The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1885-11-20
THE INVASION OF BURMAH.
king Theebaw Declares War
Against Great Britain,
The Asiatic Ruler to Loal His
Troops in Person.

A dispatch from Rangoon, Burmah, states
that 'King Theebaw has issued a proclama-
ton declaring he will not accept the absurd
proposals of the Indian government. and
therefore declaring war. He promises per-
sonally to lead his troops, and calls upon his
subjects to fight for the defense of their coun-
try and religion Europeans are not to be
molested until the invaders cross the frontier
when all are to be slain. Many Europeans
are leaving Mandaay unhindered"
Advices from Mandaay, the capital of
Burmah, state that the Burmese have de-
tainel the steamer Doowoon, which was sent
to Mandalay to bring away Europeans. and
threaten TO burn her if she attempts to leave
The foreigners are not allowed to leave Man
dalay. The British expeditionary force
under General Prendergast is about to cross
the frontier of Burmah
The iiotla comprises fortv-fve steamers
flats aud floating batteries the latter being
Ette out from six of the largest barges'
Each of the floating batteries carries Two
siXty-pounder howitzcrs and is attended Nv
armed launches Twelve twenty-five FOUNDER
siege guns are mounted on the steamers The
force numbers 10000 men, 1000 camp follow
ers, 2JO mules and two elephant batteries
1t is stated that tue strength Of the Eur
mese standing army is about 1900 men.
which,, however, can be considerably in
creased by irregular and temporary ie,ies
The army Is almost altogether lacking
in cavalry and artillery. The con.
s,itutlon OF the regular force is sj,ne-
what similar to the linked battalion
system of the British infantry, two bodies,
each 5lO strong, being linked into something
equivalent to regiment. The battalion is
Commanded by a "bogyi" under whom are
officers termed "blood-drinkers." These Off.
GERS are very deficient in military training
When IN the field the Burmese army is rapid
i'll movement, and quickly forms intrench.
ments, exclvating holes to obtain shelter
both from the enemy's fire and tie
weather. Behind these rudely forme
earthworks, and under the i'm
preston that the position cannot he turned,
the Burmese warrior is decidedly dangerous.
he has one advantage over n more civilized
foe in that he provides his own commissariat
carrying supply o. rice around his waist
and for other provisions depending upon the
resources of the country through which
! he passes. The Burmese are regarded as
! adopts in river fighting. There are a num-
! Der of war-boats on the Irrawaddy, mainly
! supplied by towns and villages along the riv-
ers, which are under obligation to provide a
certain number Of boats, with their crews Of
rowing and fighting men, from fifty to sew
enty OF whom are carried by each boat.
3 In the last Burmese war great deal of
annoyance was caused the English by fire.
/ boats freighted with highly iulamm7ble
( deadn-, with river craft Is Row anticipated
/ Machine and other guns, supplemented with
/ rockets, will probably make short work CT
! the opposition that may be offered on
tle river. Commanding positions on
| the banks, however are already in
closed by stOrkades and fortified
and for use against these n number of
| heavy guns are being carried. Transport
WAS provided by the Irrawad ~ Fiotilla
! company, ali of whose available steamers
and flats we're hired by the British govern
ment The steamers are paddle-wheel,
spacious craft of 800 tons burden,
shallow in hull and light in draught,
with high upper decks, on which
guns are carried. These steamers were con.
structed in parts on the Clyde and put to-
| gether at Rangoon. The steamers tow a
couple Of flats, one on each side. The latter,
with their corrugated iron awnings, resem-
bic huge floating sheds and are each capable
of carrying nearly 600 men, with a large
quantity of stores.
The river swarms with native craft, and is
navigabe only by daylight. For nine miles
above Thayetmayo the river is mile and a
half broad, with villages and houses lining
the banks of the winding stream .Minhla
which contains 100 Inhabitants. completely
commands the river, and until it is taken nc
advance beyond the town eau be made. \ fort
I of modern construction and scientific design
occupies dominating position overhanging
the river, and its well-tormed eGrthwork,
are tolerably well mounted with guns OF
modern calbre. Above Miuhla the rivel
gradually widcns TO much as four miles
but it is very shallow, and the navi-ablC
channel is known only to experienced pilots.