Monmouthshire Merlin

MISCELLANEA. Dnring the past week 71 wrecks have been reported, making the total for the present year 1,784. The Pacific, from the Pacific, has brought in specie, and the Pera, from Alexandria, £ 7,992. Mr. Ole Bull, most eccentric of commonplace fid- dier", has been playing in Boston, United States. The Austrian official expedition for the lion of Oiiental Asia sailed a few days bac Tr'e-te. Stephen Pickuls, theatre proprietor, Halifax, has been fined for the performance of stage plays in an Unlicensed house. The council of the Archoeolosncal ha v-e se lecte 1 Bury St. Edmunds as the place xa which to Hold their congress next year. The celebrated dansense, Monravlof who npon making a wealthy marriage, .had retired from the stage, has just died at Kasan, in Russia. Mr. Edmund Yates will contribute the novel to the new series of All the. ;,° n The story will be called H Wrecked in Port. Mips Louise Moore and Miss Edith Challi" have left England for America, to appear in "After Dark, which is to be produced at Niblo's Garden, in New York. The private view of the Exhibition of Cabinet Pic- tures by British and Foreign Artist", French Gallery, took place on Saturday. The public were admitted on Monday. tt Dr. Edward H. Sievekinghas addressed a letter to the editor of the Times, urging the revival of an at- tempt which was made some time ago to establish a System of nursing for the sick poor. The death of Miss Walters, who, under a wen- known sobrinuet, attained some notoriety as an equestrian both in the hunting field and in Rotten- row, is announced. She died at Paris last week. An enterprising publisher in Glasgow has intro- duced a new kind of note into music printing; the head of the note, whether closed or open, bears a let- ter signifying the name of the note.-Musical Stand- wrd. A cheap book, designed for the peonle, "The Secret Memoirs of Queen Isabel," has met with a Prodigious sale at Madrid, and is one of the most humiliating pictures ever held up to public execra- tion. His Roval Highness the Dnke of Erlinburgb has lately honoured Mr. Robert Dowling with sittings For his portrait, which that gentleman has been com- tnisc;ioned to paint for the town of Launceston, ias- tnania. The political disturbances in Spain will not prevent the completion of all the engagements entered into bv the Madrid Onera. A musical and artistic journal h^sbeen started in Barcelona, under the suggestive title of Corre, ve y di le. Signor Rossini is indisposed, and at the asreof76 there is danger in his everv ailment. M. Auber, his senior bv 10 years, is however, hearty as ever, there is a report-unfounded we hope-that Rumor Botta- silli iB dr-nd.—JitbgnCEUTV- Intelligence has reached London from Bombay of the death of Captain Joseph Kdye,.C.B., of Her Ma- jesty's corvette Satellite. Captain .Edye s services dnrincrthei in Abyssinia were ui vain able, an 1 have been warmly acknowledged by Lord Napier and Sir Leopold Heath. The death of Herr E. Hildebrandt, the eminent Prussian landscape-painter, is announced. This rminter had two pictures at the International JV?hi- tiv' 1862, being Nos. 645 a ad 647, Foreign Division, Landscape—Tropical Rains in the Vicinity ofRiode Janeiro", and A Winter Landscape." On Monday being the first day of the Michaelmas Term, the Court,; of Law and E inity were opened at Westminster with the customary formalities. Previ- ously the judges an I the serjeauts and Queen's con n- Bel breakfasted with the L Irr1 Clin eel lor at his pri- vate residence, Cromwell Honses, Kensington. We believe that the Hercules, when thoroughly fitted and ready for sea, will proceed on a trial in company of the Minotaur, so that the various quali- ties of these formidable shins will be tested in 1 ma t- ncr so that 'he uneroritv of the one over the < ther will ve carefully ascertained. Army and Navy Gazette. The Queen has sanctioned the following regiments bearingthe wor "Abyssinia" oil their colours :—i'he 3r l (Prince of Wales's) Dragoon Gnarls. 4th (King's OWn Roval) Regiment of Infantry, 33rd Dnke of Wel- lington's) Regiment of Infantry, an 1 the 46th (Not- tinghamshire, Snerwood Foresters) Regiment of In- fantry. On Monday afternoon, while a man, rarael David Stevens, employed at the Barrow Ironworks, was spragging" a waggon which was being tipped at 'the ore (le,ot, thr) qi)r,,i- ,t,,vit(,- I a,Ii: sL Ilis so as to throw him down, and he fell under the wheels. Hi, face and head were fearfully crushed, and when taken up he was quite dead. On Monday evening intelligence was received in Livernool to the effect that the baroue Bonita. of JeVqeVj which had b,?