The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

SUMMARY OF PASSIN3 EVENTb THE oppressive heat of the third week in August, though not very agreeable to the human constitution, has been of the greatest service to the growing crops, and the rain which followed, instead of injuring them, has been very beneficial. There is every prospect, we are happy to hear, of a good harvest, should the weather be propitious for the next fortnight or three weeks. The thermometer in the 'un on the 13th and 14th of August stood at 121Q on an average, which is 11 points above blood heat, and even in the shade it reached 85"; and people in most parts of the kingdom were almost panting for breath. There have been several instances of persons dying from exposure to the sun's rays. A CORRESPONDENT writing from Rome says that the cholera is making great havoc in that city and the environs. "The disease," he says, "is of the most virulent character, the majority of those attacked dying in two or three hours." In so small a place as Albano, where the climate is considered very salubrious, hundreds of cases occur daily! Nine of the family of the ex-King of Naples were attacked, and the Queen-Dowager and two of her children are dead. In a postscript the writer says-" Worse and worse news of the cholera. Cardinal Alfieri, Princess Colonna, and hosts of others, have died after a few hours' illness. Those who fly from Rome die in reaching their destinations. This has been seen at Terni, Leghorn, and elsewhere." WE are not exempt, however, from complications. The very unusual circumstance of fining a high sheriff has just occurred. Mr. Malachy Hussey, the High Sheriff of Dublin, was not present in the Commission Court held in that city, and the Lord Chief Justice, viewing it as a grave breach of duty, ordered a fine of £50 to be recorded against him, and rumour says that the said high sheriff will not readily submit to his lord- ship's decision. THE administrative irregularities in the Government of the United States have rather an unhealthy appear- ance. The President and his Secretary-at-War differ upon many points, and Mr. Johnson called upon Mr. Stanton, his War Minister, to resign, which he declined to do, as he considered his appointment as permanent as the President's. Mr. Johnson, however, took no notiee of the refusal, but appointed General Grant to what he termed the vacant office. Thus, the Government are in what the Americans call a fix," which is interesting from the very closeness of the parties to one another. THE use of the knife is becoming now a common occurrence in England. Stabbing is carried to such an extent in Bristol that the foreman of a grand jury at the recent assizes suggested that some steps should be taken to prevent sailors roaming about the streets at night with knives in their possession. The frequency of noc- turnal stabbing, it was urged, was sufficient to show the importance of such a recommendation, in which the judge fully acquiesced. We find, also, that in most large seaports a similar complaint is made. Jack," when he gets ashere after a long voyage, takes to drink, his brain becomes maddened, and, as every sailor carries a knife, these results follow. A CASE was tried at the Ipswich Assizes which shows how foolish it is for persons not to follow what the law prescribes. A gentleman named Millburn was pro- secuted, at the instance of the Lunacy Commissioners, for receiving and taking charge of a lunatic, not having legal authority to do so. There was no denial of the fact that the defendant had undertaken the care of a gentleman named Barnes, nor was there any dispute as to his having treated his patient with the greatest humanity and kindness. Nevertheless, the law had been broken, as no licence or certificate had. been obtained. A fine of 150 was inflicted, and paid early next morning. IT is characteristic of Englishmen to celebrate any special event with a dinner. The members of the London Working Men's Association and delegates from the trades' societies who took part in the Trades' Reform demonstration of December last, met at Birmingham the other day, and unanimously resolved to invite the Re- formers of London to hold a Reform fete and banquet on an early day, to celebrate the passing of the Reform Bill. The fete will take place on a Saturday. Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Bright, and others of the Liberal Parliamentary leaders are to be invited. Delegates from all the trade societies will be invited to join the committee. The arrangements are intended to be on the largest possible scale, and the tickets placed as low as possible, to enable the working men to take part in the proceedings. THE terrible accident on the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway, which resulted in the death of a guard, is only another instance of the sacrifice of life on account of the obstinacy and cupidity of railway companies. It appears that some person had been cutting the linings of the carriages and stealing the horsehair. The company offered £10 reward for the apprehension of the offender. The unfortunate guard fancied he had discovered him, and was creeping along the roof for positive proof, when his heal came in contact with a bridge, and he was killed instantly. All this might have been prevented if the company had only adopted the simple plan of having a passage through the middle of the carriages, so that the guard could walk from one end of the train to the other whenever he pleased. All the telegraphs, the glasses to be smashed, the wires to be pulled, and the dials to be turned, are inefficient, simply because- however good they may be-they must occasionally fail. Suppose a blood-thirsty villain had thrown a passenger on the floor of a first-class carriage and held a knife to his throat, how could he smash a thick glass, or go through all sorts of mysterious operations with a dial! The plan we refer to is adopted on continental lines, and has answered admirably-murderers and thieves, never knowing when the guard may be walking through the train, discontinue their former villanous propensities. Whatever may be the expense, we think the Govern- ment should insist in such a scheme as this being carried out in England. UNREFLECTING persons little think how fashion somtT times affects large portions of the community; the ladies, for instance, do not draam how the change in bonnets has brought to starvation the strawplaiters of Luton, Dunstable, Bedford, and contiguous villages. Some years ago every lady had a straw bonnet of some kind or another, and at this season of the year the young ladies, at least, prided themselves on broad- brimmed mushroom hats-indeed, at that time a large family, before starting for the seaside, literally thatched themselves with straw, from Paterfamilias down to the youngest baby; now, however, not only have hats decreased in size and bonnets faded to a cobweb, but very little straw is used in the manufacture of either. We are told that at Luton, on market days, something like X5,000 worth of etrawplait was foimerly sold per week, and now only a few yards are purchased. This has thrown many thousands of women and children out of employment, and also a large number of men known as blockers," whose occupation is entirely gone. It is well the public should know this before the winter comes I on, so that, if possible, something may be done to alle- viate the distress which must necessarily follow a want of employment. The ladies came gallantly forward to help the poor Coventry ribbon weavers then, in the words of a contemporary, cannot some female Curtius plunge into the gulf and set the fashion for gigantic straw hats at Scarborough or Ryde 1" The poor straw-plaiters were called into existence by Queen Fashion, and surely her most fickle majesty will do something to help them in the day of their trouble.

