The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-08-01
TRAITS OF THE BURMESE.
a British Army Officer Discusses Sub
jects in Relation to India.
New York Commercial Advertiser

New York Commercial Advertiser.
The British army officers stationed in
Erek, are at the Murray Hill, and will sail
for England to-day in the steamer Teu-
tonic. Mr. Preston is a lieutenant colonel,
and has been in India twenty-five years.
He speaks the Hindoostanee language and
is fond of hunting big game. such as tigers,
lions, bears and red deer. Captain Erek is
also stationed a Burmah, but has not been
in India as long as Lieut. Col. Preston.
They came via Yokohama and the Cana
leave of absence, and one month of this
time was devoted by the lieutenant colonel
to hunting bears and red deer in the Vale
of Cashmere.
He was modest in speaking of his sue
cess as hunter, and declared that the
big game was fast disappearing from
Cashmere. In regard to the plague now
raging in Bombay, he said that he could
not say much about it, as he was sta
toned in Burmah which was a long dis
lance from the stricken district. THE
Burmese" he stated ARE cleaner than the
Hindoos, and We have no fear of the
plague. OF course, all precautions have
been taken to keep it away. The truth is,
the plague is epidemic in one province in
India, on the borders of China 1t is al
ways there in more or less mild form.
remember going through that province
years ago and being told about it. But it
never spread 10 any extent, because just
was burned and all his belongings Their
houses are small affairs ana cost very little.
My idea is that the plague was carried to
the Bombay district by the Chinese, who
are dirty, and live In small, iIl-smelling
places. l was in Canton recently, and was
particularly struck with the odors and the
anything but sanitary conditions that pre-
vailed. In and near Bombay the natives
object to- European methods of checking
the plague, and, of course, that makes it
more difficult to stamp it out 1 presume
it will be virtually checked this summer
The Burmese as 1 said, have clearly
habits, and wear silks and clothes very
much in the same style as the Japanese
They remind me of the Japanese in
many ways. They are proud, sensitive and
in personal affairs they are quick to re-
sent an affront. In fact personally they
are brave"
DO they not make good soldiers"
'"They do not make good soldiers when
lighting against the Europeans, and at
heart they are very cruel and savage.
them in all manner of cruel ways. l must
confess that they fight very well against
the Orientals, but that is no test of good
fighting qualities. Now, the Japanese are
sensitive and easily affronted They fought
well against the Chinese. it is true, but the
question Is would they stand against
Europeans? / doubt it very much. As far
as saVagery is concerned, we are all more
or less saVages at heart. We become ac-
customed 10 things moro or less cruel In
Burmah, conquered province, we have
had to adopt harsh measures occasionally
to create an impression to make the enemy
understand that swift punishment would
follow any cruel acts on their part. / con-
fess that I have insensibly found myself
viewing these harsh punishments without
cruel and war with half savages more so.
In 1857, when the great Sepoy rebellion oc-
cured, terrible examples in the way of pun
ishments had to be melted out. II had a
salutary effect and the results obtained
justified the means. Another rebellion can
not break out and make any Roadway in
India. There is always one white soldier
to two Hindoos. Every precaution is taken
to prevent uprising.
but suppose the Sultan of Turkey should
create holy war. would not the Moslems
in India give trOuble?'
only one-ifth of the population in India
are. Mohammedans. The Burmese are
Buddhists, and would join no Instruction
of that kind. But even if the Mohamme-
dams should stir up the native Hndoos the
Europeans in India would be appraised in
time to put them down. There are so many
sects and tribes, one informs against the
other. They war on each other, and for
that reason we are safe. In 1857 the Eng
lish officers placed too much confidence in
the Sepoys They would not believe they
would revolt. cannot help liking the Hin
doc soldier. He is docile and faithful. Some
Of them are good soldiers and fight well
when trained"
The lieutenant colonel said the King OF
Burmah. now in exile, was happy with his
Burmese" he added. ARE superstition and
dream that he viii one day come back.
borne upon a chariot pulled by fierce drag
Ons. But at present they are contented and
accept the situation. / think the French
must have melted them to make war. The
Chinese, who are on the border, are trouble
some, and try TO stir up things OCCASION
ally. The King of Burmah is far happier
now, l think, than he was when on his
throne. He was literally a prisoner then.
and the prime minister or tycoon in the
palace was really at the head of the nation.
When l reached Japan recently could not
help making comparisons between the two
races"
Senator Davis, of Minnesota, said the
civilization of Japan was a lacquered
veneer; do you think so?"
Yes. l am inclined to think he is right.
We have yet TO see how deep is the So
called civilization in Japan. In the matter
of the Hawaiian islands. however i think
Japan is right. 1t seems that her treaty
TO the question of annexation. Just why
the United States should wish 10 annex
Hawaii ! cannot comprehend. / do not see
what good IL can possibly be to this coun-
try England will not object any more than
any other nation, but 1t seems 10 me step
in the wrong direction for this Republic.