- fallen in with at sea a derelict, had been taken into Weymouth. The steamer Royal Exchange, tradingbetween Lvttl«tonand Melbourne, is reported to have been lost while on a voyage to the latter port- There is no word as to the fate of the crew. There are at present 121 English barristers as candidates for Parliamentary ho o'irs, of whom only 61 are practising barristers 17 members of the Irish bar, six of them practising barristers, together with six members of the English bar, of whom two are practicing barristers, are candidates for Irish seats. The number of solicitors in the field is nine, eight English and one Irish. Mr. Doulton writes a letter in which he Promises that a full investigation shall be made of the matters involved in the rece"t Proceedings at Brussels. Mr. Doulton snvs he has. commenced legal proceedings against Mr. Cli ch, to which that gentleman has raised such pleas as will effectually elicit the most complete, and, as Mr. Doulton, believes the most Satisfactory information. An Irish Min isterial journal states that the Rail- way Commissioners are preparing a supplemental report, containing direct recommendations for a pnr- chase of the Railways of Ireland, "Ministers desiring to submit a scheme to Parliament almost immediately after the session opens." The statement is generally supposed to have merely an electioneering signifi- cance. The Right Hon. Sir John Pakington, First Lord of the Admiralty, and Vice Admiral Sir Sydney Dacres K.C.B. Naval Lord of the Admiralty, returned to town on Saturday, after a three weeks' inspection of the various dockyards and harbours. We (Teleprwph) Understand that their lordships propose to submit to the Admiralty a plan by which a saving will be effec- ted in each of these departments of upwards of £40,000 a year. The Halifax Corporation has decided to re-erect North Bridge, which connects the north and south Parts of Halifax, it having become inadequate for the increasing traffic, and showing signs of decay. There have been two schemes before the Corporation, one to build the bridge of stone, with five arches, and the other of iron, with only two arches. The Town Coun- cil have adopted the latter plan. The estimated cost is about £ 20,000. The Limerick Corporation has "entered a protest" against the manner in which its memorial to the Lord Lieutenant on behalf of the Fenian prisoners was re- ceived. His Excellency's letter refusing to receive a deputation on the subject was read at a meeting of the body on Thursday, and, after a brief discussion as to the course to be taken, it was resolved to commn- nicate with the Cork Town Council before resolving on any definite action. The latest curiosity of Ilroadway, New York, is the so-called Mexican resurrection plant, which is exhi- bited and sold there. The plant is apparently dead, bnt it demands only water to unfold before the eyes with rich leaves of an emerald hue. It is a native of Southern Mexico,, where, during the rainy season, it flourishes luxuriantly, but in the dry weather dries and curls up, and is blown about by the wind. Each such specimen, however, when placed in a plate of water bursts into new life. The new suspension bridge at Niagara Falls, com- menced over a year ago, will be complete I about the end of November. The bridge extends from a pCJint just below the American Falls to a point on the Canadian side just below the Clifton house. The span is 1,264 feet and 4 inches, and the two cables are 1,900 feet long. In each cable there are seven wire ropes, each two and a half inches in diameter. The snan is said to be longer than that of any other suspension bridge in the world, Loss OF A FISHING BOAT AND FOUR LIVES.— A fishing boat belonging to the Isle of Man has been swamped between the 24th and 28th ult., and the whole of the occupants, four in number, drowned. On the 28th ult. two bodies were washed ashore at Tilecroft, in the liberty of Millom, Cumberland. The bodies have since been identified by the brother of one of them to be those of John Sayles and John Jovghini, aged about sixteen and nineteen. Both were assistant fishermen, belonging to the Isle of Man, and left that place on the 24th ult., in company with two others who had not since been heard of, for the purple of taking inching lines. ~i It is understood that the Channel squadron, under Bear Admiral Warden, will shortly proceed tose,, and the Tagus is stated to be the rendezvous of the ships prior to their being separated for the winter. THE ALABAMA CLAHMS.—The standard, referring to the reoorts of this difficulty having been arrange: says that though there is goo I reason to believe that the end is not far off, there is certainly no prese t ground for the assertion that a settlement has been arrived at. The negotiations between the Midland and London and North-Western with respect to the Settle and Carlisle line are still going on. The North -Western offer terms of joint ownership, but the question is one of so much importance to both parties, that we are not surprised to learn that final decision upon it is not hastily taken.