The Brecon Reporter and South Wales General Advertiser

TOWH T-A-LIC. BY OUB SPBCIAX. CORRESPONDENT. 0Iw raiders will understand that we do not hold ourselves respon tielefor our able Correspondent's opinions. THE state of the navy, as bequeathed to us by I the late Ministry, continues to attract attention, and that it does so is not surprising, for we have been accustomed to regard the wooden walls of old England" as our principal security against the foreign invader, and when we find, so to speak, that our principal security is "no where" it is time to be up and stirring. The actual state of things, as ascertained by inspections at Ports- mouth, has been published in the Times, anct, I in brie?, it comss to this. There are two new powerful iron-clads quite ready for sea, with the rather important exception that they have not one single gun on board; there is an iron-clad turret ship not intended for service at sea; there are two wooden frigates, and two or three smaller vessels of a similar quality. There are like- wise eleven line of battle ships, eight heavy frigates., a floating battery, and a squadron of gunboats, all of which look very impressive, but as they happen to be without armour, and without guns which would make any impression on an armoured fleet, they simply amount to an impres- sive show, and are about as useful, in these days, as would be an equal number of painted ships upon a painted ocean. The above, and some others which are undergoing repair, and which are likewise waiting for their guns, constitute our naval reserve at the present moment. This being so, there is no disguising the fact that, as a naval Power, we are now inferior to the United States, which, in five years, at a cost of about eighty millions sterling (ten millions more than we have expended during the past seven years), has made itself the first naval Power in the world. Five years ago the American fleet consisted of sixty-eight vessels; at the present moment, in- cluding those under construction, it numbers 75 monitors, 400 screw or paddle steamers, and 112 sailing vessels, carrying in all 4,443 guns. This being the disgraceful state of our naval defences, the question, whether we are any better off as regards our land defences, is naturally asked by those who look ahead and who are anxious about the fature of England. Here, again, the prospect is the reverse of cheering. If we were suddenly plunged into a war, we should be unprepared at all points; and it must be borne in mind that the system of modern warfare has so changed, that what formerly took years to accomplish is now done in weeks. This is important for us to consider, because we generally begin by making a mess of it, and end well. But it is very doubtful whether, under the altered system, when a powerful mili- tary empire like Austria is "polished" off in a couple of weeks, we should be allowed time to re- cover from our first mistake, and to bring all our undoubted resources to bear. Modern warfare has become so fearfully destructive, and consequently its results are so rapidly brought about, that our reliance on possessing the longest purse would not assist us in such a contingency. The army of a great country like England ought to be kept in as efficient a state as the armies of the Continent, and this, it must be acknowledged, General Peel is doing his best to accomplish. With the view of increasing the efficiency of the volunteers and the militia, and make them as effective as men of the lina, a very good suggestion has been made by the Times. Instead of manoeuvring the regulars by themselves, occasionally assembling the volunteers at Brighton and Hyde-park, and calling out the militia for a certain number of days in each year, let the county regiment, the county volunteers, and the county militia, be regarded as members of one milibary family; let them be exercised together, and in this way organise a really efficient reserve force. IN regard to the decision of the Lord Chan- cellor, in the case of a shareholder of Overend, Gurney, and Co. (Limited), it now appears that his lordship's recent decision applies to the order of Vice-Chancellor Kindersley in the same matter. Although the Lord Chancellor confirmed the ruling of the Court below, as to a shareholder not being entitled to set off his calls against his deposit, he did not decide that the claim of a shareholder, also a creditor, must be postponed till all other creditors had been paid in fall. Onthe con- trary, from the full report of his judgment, which has been published, it appears he expressly stated that all creditors of a limited liability company are on the same footing, whether shareholders or not, with regard to their dividends. So that Mr. Grissell, whose case was brought before the Court, will have to pay his calls like any other shareholder, anr receive his dividends like ..any other creditor, which is a very different result from the great injustice the ruling of the Vice- Chaneellor would have inflicted had his ruling been upheld. A COKONEK'S inquest has disclosed a scene of such utter brutality on the part of a husband, re- lieved by such wonderful tenderness on the part of his wife, that I do not remember to have read its like for many a day. The evidence of the wife enables us to perceive with striking distinctness how thoroughly Mr. Buchanan has comprehended and expressed the feelings of the poor on this t point. As in that most touching of poems, "Liz," the poor dying coster girl exclaims- I don't complain a bit of Joe, dear lad, Joe never, never meant but well to me; Joe likes ma, never gave ma push or blow When sober; only he was wild in drink. But then we don't mind beating when a man Is'angry, if he likes us and keeps us straight, Works for his bread and does the best he can; 'Tis being left and slighted that we hate." So do we find the same spirit of tender forgiveness for fearful outrages breathed by the wife of this Whitechapel ruffiin:- He was the best of husbands when sober, but he used to quarrel with me when he was drunk, and he was then very violent. He has been drunk since Christmas; he has only been sober twice during that time. On Wednesday week he quarrelled with me, and ill-used me very much. He knocked me and kicked me. I ran upstairs to the bedroom and hid myself, and I heard him running up after me. Then I heard him fall, and he cried cut that his leg was broke. (Here the woman began to cry bitterly.) I ran out at once, and helped him up and got him put to bed, and I stayed up the whole night bathing his leg | with water. The next day he was carried to the hospital, where he died on the 12th inst. When drunk he was not in his right mind; he would cut me to pieces; but when he got sober he would be so sorry and say, Why don't you hurry away and not let me strike you so. MR. BAKES, has been made a Knight, and Captain Grant a Companion of the Bath, in acknowledg- ment of their having discovered the lake feeders, though not the river source of the Nile. MR. DICKENS, most people will be glad to hear, intends to give another series of readings from his | own works immediately after Christmas. | A jew weeks ago a volume of "Poems and Ballads," by Mr. Algernon Swinburne, was puo- lished by Messrs. Moxon and Co., and they were received with such unmistakable expressions of disgust by the press generally that it has been withdrawn from circulation. Such an insult to the public as the publication of such a book is the more to be regretted because Mr. S winburne's previous works had led to the expectation that he would in time become one of our great poets. He may yet, for he is young, and if he accepts the public verdict and turns his powers to good acco unt in future May win the wise who frowned before, To smile at last." MR. GLADSTONE, according to rumour, has selected Rome for his winter quarters. A pleasant party of political friends are enumerated as likely to be his associates-Lord and Lady Granville, Lord and Lady Stanley of Alderley, Sir Roundell and Lady Palmer. Mr. Whalley ought to probe this matter to the bottom, and find out what Jesuitic influence has been at work to attract such a distinguished party Homeward. Z.

