mergui, how-
ever, there is a plain surface and considerable cultivation.
The province of Manahan is not included in this scheme
of conquest, the river of that name being impervious to
European navigation, in consequence of a bar at its mouth.
Every flood-tide also brings with it a bore which renders
it dangerous. The coast from Martaban to Tavay, is but
little known to Europeans; but Mr. Gt NON status that it
is a eantly beach, with some rocks, with a channel of from
five to six fathoms between the island and the main land.
The river Tavay is broad, but shallow, and, from the
number of islands it contains, it is of difficult navigation.
By Crab Island, at the mouth of the river, there is a safe
anchorage, and the town of Tavay is about eight leagues
distant, on its left bank ; it is defended by a wooden stockaded
fort, which, however, is out of repair. The shortest road to
the town is from theses coast, directly to the west of the fort.
In a march of three hours, over hills of moderate height, the
hank of the river may be reached oppposite the town.
Mr. Giasos has ttavelled from this point to the capital
of Siam in seven days, and describes the country as being
in a high state of culture, with rice as cheap as in any part
of India. About ten leagues from the coast is the highest
range of hills. The port of Merguy is accessible at all times
without a pilot. The town is built upon an island. The
houses are visible as soon as the vessel has passed to the
eastward of King's Island, and at flood-tide, a large ship
may approach within a stone's throw of the town, in six
fathotne water. There is here also a fort in ruins, de-
fended by a few ragged soldiers. 'f he island is well culti-
vated with rice, but on the mainland the breadth of the
plain seldom exceeds a mile and a quarter. On the left
bank of the river is the old town of Tantassaiin about
thirty miles up, but there are hardly above a dozen of
house e now standing. The river then passes in a north-
easterly course, and cuts the highest range of mountains
At Mergui, the first range of hills, ev:lich are low, is
about a mile and a half from the coast ; the second, which
are high, is about tea leagues from it; a few leagues fur-
ther there is another range, to which the Burman frontier
extends. The whole breadth of the Peninsula in this
part is about eighty miles, through which there is a mili-
tary road, passable by elephants. This road was cut by
the late King of SIAM, for the purpose of ir.vr.ding Mew-
, gui and Tavay, in which, however, he failed. These pro-
vinces formerly belonged to Si as, until they were con-
quered forty or fifty y, ars ago by the Burmese. The in-
habitants are a race different both in language and appear-
! anee front the Burmese or Siamese, and are called by
Ithese Mtn..

Prior to falling under the Burman ycke, th"se were
pima of considerable commerce, but since that time they
have been gradually declining, in consequence of their
being situated on the borders of the two kingdoms, and
therefore, being always made the theatre of war, the
general opinion is, that all the inhabitants of these pro-
vinces, not Burmese, are anxious fur a change of govern-
ment, and that they would much prefer being subject to
the Siamese, to remaining under their present masters,
the Burmese. It hat also b/en an ()Eject of the S(aniese,
ever since they lost possession of these provinces, to
regain them ; and it is most likely, that as soon as they
hear of the war between the Burmese and the Bri-
tish, they will make another attempt upon them. A
maritime force of ours on the coast would secure a victory,
and once obtained, the country is easily kept, as it is bound
by hills and jungles, through which an army must be led
with the greatest difficulty. Mr. GIB/or is of opinion
that a thousand British troops would be sufficient for the
conquest of both provinces ; and as to Mergui, he thinks
that a single broadside from a sloop of war would take the
fort, which would be the key to the whole province.
" From the hostile state of the popalition," says Mr. C.,
" the distance of these provinces from the seat of the Bur-
mese Government. the extensive and discontented con-
quered produce of Pegu intervening, and our command of
the coast, it is presumed that there would be no difficulty
in maintaining them as a permanent conquest."
The advantages of such a line of policy consist chiefly
in the case with which the attack can be made ; the
acquisition would be more beneficial than any other to our
Government ; and it would be the severest possible
blow to the vanity of the Burmese, who esteem these pro-
vinces as a permanent and established conquest from
the Siamese, their inveterate and irreconcileable enemy.
The military occupation of these provinces by the Bri-
tish, would put an end to the wars which have for fifty
years back desolated both countries. It would furnish, in
the harbour of Mequi, the best and safest port in that part
of the Indian Ocean, which, in tho event of the recurrence
of a continental war, would not only afford us a safe and
excellent place for refitting, but would deprive the enemy
of any port on the eastern side of the Bay of Bengal, which
could be employed for that purpose. It is eminently qua-
lified for a naval arsenal, as some of the best wocd, next to
teak, grows in the neighbourhood, and teak itself may Le
brought from the river Martaban, the voyage from which to
Mergui, is not above one-third the distance of that from
Rangoon to Calcutta, and besides all this, it is a healthy
station.