AN INSURANCE RETROSPECT. It is encouraging to step aside from the broken track of political and official discussion to observe the progress of those financial institutions which stand like faithful sentinels over the world of industry. Every year adds to the importance of our great insurance associations, and if we may judge from the annual report just issued of the largest and most prosperous—the "Royal"- there is ample evidence that they are equal to their increasing responsibilities. The commercial vitality of this country has not yet perfectly recovered from the paralysing effects of the memorable Black Friday. The atmosphere of trade has remained dull and heavy throughout the length and breadth of the king- dom, and, in full contrast to the general depression, it is extremely gratifying to note the advancement of a great institution like the Royal Insurance Company. As if to test the sturdy foundation of the company to the very utmost, an extraordinary increase has occurred in the amount of the losses by disastrous fires. Yet, notwithstanding every other adverse circumstance, the Royal" again pays its usual dividend without touching either its subscribed capital or large reserve fund. The executive of the company, conscious of a stability which defies the most unusual combinations of unfortunate eventualities, has boldly taken the lead in promoting a more cautions acceptance of fire proposals. Such a step would naturally lead to a large reduction of questionable business, but the con- tinued multiplicity of more sterling transactions has rendered the loss by rejected proposals imperceptible. In 1862 the fire premiums amounted to £ 300,6^0 in 1864 they were £ 406,403; and in 1866 they were £ ii7,271. The report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on' Fire Protection, of which the distinguished chairman of the Royal" was a mem- ber, has only very recently made its appearance; but its recommendations are of such urgent importance that legislation cannot too promptly follow, and if the sug- gestions of the Committee receive the sanction of Parlia- ment, we may soon hope for a large reduction in the number of calamitous fires, and a consequent reduction of rates of premium. By no means the least urgent re- commendation is that which advises a judicial inquiry into the cause of conflagrations, with the power of examining witnesses on oath. In the face of the reck- less carelessness and fraud which contribute so largely to the lift of destructive fires, it would be strange if so simple and necessary a precaution were long deferred. Turning to that portion of the report of the Royal Insurance Company which refers to the life business, we find a chronicle of success without drawback. Here, as in the fire department, proposals are accepted with the utmost caution, and yet the assurances effected increase in number and amount with the same wondrous steadi- ness. A remarkable proof of this flourishing tendency of affairs is the fact that during the last two years the amount assured is equal to that for the whole of the third quinquennial period ending in 1859; and this result is obtained notwithstanding a rejection during the same two years of 774 lives, amounting to 2418, 97 5. Such unwavering vigilance and strict adhesion to the most legitimate business seems to find its own reward in the unbounded extent of public confidence. From the earliest period of its history, the Royal Insurance Company has been conducted with a remarkable provision for future stability. The directors seem bent on working out a great problem of prudence. Avoiding eveiy temptation, they kept faithfully to their programme, and that pro- gramme meant future prosperity in preference to pre- sent extravagance. They never advised the payment of a dividend which could not be always easily, maintained, and they have fostered from first to last the accumu- lating reserve fund with a most profound sense of its value as a great pillar of strength and security. The effect of this wise adminis- tration is becoming more and more evident by the rapid growth of an already gigantic business. By some mysterious powers of perception the public has probed the administrative ability with which the com- pany has been conducted, and a bond of confidence has been established which strengthens every year. It is only by such careful and prudent management that we see the full benefits of provident co-operation. Firm as a rock in the troubled sea of enterprise, the Royal Insur- ance Company stands proudly erect amid the debris of countless wrecks.

Dr. Locock's Pulmonic Wafers give immediate rø. lief to asthma, consumption, coughs, and all disorders of the breath and lungs. All throat affections are immediately re- lieved by allowing one occasionally to dissolve in the mouth. John Gosneli and Co." Cherry Tooth Pasts price 111. M. Decidedly the best preparation for oleansing and preserving the teeth. SoM by all perfumers and ohemgso.- 93, Upper Thamewtreet London.