SUMMARY OF PASSING EVENTS. AFFAIRS on the Continent of Europe are more satisfactory than they have been for a lengthened period. The peace negotiations between Prussia and Austria are reported to be progressing, and it is believed that in a very short time matters will be so settled that each country can reduce their armies, and, instead of being at war, will be enabled to enter into commercial* compacts with each other, and with Europe in general. If Louis Napoleon was ever serious in demanding the Rhine provinces, he has now withdrawn his claim, asserting that he was setting forth the nation's views rather than his own; and, as if to tran- quillise Europe generally, he has taken notice of the insinuations of the press, who, arguing upon the publication of his dispatch to the Prussian Court, suggested that he would claim Belgium; he has, therefore, taken an opportunity of assuring the English Government that he never contem- plated the acquisition of a single inch of Belgian territory. Another satisfactory piece of intelli- gence reaches us, viz., that the hitch which had arisen in the peace negotiations between Prussia and Bavaria is removed, and that there is every prospect of a speedy settlement of the question. ITALY we apprehend is satisfied with her pos- session of Venetia, and is no longer at war with Austria. Garibaldi again retires to his island home at Caprera, and on his retirement he has issued an address to the Italian volunteers full of political enthusiasm and patriotism. To some the address may appear exaggerated and too enthu- siastic, but it is characteristic of the man, who, without selfish motives, believes that he is in- spired to say what he does, and that it is all for his country's good. He concludes his address as follows:—" God bless you. Italy may be proud of you, and if during the months which you will still employ in the exercise of arms the foreigner shall not cease to put forward excessive demands, then, by the side of our brave brethren (I say so under the inspiration of the national conscience), we shall strike off the last links which dishonour this great but unfortunate nation." It remains to be seen whether Garibaldi is a true prophet. THE French cannot exist without fetes, but the greatest fete in Paris for the masses of the people is what is called the Emperor's fete," which takes place once a-year. On this occasion, every person or family who has been obliged to pledge articles of household convenience, has such articles redeemed on this day. Every indigent inhabiter of one room further receives a ticket, giving the holder a title to a certain quantity of pork, a loaf of bread, and a bottle of wine. Prisoners are in large numbers released from confinement; and al- together it is a general day for charity and mercy. This event touk place last week, but un- fortunately the festivities did not pass over without a sad calamity. After the exhibition of fireworks was over, two streams of people wanted to pass over a certain bridge in opposite direc- tions, and met in the centre. A panic was created, and some eight or nine persons lost their lives, whilst from fifty to a hundred were more or less inj ured. It is said that the panic was the result of cries of danger raised by a certain designing few for their own purposes, and that several thieves and pickpockets have been taken into custody, who are supposed to be the ringleaders in causing the confusion. No important political matter has come before our notice latterly except the extraordinary evidence given before the Yarmouth Bribery Commission, where, among other witnesses, Mr. Cooper narrates how at the last election about C3,500 was brought to him by a stranger, and how he distributed it in bribes to secure the election of Sir Edmund Lacon and Mr. Goodson. Other witnesses were brought forward to prove that an election at Yar- mouth is at all times an expensive affair; the last one was said to have cost the Conservative party £ 15,000. If these things occur in a comparatively large constituency like Yarmouth, what must we expect to take place in rotten boroughs MB. MERBIJTIELD, writing to the Pall Mall Gazette, gives a melancholy account of the condition of Cornwall. He states that since the discovery of large deposits of tin in the Dutch East Indies the Cornwall mines can no longer be worked with profit. Last year 200,000 miners found employment in working for this metal, but at the end of this year not 20,000 can be so employed. Mr. Merri- field asks what will become