In a commercial point of view, these provinces arc highly
valuable : the mountains abound in tin mine:, which, even
in the present distracted state of the country, and with the
barbarous means of the natives, ate worked to some ad-
vantage. The forests produce sapan wood, a highly va-
luable dye-staff, and which is peculiar to this spot. Ivory,
bees wax, and rice, arc abundant.
From these circumstances, our settlement would soon be-
come the resort of the Chinese, and a flourishing colony
would be formed ; and the security which British rule
always gives to person atul property, contrasted with the
misrule of the Burmese authmities, would cause an imme-
diate migration in the direction of our establishment ; in
fact, thousands have already left that territory for Siam.
In a military point of view it is of equal importance, at
the occupation of this port would give us the command of
both the Burman and Sianuse territory ; and guides for an
expedition are easily procurable among the fugitives from
these provinces, that arc always to be found at Pulo
Penang.

The Spanish refugees have lately been again made a pretext
by thcirfriends of the factious press, for sending forth some
attacks on the K xu's Ministers. The circumstances under
which Government were induced to bestow relief upon
that unfortunate men we have already explained. An at-
temrt was made to support them by public subscription,
but it failed, and then on the representation of a highly

respectable and benevolent Member of the House of
Commons, Government extended their bounty from the ori-
ginal list formed by the Duke of We e 1.1 Ncros, consisting
of about 90 individuals, to nearly four hundred. At all times,
however, Government have carefully avoided holding out
any expectation that the allowances would be permanently
continued. It has been impressed upon all who have had
intercourse with the Ministers on the subject, that the
relief was merely temporary. It is intended now, we be-
lieve, to limit the regular stipend to those who are included
in the Duke of 11" fr. tunuroN's list, though some chari-
table assistanceinay yet, and probably will, in some shape,
be administered to the others. (in Monday the refugees
received their monthly allowance through the ordinary
channel, and it was not until then that these miserable
men fully knew that the grant would be curtailed. Many
of them, we regres to hear, are in a very deplorable comb-
tion—indeed, on the verge of extreme want. We trust
that something may be done to supply their present neces-
sities, and provide for their future subsistence. From the
information we have received, we do not believe that all
relief will be rigidly withheld by Government from those
who are not on the Duke of Wk. ILINGTON'S list
though it has been adjudged advisable, under al
circumstances, to make an effort for decreasing a charge
which they bad not at all obliged themselves to continue.
Some absurd conjectures have been published by our con-
temporaries as to this subject. The fact is, that Govern-
ment never intended to burden themselves permanently
with the maintenance of these unfortunate men, who are
more properly objects of the benevolence of individuals,
than of the bounty of the State.

Yesterday we received Nest-York and other American
Papers to the Std of October. They contain the details of
General La FAYETTE'S grand entry into Philadelphia,
and a long account of casualties occasioned by the late
severe storms which had visited the United Statts. We
copy the following paragraphs:—
_ .

lIATTI.—The Conimitatoners sent to France from Hayti, have
failed in negotiating for acknowleding the independence of St Do.
mingo. It semis that France claimtd some military post, a pos.
session which was refined, and very justly refused, because their
independence would have been a dead letter had such a right been
conceded. The Ilaytian Goverronent should claim and ir.sist upon
an absolute and unconditional acknowiedgment of its independence
from Fearer, to which that Government is as justly entitled as the
United States was front Great Britain. There are circumstances in
the history of St. Domingo, and the present Government, which
constitute poverful claims upon the friendship and protection of
every civilized nation. It is a rare event in the history of nations,
to eke a coloured population with a mild and equitable form of Go-
vernment—with just laws, strictly enfirreetl, and generally respected
—with an enlightened, intelligent administration, and a well orga-
nised national force; this really exists in Hayti, and while the con-
duct of that riiivcronitnt is such as to command taintidence and es-
teem, its claitus to open and unequivocal recognition are lint to he
diaputed. An to any attempts on the r..rt of France to regain pos-
-1 session of the Island . we consider them all unavailing—the I lay-
tians are capable of defending themselves; and we did believe,
when the negociation was first opened, that France would hare
seen her interest in embracing the valuable commercial privileges
which were tendered to her. . . .