TOWN TALK. BY OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. Our readers will understand that we do not hold ourselves respofu sible/or our able Correspondent's opinions. THB prorogation of Parliament took place on Wednes- day, instead of on Saturday last, as was originally intended. The postponement was, I believe, owing to her Majesty not having completed the formalities requisite for prorogation by Saturday. A great many of our legislators have already left town, and next week St. Stephens will be entirely deserted, unless Mr. Whalley or Mr. Darby Griffiths should re-visit, in the glimpses of the moon," the place in which they have so often been counted out. It has been a hard Session, and honourable members certainly deserve their holi- days. Mr. Disraeli, in the sylvan retreats of Bucking- hamshire, will, doubtless, contemplate with satisfaction his settlement of the Reform question and Mr. Bright, wandering by some Highland stream, will, I hope, with the assistance of his friend Mr. Bass, land many a stout salmon, undisturbed by haunting thoughts of the residuum. I HEAR a rumour, to which, however, I can give no credit, that Lord Derby contemplates resignation before the commencement of another Session. The cares of office, which have been unusually heavy lately, have began to tell upon him a good deal; but I hardly think be is likely to resign; and his constitutional ailment, gout, will probably not trouble him so much in the country. The rumour looks like one of those canards which club-loungers are fond of inventing before they go off on their autumnal tours, and is not likely to receive confirmation. THE death of Lord Dunkellin, which took place last week, will make the season end sorrowfully for those who knew him. Few men were more universally popu- lar, and he was liked even by those who had no reason to thank him for turning out the Whig Government, and leading the Adullamites. He was taken prisoner in the trenches, during the Crimean war, in rather an amusing way, having blundered into the Russian camp in the early morning, mistaking it for the English lines. His father had been a friend of the Czar's, and he was removed to St. Petersburg, where he had a very pleasant time of it, and was liberated before the end of the war. THE heat here on the 12th of August, and more par- ticularly on the two following days, was so great as to cause a perceptible diminution of traffic in same of the streets. The thermometer on the 14th ranged from 113? to 125? in the sun—a heat very unusual in this country. An immense destruction of meat and poultry took place in consequence in Newgate Market. Prices have lately been very high, and there was a great quantity of stock in hand, which had to be disposed of at ruinous prices. The best beef could be bought for 4d. per lb., and lamb at 2d., while ducks were sold for Is. each. In spite of the efforts of the salesmen to get rid of their goods at these low prices, many liundredvveights of meat were condemned by the inspectors and ordered to be destroyed. It is a great pity that some enterprising individual does not start a company for supplying Lon- doners with ice in small quantities at regular times in hot weather. If ice, for instance, was brought round with the milk in the morning and evening, and sold as cheaply as possible, the speculation would be immensely profitable, for many householders would then indulge ia the luxury, that now content themselves with longing for it. THE Horse Guards have done wisely in allowing ttJ. aoldiers on home-stations to take part in the harvesting. Labour is very scarce in many agricultural districts, and will probably become still scarcer, and not only will the farmers benefit by the proposed plan, but the health of the soldiers will be considerably improved. It has been suggested that a fund should be formed to draft off some of the population of the east end of London into the country for the same purpose. This would hardly be BO advisable as it appears at first sight. The east end of London is, unfortunately, not remarkable for a high standard of morality, and the effect of an influx of its labouring population into peaceful country villages might be most disastrous. In the case of soldiers being allowed to assist during the in-gathering of the harvest every care must be taken that they conduct themselves with propriety, and, indeed, the liberty to leave the regiment for the purpose should be a sort of nremium ft good conduct. THE Thames Embankment is rapidly becoming a reality, although, of course, a vast amount of work remains to be done. When finished it will be one of the finest roadways in the world. It is very nearly completed between Westminster and the Temple, and the bronze lion heads, which are the only ornaments of the river wall, look remarkably well. They will add in more senses than one to the lions of London, although not so grand as Sir Edwin's in Trafalgar-square, nor so curious as the comical little animals which squat on the outside railing of the British Museum. The approximate value of the whole of the work completed, including material upon the ground, is about 2716,690. THE convictions for using false weights and measures are becoming so frequent in London, that I hope some energetic M.P. will bring the matter before the House next Session. Mr. Tom Hughes would be a good man to do it, especially as his own constituents have on several occasions distinguished themselves by being con- victed. At the Tower Hamlets Petty Sessions as many as fifty-eight persons were convicted-the list including eight licensed victuallers, twelve chandlers, seven batchers, four coal dealers, seven greengrocers, ten tobacconists, two grocers, one baker, one pork- butcher, one oilman, one cheesemonger, and others. Three of the persons fined were sent to the House of Correction, Coldbath-fields two of them for two months' imprisonment. Publicity and disgrace seem to have no effect upon the commercial morality of such tradesmen, and it is to be regretted that the magis- trates do not imprison such wretches without the option of a fine. There is no more odious offence than this of using false weights and measures, insomuch as it presses hardly upon the very lowest and poorest classes of the population. Scarcely a week passes without several such convictions, and if a thriving publican and grocer or two had opportunities given them for meditating in the retirement of a prison-cell on the enormity of their proceedings, we should have fewer of such cases. The profits made by using short weights easily pay the fine, and the iniquitous game goes on as merrily as ever after- wards. THE life-raft on which two men and a dog lately crossed the Atlantic is now on view at the Crystal Palace, in the place of the little craft the Red, White, and Blue," which informed the same feat. It consists simply of a number of cylindrical tubes, inflated with air by meant of portable bellows, and connected by canvas and timber stays, For the adventurous voyage it was additionally furnished with a sliding keel. When not in use, the cylinders will roll up, and occupy a very small space, and it can moreover be got ready for sea and launched in a few minutes. It cannot capsize, and will carry as many persons as can be crowded on to it, or can haD,, to it by life lines. Its capabilities have been sufficiently tested by its voyage of 4,000 miles, and no vessel should now sail without one of these admirable rafts on board. The crew of the raft are in attendance, and answer the innumerable questions put to them with much patience and courtesy. DB. LAHKESTER, the coroner, has just been very severe on drinking and smoking. A post-mortem was held the other day, previous to an inquest on a mechanic who had died from apoplexy, and the surgeon declared that from internal appearances the deceased was addicted to drink- ing. His friend, however, declared, that he had been a very sober man, and thereupon a sapient juryman asked if he was given to smoking, which was worse. His friend said he smoked three half-ounces in two days. Dr. Lankester wound up by saying that it was his opinion that, if alcohol and tobacco were both tried for murder, alcohol would be hanged and tobacco get a week's imprisonment. Z.