of the people; they will either be obliged to emigrate or starve. He believes that the distress in Cornwall will be almost as great as that which befel Lancashire L during the cotton famine. We sincerely hope this account is exaggerated, but it is well for the Govern- ment to be informed in time of a coming danger. A CASE of considerable importance was tried in the Sheriffs' Court, Edinburgh, last week, more particularly to those who are in the habit of sending telegraphic messages. A Scotch merchant sent a telegram by the United Kingdom Tele- graph Company to his agent in London, instructing him to send a quantity of fruit on a certain day, but none on the following Friday. The message delivered was to send more on the Friday, and, of course, a loss resulted, damages for which he then sued. The company expressed their sorrow for the inconvenience the firm had suffered, but at the same time drew the attention of the Court to their printed conditions, stating that, to insure accuracy, the message might be repeated from the station to which it was sent for an additional payment of one-half the charge. The verdict was in favour of the company-an issue not very satis- factory to the public, for if the telegraph system is to be worth anything, accuracy should in some measure be guaranteed. In short messages verbal errors are often of immense importance; as, for instance, we heard of an anxious husband who went out to India, leaving his wife in England in an interesting situation; he begged that when the important event occurred he should be tele- graphed to at once. What was his surprise, however, to receive a telegram to this effect: Mrs. has been safely delivered of I five daughters. The message which should have been sent was simply a fine daughter." A VERT important report has been issued during the past week, which shows that waste land in Ireland, if cultivated, can be made productive and profitable. The report is upon an experiment made by Lord George Hill, who, in 1838, pur- chased 24,000 acres of mountain land near the sea-coast, in the county of Donegal. The whole of the district was then wild and uncivilised; commerce, social relationships, agricultural know- ledge, and everything else was in a state of con- fusion and disorder. For fourteen years the whole of the rents received from the tenants and from other sources was expended on the estate by Lord George Hill, and now the Gweedore property is known as a district where industry, well directed and judiciously aided, has brought about an entire revolution, and the farmers and peasants are prosperous. We hope other landlords will follow Lord George Hill's example, and we shall then have a better peasantry and a happier people. THE weather during the past week has, generally throughout England, been cool and wet, which has been by no means beneficial to the outstanding crops; nevertheless, there has not been sufficient rain at present to destroy the produce, only that it makes the harvesting more expensive. That, however, which has been a source of uneasiness to the agriculturist, has been a blessing to large, over-populated towns. The cholera, which raged so much in some places a few weeks ago, is diminishing. Had hot weather and drought con- tinued, no one knows what might have been the result. The rains have cleared the drains and carried the filth away, whilst the coolness of the atmosphere has done much to retard the disease. IT was stated, last week, that the Privy Council had made a grant to Mr. Simon to enable him to conduct an inquiry into the cause of cholera. Of course, every one thought a handsome sum had been given for that purpose, but it is now stated that all that gentleman is to receive is £ 500; a sum totally insufficient to conduct an inquiry on the large scale necessary. If a work of this nature is worth doing at all, it is worth doing well, and in a case like this the country would not have begrudged a handsome sum. Ten thousand pounds was voted for an inquiry into the cattle disease, and surely the life of human beings is more valuable than that of cattle. PEOPLE are again complaining of the high price of meat. A correspondent of the Times says that he went to Newgate-market and bought a magni- ficent sirloin of beef for 4s. the stone, or about 6d. a pound. Now, if butchers will charge 80 or 100 per Sent, profit for their meat, they will assuredly in time lose their trade, for co-operative societies will be formed to buy in the best markets and share the profits among themselves.