11'e should not, however, be surprised if the French Govern..
ment should order a heavy rquadrun to cruise ofiSt.flonsingo—pos.
sessing Guadaloupe, an excellent rendezvous. any armament limy
Le Used out with expedition, but we very much question its success.
The Island is well defended, the mounts ths affording strong re.
treats—the twain' numerous and well organized, and a tropical sun
and dinsa e not very congenial to Europeans. are obstacles not
easily overcome. 'Without interfering in the concerns of the two
Governments, it is very evident that the people of the United Stases
take an interest in reserving the Government of Hayti in its pre.
sent shape, not only because it is a just Gov:ratite:it and commands
respect front peculiar considerations, hut it is tint our interest, at
any time, to see any of the European Powers and Ileinbers of the
Holy Alliance pcss,nising themselves of territory in the neighbour.
hood of this country.

On Monday a consultation was held at the Foreign-
office, between Mr. Horton and the Crown Lawyers on the
one part, and Mr. Gait, and the Canada Company s Counsel
on the other, concerning the granting of the Charter to the
Company. when it was agreed that it should be completed
forthwith, and it is now probable that the Commissioners
will sail fur America about the beginning of January.
Mr. Horton returned to the country the same night.
An account reached the City yesterday from Liverpool,
to which port it was brought by the Pacific from
New York. that the schooner Cadmus, Hamilton, had
arrived at Baltimore in twelve days ficen the Havannah,
where, for three days previous to her departure, an em-
bargo had been laid on the port in consequence of au
expedition having been fitted out, consisting chiefly of
armed launches. It was said, that this expedition was
only intended for the suppression of piracy, information
having been received that many piratical vessels were on
the coast to the windward of the Ilavannah. This des-
tination, however, was not believed by all to be that which
was intended. and some stir was made yesterday on
Change by the into lligence. For our part, we hold that
it is quite impossilde that Spain, in the present posture
of her affairs, could have supplied her colonial possessions
with troops eufficient for the garrisons, and as for sending
away sonic of them for any other purpose than that of cap-
turing a few pirates, we think such a design must, of ne-
cessity, be quite out of the qt.estion. In fact, every man
knows that if an European force in the IVezt Indies is not
steudily and regularly recruited from the mother country,
it must soon he annihilated, and who can suppose that
Spain has had the power of sending a man or a real more
to the Havannah than was barely sufficient to retain her
hold of that colony? If the Spaniards were silly enough
to withdraw their troops from the Hat annall and send them
on any wild expedition against their revolted colonies, the ,
probal ility is, that the Lots of the Independents would I
sink it is impede, and the natives of the Ifavannah
declare themselves independent in the interim.
Ignorance, and its inseparable attendant, Superstition,
appear to pursue their march through Spain • and the
impediments constantly thrown in the way of th;develop-
ment of light and instruction, have the effect of giving a
deeper root to these two scourges, which have already been
the sources of so much evil. The following fact, the sub-
ject at tvesent of general conversation at Barcelona. will
fully elucidate our assertion:—The Profession of Physic
in that city reckons amorgat its Professms Doctor Saes%
This partisan of absolute government, who is distin-
guiehed amongst the highest of the class, bad a son, wl.o
did not coLacide with him in political opinions. 'flee bad
treatment which be suffered for this reasons prompted the
young man, about a year since, to deptive himself of a
life thus rendered miserable. For some time back a violent
noise has been heard in the Doctor's house—large stones
have fallen with violence from the top of the staircase. and
no person could distinguish the hand that threw them.
None would venture to ascend lest he should be stoned.
The Doctor, and the Monks of the neighbourhood,
whom he summoned to his assistance on the occusion,
bad not the least doubt that it was the wandering
semi of young Seven that occasioned all this uproar.
All haste was made to exorcise the evil spirits, and they
traversed with this intention all the Chambers in the
house, but when they had to ascend the staircase they
were obliged to cover their heads with chcirs, as with
shields, to save thcmvelv.s from being crushed by the
stoma which fell upon them. However, by means of this
precaution, they enabled armed men to ascend urou the
roof. The shower of stones ceased for the pr sent, but it
was renewed upon the next and the following days, so that
the Doctor, and many others as superstitious as lie, are fully
convinced that the ghost of his son pursues him incessantly.
—coy rrier Froneo
A letter received in town this morning, states, that the