EPITOME OF NEWS. 0 SIEGE OF DERRY CELEBRATION.—The usual celebrations commemorating the raising of the siege of Derry on the 12th August took place in that city on Monday. Everything passed off peaceably. The weather was very fine. THE EMPEROR'S FETES.-On Wednesday several hundreds of excursionists, a large number of whom were of the respectable artisan class, left the metropolis for Paris, for the double purpose of witness- ing the annual fetes and visiting the Exhibition. THE BANKS of the Lake of Constance are at the present moment covered with vast numbers of dead fish, the result of a malady prevailing among them. A similar epidemic recently prevailed in the waters of the Lake of Geneva, THE PARIS EXHIBITION.—It has been finally decided that the Paris Exhibition shall close on the 31st of October that the building shall be pulled down and the material sold and that the Champ de Mars shall again become a military parade-ground. A MAD DOG.-On Tuesday morning a rabid Newfoundland dog pursued a small dog into a shop in the Old Kent-road, and bit a labouring man who attempted to drive him out. The dog then started off into the Old Kent-road, where, after biting two other persons, it was killed by a police constable. A PERSIAN, richly dressed, and of gentlemanly manners, has been arrested, in Paris, on a charge of having stolen a chronometer, value 2,100fr., from the Swiss department of the Paris Exhibition about a month ago. He was informed against by a jeweller to whom he coolly took the chronometer to have his initials engraved on it. CHURCH RATE POLL.—Beaminster, Dorset- shire, was polled a few days ago for a church-rate, and the rate was rejected by 16 votes. Last year the rate was affirmed by a majority of 78. A contemporary says it is believed that the ritualistic tendencies of the vicar have had much to do in effecting such a change in the minds of the parishioners. ON THURSDAY, the House of Lords gave judg- ment on the important appeal of certain shareholders in Overend, Gumey, and Co., against the decision of Vice- Chancellor Malins, which placed them on the list of con- tributories. The Lord Chancellor, Lord Cranworth, and Lord Colonsay all pronounced judgment against the appellants. POOR JACK.—It transpired at the Liverpool Police-court, on Wednesday, in the case of a sailor named James Ferguson, who had been arrested for leaving his wife chargeable to the parish, that during his absence abroad on board his ship he had sent his wife about 2100, and he at the same time produced receipts for upwards of X60 received by her. In the face of these facts, the poor fellow was at once set at liberty. THE CALEDONIAN CANAL.—On the 15th of August the sixty;second report of the Commissioners of the Caledonial Canal was issued. It states that several new works have been executed during the past year, and that the general traffic of the canal exhibits a satisfactory improvement, the total number of passages of sailing and steam vessels having increased from 1,695 in the previous year to 2,004 in the last year, and the tonnage dues from X4,174 to X-4,920 SIR HEW CRAWFORD OF POLLOK.-Authentic tidings have arrived as to the safety of young Sir Hew Crawford of Pollok. A letter, it is said, has been received by the family agent direct from the young gen- tleman himself from Texas, where he has been sojourning for some time past, having but recently heard of the death of his father. It is also said that he is on his way home, and that he may be expected at Pollok Castle at an early date. THE Industrial School for Homeless and Desti- tute Girls, which has for several years carried on its laudable operations at Acton, has been removed to Ealing-house, Ealing, Middlesex, and the latter very desirable "home" was, on Thursday,^formally inaugu- rated by the Earl of Shaftesbury. From a report that was read, and the speeches made on the occasion, it appears that the institution is in a very satisfactory condition. MR. HENRY BUCKLAND, vicar choral and master of the choristry at St. Paul's Cathedral, died on Tuesday night after a few days' illness, from an attack of rheumatic fever, at the early age of 41. Mr. Buck- land for some time has been the conductor of the special evening services at St. Paul's, and the charity children's festival. He leaves a wife and three children. He was well known in London as an able conductor of musical arrangements at banquets and charity dinners, and in the provinces as a popular musical lecturer at literary and other institutions. DEMOLITION OF IlftRALDS'COLLECF,The old Elizabethan red brick building in Doctors'-commons, known as Herald's College, or the College of Arms, fol- lowing the fate of the ecclesiastical courts, is new in course of demolition, to make way for the new street between the Mansion-house and Blackfriars. Here was the Earl Marshal's office, once an important court, but latterly of little consequence. It was some time called the Court of Honour1, and took cognisance of words sup- posed to reflect on the nobility. PRUSSIAN ARMAMENTS.—According to a letter from Stuttgardt, published in a French paper, Baden possesses 24,000 Prussian needle-guns, and two millions of the famous cartridges; Wurtemburg 30,000 guns, and a million and a half of cartridges. Bavaria has not yet been supplied. The troops of this State are drilled by Baden officers, Prussians not being popular. The South German States will have 120,000 men, all armed and equipped on the Prussian plan, and disposable by King William by next spring. A CO-OPERATIVE STORE. At the resent Middlesex Sessions, two men, named Frederick Crump and Richard Mallison, were found guilty of stealing a small quantity of cooked meat and some biscuits, the property of the Westminster-buildings Co-operative Club. Crump was the club-keeper, and Mallison was a member and also a shareholder. Mr. Montagu Williams, who appeared for the prosecution, said that in conse- quence of these peculations the society had been brought to a state of leankruptcy, and was in fact now winding up. The robberies had been going on for the last six months, and innocent men had been discharged under the suspicion that they had been the guilty parties. Mr. Serjeant Dowling sentenced the men to three months' imprisonment each. SHOCKING INHUMANITY OF A FATHER.