♦ A fire of an alaming character broke out shortly before midnight on Monday, in the premises of Mr. Poole, hair-dresaer and perfumer, 17,- Bedford- street, Bedford-row, Holborn. It was confined to the lower part of the premises. The bufferer was insured. The I origin of the fire is unknown. In consequenca of the Reduction in Duty, fforminan's Teas are now supplied by the Agents EKJHTPSITCS per lb. CHEAPER. Every GnwlI-ø Facliet is stgaed Sommrn I Co."

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. ACCIDENT AT THE PARIS FETES.—NINE PERSONS KILLED AND FIFTY INJURED. PABIS, August 16, Evening. Alter the display of fireworks in celebration of the Emperor's jJte yesterday evening, a crush occurred at the Pont de la Concorde, in which eight or nine per- sons lost their lives, and fifty were more or less hurt.

PRUSSIA. BERLIN, August 16. A split is about to take place in the Fortschritt party. A portion of the latter intends forming a separate fraction, whose policy will be more in harmony with that of the centre party. After the cabinet council held yesterday afternoon Count von Bismarck had an audience of the King. The count afterwards visited Herr von der Pfordten, the Bavarian Minister for Foreign Affairs, with whom he had a long interview. The Queen of Prussia reached Coblenz at noon to- day. Her Majesty will remain in that city until the day previous to the triumphal entry of the troops into Berlin. A fits took place to. day in Kroils-garden, in honour of Count von Bismarck and Generals von Roon and von Moltke. All the ministers and nearly a thousand persons belonging to all classes and parties sat down to dinner BERLIN, August 19. The committee on the address, in reply to the speech from the throne, held a sitting yesterday evening, at which the draft proposed by Herr Virchow, with the paragraph on the budget question as proposed by Herr von Raichensperger, was adopted by 15 against 7 votes. It is believed that the draft adopted by the committee will be agreed to by the whole House, with a majority of about 18, should the Polish faction abstain from voting. The debate will probably commence on Friday next. The National, Spenersche, Bourse Gazette, and other Liberal organs censure the tardiness of the Lower House in replying to the speech from the throne and for dwelling upon individual differences and party views instead of fulfilling the expectations of the country by speedily and unani- mously expressing joy at the results of the foreign policy of the Government.