Friendship, whaler, of this port, was oft Ah••rdecn yester-
day, with three fish. It also announces the distrt.ssing in-
telligense of Captain Ireland's death, on the voyage out-
ward.—Thr rklee Adverliter.
It is said to be the intention the Treasury Board to
have all brauclua of the Revenue, in the several towns in
Ireland, transacted under die same rotf, in the r,speetivc
Custom-houses, and that it will commence iu
Limerick Chronicri%
Last night the barriers at Blackfriars Bridge were re-
moved, and the road was thrown open to carriages of all
descriptions. The ascent on each side is considerably
lessened.

PARIS.

traOM 01111 COILIZSPOI4DENT.]
Pasts, OCT. 23.

CH slays X., u happens more or less with all Sovereigns,
is entangled in the struggles of interested parties; but still
the character of the men whom he distinguishes by his fa.
your, tends daily to lower him in the public estimation.
V; LueLE looks for support to a venal majority; but a weak
Minister is sure to find his r.rty insatiable, and he, in hit
turn, is driven to resort to every sort of unconstitutional
chicane to keep them to his skirts, till he at length uttLrla
destroys his credit with the people, and then h;. MI
comes, as does that of DE VILLGLE at present, a gut:anon
to be decided by artifice and intrigue.
M. ne PFYRONNLT is more unpopular even than Vii.
LLLF. ; his measures are more openly arbitrary ; he is Itt.:
so mole-like in his movements; he does not, like bin, tut.
row his subterraneous way through the nalms of comp.

lion, Ile was considered at antrileaux, his native town,
as an elegant dancer, but a very indifferent :drone; he
was more successful as a suitor, for he marriirl a young
woman of considerable beauty; but beauty is unfortunately
a treasure that does not increase in value by possession;
marriage suspended his habits of dissipation, but (1,41 not
cure them. Madame DE N.YRONNET bore this regket fit
a long time in sorrow, and for a still longer time in silcasc,
but female endurance iu such case has its limit, and as tl:u
feeling of love subsides, that of revenge conies into play.
It was thus with Madonse ; their family atElirs bveanie
deranged, their finances fell into disorder, and the wire of
our advocate—who was at this time roducell imorssitv,
but who now figures as Ministre dr la Justi...l.—:,n het
conjugal dwelling, and sought as asylum under the
teetive roof of M. D t, an inhabitant of Bitrilraus..
Four children were the fruits of this new alliance. M. fc
PLI/LONNET consoled himself for his loss in the arms of
another.

Some short time ago, a female presented lierscif at as
early hour at the Hotel du Garde des Smuts. The pert.:
refused her admittance. ".le suis Madame Di_ I'mloN•
leer," said the lady. At their words he bowed respect.
fully, and let her pass. Having reached the an ti-clutinher,
she made the same declaration to the (indent,. n I sawn
(Huissitra), who went forthwith to inform the MiniEtt-,
but as speedily returned to announce to the visitant, tlr::
Su Grandeur could receive no person whatever, Linz at
that moment occupied with affairs of the utmost import-
ance. " %Veil," said the lady, with great ceolmss, I
shall wait till he is disengaged ; but, in tl e mean time, let
them bring me some Freakfast." Eh Bien, lattepuirair
qn'il ail fini, muis, en attest:Mat, qu'on me Ala r• u thjeu• ir.
The servants considering themselves boon I ro obey tl.'s
order, brought a table, which she immediately plac:sl close
against the door through wh.ch the Minister was obliged
to pass, and, apparently with an ex.tellent appetite, sat
d )wn to breakfast. The Minister thus blockaded in his
eabinet, as in a fortress, sent his sou to the lady, hoping, to
dispose her to shorten her visit; but his reception seon ca.
tidied him that his embassy had no chance of swats.
The Minister now found there was no alternative but to
come forward in his own person, and brave the result.
As soon as he appeared, Madame DE PE Y noNstr ma
up, and presenting him a paper, said, " Monsirtr,
von, urn frit un prtene immense et je masque de La.
Voila an contrat de 12,000
.francs de rent en ma fats'',
aid net le, el eons n'entendriez plus parler de moi." " Sir, you
have made an immense fortune, and lam destitute. There
is a contract for securing to me an annuity of twelve thou-
sand francs (asur.) ; sign that, and you shall bear no fur-
ther mention of tne." M. DC Pl.vunNxer, equally sur-
prised at this proposition, and intimidated by the deter-
' mined tone in which it was tendered, endeavoured to
softets her, and represented the demand as too high, for
that, admitting he was capable of paying such an annuity
while lie continued Minister, he could no longer do so if he
should be out of office. The lady had no ear for rens:m-
ing ; she led made up her mind, and was intlesig:le.
" Sign that," said she, " or here is a memoir which this
night shall be delivered to the publisher." "
rata rn mentofre qui sera lime des ee sir a I imprt4sio-!."
Upon which she presented him a memoir, in which was de-
tailed all the particulars of their marriage, their separati,ii,
&c. dre., and which contained a history that rei;,ht wed
stain with shame the cheek of one, who, at this day, fills
the situation formerly held by such men an DAG 1:11/1EAC,
LAIIIOI6NON, and MAL/UWE/S. Alarmed at the sight
of this paper, M. DE PETIONNZT iltaDttliately Signed lb*
contract. Cet trait seal print k Goveraennattett,'prs
;out enders.

