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

A BURMESE WONDERLAND. 3
and follow dusty roads, and reach those remote and
holy shrines which are dearest to the heart of the people.
Here, indeed, we shall find a Wonderland which will
charm and bewitch us with its
allurements.
In Lower Burma we have to deal with a confused
population. The country was originally Taking, but
Takings have now almost disappeared. Takings,
Burmese, Karens, Chinese and Arakanese have been
swept in by victory, defeat and migration, and are now
scattered about without system. They are attractive
people — gay, humorous and often intellectual. They
themselves have suggested to my mind much of what is
here written, and I am glad of this opportunity of acknowledging
it. They are Httle spoiled by the abominable
spirit of our times. This book has been written amidst
all the unhappy querulousness, ingratitude and
childishness of the years succeeding the war. I confess
to many bitter disappointments. Pohtical agitators,
by their wicked Indian doctrine, have sadly damaged
Burma's reputation for tolerance and sense. It would
be absurd to deny it. The Burmese have been the
weak victims of a dehberat€ conspiracy, and the most
disturbing feature has been the ease with which the
moderate majorities have permitted theroselves to be
buUied. We must however in fairness consider all the
surrounding circumstances, and allow that they were
pushed and poked most reluctantly into the mud of
pohtics. Fortunately, good sense is inherent in these
people. The old friendship between us, which enemies