THE INSURRECTION IN CANDIA. MARSEILLES, August 16. Advices received here from Candia state that the Turks had rejected all the demands made by the Cretans. Insurrectionary assemblages had conse- quently taken place, and the insurgents were already masters of the country districts. They had proclaimed their independence, and displayed the Greek flag, together with those of the three protecting powers of Greece. The Turks were awaiting reinforcements.

AUSTRIA AND PRUSSIA. PRAGUE, August 17. The negotiations for peace are proceeding very favourably. The Prussian proposals, which differ very little from the instructions of the Austrian pleni- potentiary, were sent to-day to Vienna. The treaty of commerce between Austria and the Zollverein remains provisionally in force. Further arrangements with regard to this question are reserved for a later period. Peace will, it is expected, be con- cluded within eight or ten days.

QUARANTINE AT MALTA. MALTA, August 17. All vessels from Naples or its vicinity are subjected here to a quarantine of 15 full days. MALTA, August 18. Genoa and its vicinity have been added to the places subject to 15 days' quarantine on reaching this port. The same quarantine will be imposed upon arrivals from all other places where cholera exists.

RESIGNATION OF GENERAL LA MARMORA. FLORENCE, August 18. A second official report of General La. Marmora upon the operations of the 23rd and 24th Jane has been published to-day. General La Marmora has resigned his position as chief of the staff, and has been replaced by General Cialdini. He has also given up the post of minister without portfolio. General Pettinengo, Minister of War, has also re- signed, and has been succeeded by General Cugia.

PRUSSIA AND BADEN. CABLSBUHE, August 19. The official Carlsruhe Gazette of to-day says :—" The Prussian treaty of peace stipulates for the continua- tion of the Zollverein and the early opening ef negotia- tions for the definitive settlement of the Zollverein relations. It also contemplates the assembly of con- ferences to establish fixed regulations, the want of which has long been greatly felt on the German rail- ways. It al?o requires the abolition of the navigation tolls on the Rhine from the 1st January, 1867."

AUSTRIA. VIENNA, August 19. The Debatte of to-day states, under reserve, that direct negotiations will very shortly be resumed be- tween the Pope and King Victor Emmanuel. The Pope, it adds, is said to have announced his resolution to this effect to Count de Sartiges, and Italian pleni- potentiaries will shortly arrive in Rome. The official Vienna Gazette of to-day publishes the text of the armistice convention concluded between Austria and Italy. According to intelligence received here from Paris, the place in which the peace negotia- tions will be conducted between Austria and Italy has not yet been definitively fixed upon. Italy is stated to have proposed Vienna, but it is not thought probable that this proposition will be entertained.

INSURRECTION OF POLISH EXILES AT IRKUTSK. ST. PETERSBURG, August 20. Intelligence received here from Irkutsk states that 1,000 Polish exiles had revolted in that town and ill-treated their officers, afterwards taking refuge in the woods. Several Russian soldiers were killed. An insurrection has also taken place at Sukumkale in consequence of a direct levy of taxes. A Russian colonel and several officers were killed. The insurgents also set fire to the town.

THE ATLANTIC CABLE. VALENTIA, Sunday Night.. A telegram from Newfoundland by the Atlantic cable announces an interruption on the land between Bay du Nord and Grandy's Brook, about oUO miles from Heart's Content.

FRANCE.. OA PARIS, August 20. The Emperor paid a visit yesterday to the Empress of Mexico at the Grand Hotel. He was cheered by the crowd on his return to St. Ctoud. His Majesty afterwards walked on foot in the Bois ae iJouIogno.

ITALY. FLORENCE, August 20. A royal decree haa been issued appointing. Prince Humbert Honorary President of the Italian Commis- sion of the Paris Exhibition. Baron de Malaret, the French Minister, is also among the niQEabess of the commission.