—At the Gateshead Borough Police-court on Friday, a brass finisher, named William Ramshaw, living in Durham- crescent, was charged by the relieving-officer with neglecting his family. It seems defendant has four children, one of whom, although deaf and dumb, is a most intelligent child, and Ramshaw is in the habit of locking the door and leaving them in the house, which is devoid of furniture. Twice the door has been broken open and the children taken charge of by the neighbours, by whom they have been fed. The only thing of an eatable nature in the house the other day was two apples. When the door was forced on the first occasion, Ramshaw was found lying drunk in one corner of the room. The magistrates committed him to gaol for one month. DRAMATIC AUTHORS' SOCIETY. — A deputa- tion from this society, consisting of Messrs. Benjamin Webster, Alfred Wigan, Tom Taylor, Stirling Coyne, and William Brough, waited upon Lord Stanley on Thurs- day at the Foreign-office, to support the prayer of a petition to Parliament from the French Dramatic authors, asking for the modification or erasure of Article IV. of the Literary Convention between England and France respeetively. The French authors complain that the article in question, which permits "fair imitations or adaptations of dramatic works to the stage," is so am- biguous in its terms as to render the convention virtually a dead letter. The deputation expressed to Lord Stanley the willingness of English authors to recognise the literary rights of their foreign brethren, and their own desire that the clause complained of should be struck out of the convention. His lordship promised to take the subject into favourable consideration, though he could hold out no prospect of anything being done in the matter during the present Session of Parliament. The deputation then thanked his lordship and withdrew. DARING ASCENT.- The weathercock on the steeple of the Kenmare Roman Catholic church having been broken by a storm, three brothers, by name Crim- min, undertook to replace it. The highest window of the spire being in the shape of a triangle on the top, and projecting from the mainwork, they got on this dangerous point, and erected a small scaffold of two or three treble deals. From this they placed two ladders, tied out of each other, to the top of the mason work, and on this frail support ascended to the height of 150 feet. One of them, named John, but better known by the cognomen of Garibaldi, crept up the iron bar on which the weather-cock was fixed, and, holding on to the cross, took off the silent chanticleer, amidst the wondering gaze of an admiring multitude. Next day he again ascended, and, taking a pot of paint in his hand, repainted the cross, and put up a new weather- cock. 1 SUPPOSED INCENDIARISM.—On Monday morn- ing, about three o'clock, a supposed incendiary fire broke out in an unfinished house, 90, Langford-road, Kentish-town. When it was discovered, a cart laden with building materials was wrapped in flames, and in a very few minutes the flames rushed into a partly finished eight-roomed house, and ignited it from the ground floor to the roof. The building materials were all destroyed. PRACTICE WITH THE SNIDER BREECHLOADER. —The following figure of merit has been obtained by the infantry regiments at Aldershot at rifle practice with the Snider breechloader 65th Regiment, 126'11 80th Regiment, 115-91 44th Regiment, 103-68 56th Regiment, 103-58 1st battalion 18th Regiment, 102-21; 68th Regiment, 98'78; 43rd Regiment, 98'69; 54th Regiment, 98-54 70th Regiment, 89'73 72nd Regi- ment, 80*95 Captain Bulkeley's Company, 65th Regi- ment, has obtained the highest figure Gf merit, viz., 151'70. "A" Battery, "C" Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery, under the command of Major Sladen, marched from camp on Monday, en route to Dorchester. THE FALL OF A FLAGSTAFF.—The jury who assembled at Plymouth on Saturday to inquire into the cause of the death of Joseph Avery, which occurred on Thursday by the fall of a flagstaff in front of the Royal Western Yacht Club, returned a verdict of "Accidental death," coupled with the observation that they considered that a flagstaff 61ft. long ought to have been stepped in the ground 6ft., and not 5in. like the flagstaff in ques- tion. Mr. John Edmonds, the coroner, stated that he concurred in the very proper comment which the jury had made. The members of the club are raising a hand- some donation for the parents of Avery. THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON'S VISIT TO AUSTRIA. —According to arrangement the Emperor Napoleon, ac- companied by the Empress, left Chalons on Saturday morning and proceeded to Augsburg, where they were received by the King of Bavaria. Their Imperial Majesties passed the night at Augsburg, and on Sunday morning left for Salzburg to pay their visit of condolence to the Emperor of Austria. The editors of all the Paris journals have received an intimation that they mi: t not discuss the Constitution," under pain of being I -ose- cuted. The Moniteur is still silent as to Pr. f ised, Government statement. A NEW LINE OF COMMUNICATION.—It is an- n junced that efforts are being made under experienced management to establish a new line of steamers between the west and north of England. It is proposed, and the negotiations to carry out the proposal have made con- siderable progress, to keep one or more fast steamers con- stantly running between Plymouth, Falmouth, Penzance, and Liverpool, thus fostering and developing the in- creasing trade in that direction. REMARKABLE ESCAPE OF A PRISONER.