Extract of a letter dated Tricate, Oct. 12:—" A vessel
arrived here this morning from Cisme, after a passage of
fourteen days. She brings intelligence that the Ttukish
ficet, united with the Egyptian, had quitted the sea off
Samos, and ;,one to winter in that of Alitylene."
In the Frankfort Papers received yesterday, we have,
under date of Trieste, Oct. 6, a repetition of the particulars
of the visit of Sir F. Adam to Napoli di Romania. Thee
Journals contain no news of the slightest interest. The
health of the Queen of Bavaria is re-established.
Letters from the Havannah, datil the 11th of Slum-
ber state, that the convoy which sailed from that port
the relief of the Castle of St. Juan bad =rived
at its destination and accomplished that olij.ct. It is
admitted that in Mexico affairs were in a prosperous
train for the cause of independence. The Bill for Madame
Iturhide's pension had passed the Con:a-cgs. The crew of
the Spanish frigate Ceres, taken by the Colombians, luai
lora exchanged.
It is stated in a letter from Ifavannah, that t`ie Colom-
bians have captured a Spanisit corvette of considerable
value.

Letters by a Leeward Island mail were rec:ived ;11 Gl:s-
cow on Friday. The dates are front the e.:Ci:h Aupt,t !e
the 12th Se.ptetulx r. They canta in no political itto‘s of
importance. The islands rrmain free from internal con-
vulsion and civil war, but Bt.. complaints are heavy of tl!c
unsettled state of their atrairs, the gloomy pretTrr is bcfon:
them, and the poverty into which, from the th•prceiatie.-
in the value of their property, and 'educed value of the:
produce, they are plunged. The consequene K of daze
things are beginning—we say beginning to make their sr-
pratance in the rtductian of the salaries of the bights:
public officers, as in Atiti_ma, for example, where the 6:-
earnor's salary is reduced front :00,;!. to 3,0;0/.. and thl
salary of the Chief Jit,tio• front 1,000!. tc Coo!. fl,c
Order in Council for Trinidad Inez ben greatly meidti,-d.
and is, we learn, in noose of being still were so. C, 7•-
municatio.is from the Colonial S. cr,.mry to the rev, c7:,r
Legieatures wtre tnakin, which were surp(red t;
to the new laws r..garine4 the slave population.
coming from his Majesty's Government itt t!-c spirit et
justic • set moth-ration, will, we have little delbt, t
by a corresponding spirit ;11 the Colonies ; and what :s re;
c:asary to be done, anal what can he done with safety.
be gone into readily and with cowl faith. The islata..;
had been visited aith sea..ima!de rains, and some s-v..-e
gales, which have done smite damage in the L^: ward
lonics. A company is formed in Grenada, to ustalae!!.
steam navigation between the ish-dals. In eauscqutnce
orders from Britain, apid;eatied has been made to the die
banded African soldiers, soiled in the Wards, reginr,r,
them to return to Africa, and be placed at Sierra 1. -e" e •
but they decidedly refuse to comply with tin.. requ,sn—
Glssitow Ceoirr.