MEXICO. Intelligence from Vera Cruz to the 27th ultimo, announces that several letters from Santa AnD had been intercepted, ana numerous arrests made. Juarez had refused Sanua Anna s services on the ground that his presence in Mexico would be an element of discord and weakness. The Diario del Imjpeno states that the visit of the Empress Charlotte to Europe has for its object to treat personally with irance upon important matters point- ing to the interests of Mexico. It was rumoured that Maximilian was preparing to leave the country.

AThlERICA. r NEW YORK, August 10. Governor Wells, of Louisiana, has issued an address justify ing the assembling of the Free State Convention in New Orleans, and declaring that its opponents had concerted a plan to break it up by force. He states that the rebel feeling of the slaveholding aristocracy is not yet extinguished, and that they seek to retain political power by the same spirit of political violence by which their chiefs, sustained their suprssaaoy before the war. If the :military be withdrawn he declares the lives of Union men will not be safe. Military law prevails in New Orleans, and the sale of arms and ammunition is forbidden. ) A member of the Free State Convention has made j affidavits, charging the mayor and sheriff with com- I I plieity in homicide during the riots. The inspector of the Freedmen's Bureau reports that the system of contracts enforced by the Bureau is simply slavery in a modified form. i1 Mr. Davis's health is rapidly declining. His counsel is still endeavouring to obtain his release on bail. Queen Emma of the Sandwich Islands is receiving much attention from the public functionaries in New York. The cholera in this city continues abating.

THE ARMISTICE BETWEEN AUSTRIA AND ITALY. General Petitti has addressed the following dispatch to the President of the Council of Ministers:— "Udine, August 12, 9.20 p.m. I communicate to your Excellency the text of the armistice convention. I had obtained from the Impe- rial Commissioner the insertion of the following condi- tions :— "1. That the inhabitants of the Italian Tyrol, and other localities re-occupied by the Austrian troops, should not be molested for their acts or the opinions they may have expressed during the Italian occupation. "2. That the former employes of the Austrian Go- vernment should be put to no inconvenience on ao« count of their having given in their adhesion to the Italian Government. 3. That the forced loan should not be collected, and that no war tax should be imposed. "4. Free navigation of the canals and rivers of which the mouths are in territory not oceupied by the Austrians. "The Archduke did not approve the first three j points, which, in his opinion, were unfit for a military convention and beyond our competency. The Austrian Commissioner has assured me that his Government will show itself generous towards persons politically compromised, and will collect neither forced loan not war taxes. The fourth point was found to be need- less, the free navigation of those waters not being dis- puted. (Signed) "GENERAL PETITTI." 'ARMISTICE CONVENTION CONCLUDED TO- DAY BETWEEN THE MILITARY COM- MISSIONERS OF THE ITALIAN AND AUSTRIAN ARMIES. "1. The armistice will commence on the 13th August, at midday, and will last four weeks, that is to 3ay to the 9th September. Hostilities cannot recom- mence without ten days' notice. In the absence of notice the armistice will be considered prolonged. "2. The limits of the territories occupied by the troops during the duration of the armistice will be for 1 the Austrian the following:— (a) The present Lombardo-Venetian frontier from the Lago di Garda to the Po. (b) The Po to within one kilometre below Ostiglia, and thence a straight line to within seven and a half kilometres below Legnano, on the Adige, near the town of Bartolomea. (c) The continuation of the said line to the Fratta, the right bank of this stream to Pavruano, thence a line through Lobbia to the confluence of the Chiampo with the Alpone; then the right bank of the latter to the summit of the Tre Croci, on the political frontier. H (d) The political frontier, from the mouth of the river Ansa-Porto-Buso to near Villa, then a line seven and a-half kilometres round the outer works of Pal- j manuova. This line commences at Villa, passes between Gouars and Morsano, and terminates at Percotto Torre-the left bank of the Torre at Tar- cento-and thence by Prato Magnano to Salt, between Osoppo and Gemona. At the Tagliamento, the left bank of the river to the foat of Mount Cretis, and the back of the hills which separate the valleys of San Pietro and Goito, to Mount Cogliano on the political frontier. (e) Round Fort Malghera, a circle seven and a- half kilometres in circumference. The Government has the right to use that part of the Padua and Treviso railway comprised in this circle. "(/) The same circle of 7t kilometres round the outer works of the other fortifications of Venice. In the localities where there is not sufficient territory the lagunes, and if there be outer canals near these circles, the inner bank of such canals. The port of Cavanella d'Adige will not be occupied by either of the two armies. The navigation of the Loveo Canal and of the Po upon the east shall be free to the Royal Italian troops. 11 (g) The limits of all the parts of Vanetia not occupied by the Austrian troops. 3. The provisioning of Venice shall be free. "4. Access to the territories reserved to the Aus- trian troops is forbidden to the Royal troops and the Italian volunteers. Access to the territories reserved to the Italian troops is equally prohibited to the Aus- trian troops and volunteers. Leave is, however, granted to the officers of either army to cross upon duty the territory reserved to the other under recipro- cal escort. "5. The prisoners shall be reciprocally exchanged; Austria will send hers to Udine; Italy those in her possession to Peschiera. "6. Italian officials in the territories occupied by the Imperial and Royal troops shall not be molested, neither shall the Austrian officials and military men on half-pay residing in the territories occupied by the Italian troops. "7. The return homo of interned' subjects of both parties is permitted. Nevertheless they shall not be allowed to enter the fortresses occupied by the troops of the Government by which tbay have been interned. (Signed) A. PETITTI, General. Cormons, August 12." "CHARLES MoEiNG.