—One of the prisoners from the Winchester County Gaol, whose name is Neale, was on Thursday engaged in spade labour, under charge of a warder, outside the prison. It happened that Mr. Coxwell's balloon, which had ascended from Southampton, passed close over the ascient city, and attracted, of course, much attention. Among others, the warder watched the unusual visitant with close interest. When the balloon had passed the warder turned to his charge, but he had passed too. The shrewd fellow had taken the opportunity to escape, and has not since been traced. A FRIENDLY SOCIETY IN EXTREMIS. The Liverpool Female Friendly Society appears to be very near the vanishing point. Though subscriptions are still re- ceived from members, it was elicited during a case which was before the Liverpool magistrates on Friday and Saturday that the society is virtually bankrupt. Anne Cowley had contributed to the society for about 30 years, during which time she had paid £ 31, and had re- ceived in all about X7 benefit. The present claim for X2 9s. for relief in consequence of an accident, was re- sisted on the grounds that the society had no funds. The chief defendants were Mr. Richard Shaw (secretary to the local savings bank) and Dr. Thomas Dawson, who are trustees, and the principal managers of the society. The magistrates granted an older for the amount of the claim, with costs. A LIBERA*, CHAIRMAN.—The annual meeting )f the Mersey Steel and Iron Company was held at Liverpool on Friday, Mr. T. B. Horsfall, M.P., in the chair. The report stated that owing to the general depression of trade there had been a loss on the year's working of Y,6,712 17s. 8d., to which must be added X7,922 5s. 7d., for depreciation on plant and machinery, making a total deficit for the year of X14,635 3s. 3d. The chairman stated that himself and his brother after mature consideration, had agreed to waive their claim to £ 64,000 of the goodwill, which was valued at £ 94,000 )t the time the business was transferred to the company. THE FORESTERS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.— Tuesday being the great day of the year at the Crystal Palace devoted to the Foresters, the weather produced a marked change upon the arrangements previously made. Many of the excursion trains advertised to run from dif- ferent parts of the country were stopped but in spite of the storm the Foresters of London turned out in great force. By noon it was roughly estimated that over 10,000 members with their wives and friends had en- tered the Palace. The weather cleared up and the sun sho-ne forth, and the demonstration seemed likely to be one of great success. THE INDIGENT BLIND.—A special appeal for assistance is being made by the Institution for Relieving Indigent Blind of the Jewish Persuasion, of which Sir Benjamin Phillips is president-a society, the beneficent operation of which has been maintained for nearly 50 years. Urgent claims upon the charity increase as time progresses, and its conductors have been compelled to augment the present annual expenditure by X250 beyond the last return of ordinary income. There are 44 poor afflicted pensioners now on the books, each receiving an allowance of X20 16s. per annum. These men are elected irrespective of nationality. It is a remarkable fact that five-sevenths of those who have been recently admitted to the pension are foreign to this country. Those of their brethren who have been for many years settled in England, and have prospered, will surely hearken particularly to the solicitation now made by the committee of this charity. DEATH OF LORD DUNKELLIN.—We have to announce the death, on Friday morning, of Lord Dun- kellin, M.P. for Galway county. He was elected for that constituency at the general election in 1865, pre- vious to which he sat for eight years as a member for the borough of Galway. He was the eldest son of the Marquis of Clanricarde, by the only daughter of the Right Hon. George Canning and Viscountess Canning. He was consequently the grandson of the great minister of that name. Lord Dunkellin was born in St. James's- square, in 1827, thus being only 40 years of age, and was unmarried. He was appointed captain and lieut.- colonel in the Coldstream Guards in 1854 was aide-de- camp to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland from 1846-52 appointed State Steward to the same in January, 1853 and Military Secretary to the Governor-General of India, 1856. He served in the Crimean campaigns, was present at the battle of the Alma, and was taken prisoner before Sebastopol in October, 1854. Deceased was in politics an Adullamite, being one of the most prominent members o that party, and it was he who moved the amendment on the Reform Bill of 1866, which being carried caused the resignation of the Russell administration. WEAKENED VISION FROM TOBACCO SMOKING. —In some cases the impairment of vision which goes by the name of amblyopia precedes its entire loss, from palsy of the optic nerve. Objects are perceived but im- perfectly they appear more or less obscured by cloud or haziness; the letters of a book run into each other and become confused; the eye is soon tired, and waters or becomes bloodshot if exertion is continued. M. Viar- din has reported three cases of this disease caused by smoking. In the treatment of these cases, the quantity of tobacco smoked was reduced, under the direction of M. Viardin, and the sight was restored in the course of a few weeks. He must be a very slave to the use of the weed who, having once recovered from its poisoning effects, would persist in the habit.-American Paper. THE ORPHANS' GUARDIANS.—A case of some interest to minors and their friends has been tried in the Commission Court, Dublin. Samuel and Harriet Richards, two persons in a respectable class of life were indicted for assaulting Miss Clara Singleton, who, alone with her brother, both being wards of Chancery, had been placed under their guardianship. Evidence was given that the prosecutrix was repeatedly assaulted by the female traverser and kept at menial drudgery, dressed like a Cinderella," as one of the witnesses described. The jury found a verdict of Guilty," and the parties await the sentence of the court. EDUCATION OF THE PRINCE IMPERIAL.—The Presse publishes the following :—" The announcement that the Prince Imperial was to enter one of the colleges of Paris at the close of the vacation appears to be erroneous. That rumour took its rise in a toast pro- posed by M. Duruy at the dinner in honour of the dis- tribution of prizes. Thus far nothing has been decided. The Prince will be simply entered at the head of the lists of pupils at one of the colleges, as his name is already borne as enfant de troupe on the rolls of the 1st Regiment of Grenadiers. But he will no more join in the studies of the classes than he lives at the barracks of that regiment.

