A Burmese wonderland; a tale of travel in Lower and ... - Khamkoo

182 A BUBMESE WONDERLAND.
Burmese pass through four distinct stages.
As children
they are utterly lovable. They are treated with
kindness and indulgence. There are no separations,
and schooling is got through without tears and without
much discipline. Their early training and happy
childhood have undoubtedly helped to cultivate their
pecuhar characteristics. At 17 they are insufferably
bumptious and conceited. They grow up late, but in
manhood acquire that commonsense, judgment, breeding,
manner and savoir Jaire which distinguish them. In
old age they take to religion and works of merit, and
modify their tastes and dress, as befitting men for whom
the vanities of life have no more attraction.
Unluckily for liim, the Burman \\ith his high
standard of living cannot compete easily, even in hia
own country, with aUens. He and his wife must dress
in silk, have a neat, clean little house, and spend a
certain amount of money on cheroots and amusements.
Nor does it seem desirable, especially in these democratic
times, that he should do otherwise. That he should
learn to compete with other people is obvious, of course.
But it must be remembered that he is not protected by
immigration laws. Under this disabiUty the Burmese
must always labour, imtil they have established
themselves more extensively in those professions to
which, in their own country, they would seem to have,
an overwhelming right of entry. Still, efiiciency is
intimately connected with wages. The best men of all
nations are only attracted by suitable pay.