THE AWFUL FIRE AT ANTWERP. The Antwerp steamer which has just arrived reports that up to the period of her departure from Antwerp the great fire was still ragiag tremendously. The extent of property in buildings and merchan- dise at present consumed is roughly calculated at from j6200,000 to < £ 300,000. The fire broke out at about seven o'clock on Friday morning in some mer- chants' Btores situate in the Place de W&lborgo, a kind of square fronting the quay, and known as the commercial neighbourhood of Antwerp. The buildings were chieny lofty warehouses filled with merchandise of every description, while in the basement stretched extensive vaults filled with some thousand barrels of petroleum oil, and to the latter may be attributed the consequences that have befallen the city. Ihe first rarige of warehouses attacked were the three belonging to M. Dennis Haine, and by noon the whole of them were in a blaze from end to end. It there reached a magazine or depot where there was storedsome 10,000 barrels of petroleum. The local firemen, police, and military strove every exertion to stay its progress, and succeeded in rolling a great many barrels out of the building on to the quay, but the explosions and vehement fury of the flames compelled them to retreat. During the whole day and night and follow- ing day the conflagration swept on with terrific force. The flaming petroleum from the stores in question poured out in a stream and flowed down into the range of vaults above alluded to, where the larger quantity of petroleum was deposited, and which was all along so much dreaded. The fire then increased in magnitude ten-fold, and explosions that followed shook the whole city, and brought down many houses, while many people are reported to have been killed. The force of the explosions blew in the brick- work of the sewers, into which the burning petro- leum flowed, and by that means found its way into a great many houses in the Rue de Saa's and in many other streets in the locality. The military drove the people out to a place of safety. Among the buildings that were subsequently consumed were the Hdtel do Cobourg, the bonded stores known as the Great Swan and the Little Swan, and a series of others of a commercial character. The engines that were brought into play were perfectly inadequate to contend against so awful a fire. There was only one steam fire. engine there, and that belonged to a private firm at Antwerp. Most of the London fire offices have large insurances on the consumed property.

Failure and Arrest of Two Bankers.—It ia reported from Auxonne (Cote d'Or) that the two bank. ing houses of M. Clement and M. Viallei; have been de- clared bankrupt. The liabilities for that town alone are estimated at 230,000f. On the order of the Pro- cureur Imperial both the gentleman mentioned have been arrested and talssn to Dijon. John fJosBieB! Co/* Cherry Ti'ooOi Pat"e, prioo 18. 0d. DecidedT the best preparation for cleatli11¡g autl preseiTiug the teeth. SoldbjaUperfamESsaiiiicficaiists. lii,;Jit K.ing"cltCJmba!'t.kt.o.1i14