SEVERE STORM IN THE METROPOLIS GREAT DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY. The most terrific storm which has visited the metro- polis for many years broke over London on Tuesday morning. On Monday it was very hot, and towards evening the air was so close as to be quite oppressive. The weather-glass at seven o'clock, which had during the daybeenat "Fair," changed suddenly to stormy, but there was little even at eight o'clock in the appearance of the clouds to betoken such a fearful night as was subse- quently experienced in the metropolis, and as is stated for at least 40 miles round. About half-past eight o'clock several flashes of lightning were observed, and shortly after nine o'clock there were a few rumblings of thunder and some rain. This, however, was so slight that it was believed the weather would clear up. From ten to twelve the lightning continued, and the storm did not virtually begin till two o'clock, when clap upon clap of thunder and vivid flashes of lightning, some of which lasted for several seconds, awoke every one from their slumbers. From this time till half-past four, the rain descended in such quantities as to convert all the streets into so many running streams, and the intensity of the lightning and the heavy and continuous thunder caused people to rise from their beds and light up their houses. The thunder shook the houses every minute, and for a time it seemed as if there was to be no abate- ment. About five o'ekek, however, the storm ceased. The lightning has been destructive to house property all over London. At three o'clock in the morning a chimney staek was struck by the electric fluid near the Commercial-road, Pimlico, and fell over on to the roof of the house. At the same moment it entered the front room of the third floor and damaged the furniture to a serious extent. Fortunately [no one was injured. At Brixton it struck Tweeddale Lodge, and the conserva- tory was smashed to pieces. Other damage is reported from Camberwell and Streatham. At the latter place a wagon was being driven along the road towards London, when one of the horses becoming frightened began plunging about, as also did soon afterwards the other one. The driver was quite powerless to control them; but he endeavoured to catch the reins of the foremost animal, and his right arm was broken. Two of the horses were badly cut about, and the wagon was almost destroyed. A report from New-cross and the neighbourhood states that the violence of the storm was such as has not been witnessed for many years, and much damage has been done. At Norwood most of the market gardeners have had their plants and shrubs all but destroyed. Where the hail-for there was hail during the storm—and rain had not broken the frames and forcing houses, it had washed the plants out of the pots. This was also the case at Chelsea. The scene on the river during the storm is described as being very exciting, the more especially when the fleets of vessels were at one moment enveloped in pitch darkness, and in the next, as it were, illuminated by the lightning. Many of the vessels have sustained damage to their masts, but no personal accidents have been reported. A cabman was struck by the lightning about half- past two o'clock in Whitechapel, when driving home, and was removed insensible to the hospital, and several other cases are reported of a similar kind. The police- men on duty in the metropolis during the night had a sorry time of it, and many of the poor fellows were drenched and the cabstands, which are generally filled in busy parts of the metropolis, were deserted, and no vehicle of any kind could be obtained after two o'clock. The various works in connection with the main drainage of the metropolis were partially stopped in consequence of the storm, all the cuttings being swamped with the rain. The guards of the trains on several of the lines having their termini in the metropolis state that along the route travelled by them during the night the storm raged most fearfully, and damage was observed at all points. Most of the trains were considerably delayed. The storm was very violent in all parts of Surrey, and in some parts of Sussex and Berkshire. The telegraph wires attracted the lightning during the storm, and the bells in connec- tion with them were rung violently.

SIR NORTON PETO AND THE ELECTORS OF FINSBURY.-On Monday afternoon a deputation (which was introduced by Mr. Wallis) waited on Sir Morton Peto, Bart., at Great George-street, Westminster, and presented him with an address signed by a great number of the electors ot Finsbury thanking him for his general attentionto his parliamentary duties while representing them in Parliament. Sir Morton, in reply, said he was much touched with this mark of respect from his former constituents. In the present state of his affairs, he thanked them most heartily for the marks of sympathy tney had expressed for him and of which he should always be mindful. The deputation then withdrew. In consequence of the Reduction in Duty, Horniman' Teas are supplied by the Agents EIGHTPENCE per lb. cheaper, Genuine Packets are signed "Horniman A Co* fI,"

'I FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. GREAT FIRE IN VENICE. VENICE, August 16. A great fire has occurred here in the church of St. John and St. Paul. Titien's painting of Peter the Martyr and many other masterpieces of art were burnt. INTERNATIONAL VETERINARY CONGRESS. BERNE, August 15. The Governments of 13 countries, including almost all the large States of Europe, have signified their willingness to send representatives to the International Veterinary Congress, to be held in Zurich on the 28th of September next; AMERICA NEW YORK, August 3. The Virginian Republican State Convention was ad- journed at Richmond yesterday, it endorsed the action of General Sheridan in removing the Governor of Texas, notwithstanding the embarrassments thrown around General Sheridan by the President, and notified a desire to protect the Southern loyalists during the forthcoming elections. General Sheridan has removed the alderman and assistant alderman of New Orleans for misfeasance, and for opposing the reconstruction laws. Governor Brown- low had a majority of 30,000 votes in the Tennessee election, which passed off quietly. The Canadian Privy Council issued writs on the 2nd instant for new elections, and the Canadian Parliament will re-assemble in Sep- tember next. Documents have been published authori- tatively showing that the late Emperor Maximilian made a proposition to Juarez, through the United States Government, offering to retire from Mexico until the permanency of the empire could be decided by the people. Mr. Seward declined to entertain the proposi- tion, not recognising the right of Maximilian to represent any portion of the empire. Intelligence from South America announces that the Chilians were expecting the return of the Spanish fleet. Admiral Tucker had been recalled from the interior of Peru to resume the com- mand of the allied fleet, and preparations for the recep- tion of the Spaniards had been renewed. NEW YORK, August 7. The democrats carried the elections in Kentucky by a majority of 60,000, electing Mr. Helm governor, nearly all the members of the Legislature, and Mr. Galloday as member to congress, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Hise. General Sickles has ordered the postponement of the re-assembling of the North Carolina Legislature until further notice, and has directed the suspension of trial by jury until the jury lists are revised. General Pope has ordered all civil suits against officers for acts done in pursuance of military orders to be abandoned. General Sheridan has removed the city treasurer of New Orleans, and appointed his successor. The State military authorities of Tennessee have assumed the protection of all negroes discharged by conservative employers for voting the radical ticket. The Union meeting held at Covington, Kentucky, on the evening of the 3rd inst., was dispersed by a mob. Negro troops, armed and equipped, participated in the radical procession at Prattsville, Alabama, on the 3rd. The Attorney-General has received complaints that the military-commander at Wilmington obstructs the serving of civil processes issued by Chief Justice Chase in North Carolina. General Michel has resigned the command of the military forces in Canada. 0 Advices received here from Vera Cruz, to the 24th ult., state that the city was healthy. The presidential canvass was progressing quietly. The Austrian frigate Elizabeth was about to return to New Orleans, the Mexican authorities refusing to surrender to the com- mander the body of the late Emperor Maximilian. All the foreign consuls at Vera Cruz, except the American, had lowered their national flags. It is reported that Marquez, the brother of Miramon, and other generals, are organising a large force in the mountains. Lozada still defies Juarez. Admiral Palmer, of the United States Navy, has gone to the capital, it is reported to demand the person of Santa Anna, who is still a prisoner at Campeche. NEW YORK, August 12. President Johnson has suspended Mr. Stanton, and General Grant is appointed Secretary of War. The submarine cable to the island of Cuba has broken, and is being grappled for. INDIA. CALCUTTA, July 19. The announcement of the probability of another tele- graph line being constructed between England and India has been received with unmixed satisfaction. An article upon the Bengal administration published by the Friend of India advocates the abolition of the board of revenue and the lieutenant-governor's couneil. The reports of the famine at Orissa are more favour- able. The opium revenue for the past seven months exceeds Mr. Massey's estimate by nearly half a million sterling. It is stated that the Viceroy is framing a scheme for the establishment of an Imperial Bank of India, the central bank to be at Calcutta, with branches at Bombay and Madras, in the North-West Provinces, and in the Punjaub. A railway has been proposed between Calcutta and Darjeeling, and the scheme is approved by the Bengal and India Governments. The result of explorations which have been made proves the practicability of a road to China through Burmah. The investigations beyond the frontier are to recommence. Simla is reported unhealthy this year, which is attributed to bad water, and the want of sanitary arrangements. The reports of the crops and of the public health throughout Bengal are more favourable. BOMBAY, July 24. The telegraph line is greatly improved in its working during the last fortnight, but five miles of the Indian line between Bombay and Kurrachee have been destroyed by a storm. Double rates are on future to be charged on all messages from Kurrachee to Great Britain and France containing groups of figures, when the com- modity to which they refer is not specified. The Reconstruction Committee of the Bank of Bom- bay has been increased. Three-fourths of the shares of the new bank have already been applied for. A memo- rial to the Government is being circulated among the shareholders of the Bank of Bombay for signature,, praying the Government to bear a part proportion of the loss attending the bad management of the bank. The largest viaduct over the Chone Ghaut (?) incline, 160 feet high, has given way through faulty construc- tion, and two trains thereby narrowly escaped destruc- tion. The ship Sirzah has been totally wrecked near Ali- baumli, and seven of the crew were drowned. The crew of the Sacramento have been forwarded to America in the ship General Caulfield. During May over 89,000,0001bs. of cotton, to the value of upwards of.23,367,000 have been shipped from Bombay.

THE EARTHQUAKE IN IJVA. The mail of the 27th from Batavia brings the follow- ing particulars of the terrible earthquake which happened in the island of Java a few days previously The damage caused in the district of Djoqjocarta was most serious. Several large estates and numerous manufactories and dwelling-houses were in a few minutes totally destroyed. Scarcely a building remained unin- jured. The damage in Djocjocorta was estimated at four million florins. Three hundred bodies were recovered from the ruins. Among the buildings destroyed was the Djocjocarta Hospital, by which catastrophe the whole of the family of the director perished, only the father and one child succeeding in making their escape. The- number of people killed would, undoubtedly, have been much smaller but tor the early hour (half-past four in the morning), at which time the occurrence took place, the whole population being still in bed and enveloped in darkness. 'Fortunately the harvest suffered little. The- destruction and distress were, however, great, and were increased by native marauders, who availed themselves of the dilapidated state of the dwellings, which, in some cases, they themselves had been instrumental in bring- ing about to rob the colonists of their property." A letter from Mitylene says: — "This morning (August 3) and on Thursday last we had two heavy shocks, which were felt throughout the island. Besides these strong movements there are lighter ones continu- ally occurring. When will this cease? Who knows, and what will it end in ? The population, however, haa gained courage, and they have begun to rebuild, the bazaars, but it will be a long business. I am told that in the valley of Port Olivier they have strong shocks daily."