—Railway News. Mr J Norman Lockver has succeeded in obtaining and observing the "bright gaseous prominences on the sun's surface without an eclipse—a feat hitherto thought impossible. The process is rather one ot hsli- ill go for them with the spectroscope than of looking for them; but he has obtained them, and obtained, of course, their spectrum analysis.—Spectator. Letters from Pau say that M. Marfori has humbly tendered his resignation as intenclente of Queen „lsa- bella's household, and recommended Her Majesty to replace him by another Snanish grandee.. It is said that as soon as Queen Isabella comes to Paris, she will send her son, the Prince of the Asturias, to study at the Lycee Bonaparte. THE DEAN OF YORK—AS some anxiety has been felt at the delay in nominating a successor to Dr. Ma^ee, Bishop designate of Peterborough, we think it ri^ht to state that the Deanery of Cork will not be considered vacant until the consecration of Dr. Ma gee, which probably will not take place before the 24th of November, and consequently the nomination, of his successor will not take place until after that date.- Dublin Express. EXTENSIVE ROBBERY OF COTTON.—At the Liver- pool Borough Sessions, on Friday, five men and a yonth were convicted of an extensive robbery of cot- ton from a warehouse in Dacre street. In the course of the trial, it transpired that at one time it was seriouslyt intended by at least two of the prisoners to set fire so the warehouse in order to hide their thefts. Two of the principal culprits were sentenced to neral servitude, and three of the others to terms of imprisonment. The sixth prisoner was not sentenced, THE CLAIM OF WOMEN TO VOTE IN SCOTLAND. -At the sitting of the Registration Appeal Court in Edinburgh on Friday, the question of the right of females to be registered as voters came up for con- sideration, on an appeal supported in the Conservative r terest, from the burgli of Stranraer. The court affirmed the decision of the sheriff in refusing the c'aim, holding that the common law of the land re- striulitLa ri^ht.to vote to male persons. WORRTED BY A BEAR.—On Saturday afternoon a man, about forty-five years of age, named Henry Scott, who was employed by Mr. Jennison, in the Bel'e Vne Gardens, Manchester, was so severely worried bv one of the bears that he is not expecte 1 to recover. The unfortunate man was cleaning out the cage in which the animals were confined when he incautiously lifted the gate too far, and one of them getting its snout below forced its way out and pursued Scott. Before assistance arrived he was so serionsly torn that he had to be taken to the Royal Infirmary, where he still lies in a precarious condi- I, tion. THE LAST CORK "OUTRAGE."—The Cork Examinrr gives particulars of the sworn statements of the oc- cupants of the house of Mr. W. H. Wigmore, of Bally- voduck, the "attack" unon which has been already reported. About nine o'clock on Sunday night, it an- pears, twenty armed men-all of whom save two wore crape over their faces—forced a way into the house and demanded arms "in the name of the Irish republic." Two of the band had the annearance of Americans. The request made was, it is alleged, complied with to the extent Mr. Wigmore was able. The removal of the arms took place, as alleged, about ten minutes before nine on Sunday evening, but it was not until nine o'clock next morning that any report was madet" the police. Mr. Wigmore stated that he had delayed reporting the matter sooner because he di1 not wish to send any of his people out of the house during the night. A FORMIDABLE RIVAL TO THE IRONOLADS.-The Prussian Admiralty have determined uoon a novel experiment in the art of naval warfare. The Ariadn-3, a corvette now b1 ilding, is'to be arme 1 with six guns of very heavy calibre (72 and S6-ronn'1ers, according to the Prussian terminology), and capnbl^ of doing grievous damage to cuirassed ships a long distance off. As the Ariadne it to be o;llv ofwo>>d, she will not dare to approach the iron monsters of the sea close enough to offer them a direct mark but what would constitute her weakness at close quarters will, it is expected, render her all the more formidable at a distance. Being much swifter in her movements than the ironclads, it fs exnected she will engage them at an advantage miles off, and by her manoeu- vring prove a dangerous enemy to the strongest of them. A single well-aimed bullet shot from her decks would certainly be enough to create dreadful havoc in ships protected by 8-inch and 9-inch plates of the best kind hitherto in use.-Times' Cor. MURDER AND SmCIDE.—On Friday, a shoemaker, named Boddington, living at Northampton, murderel his wife, and then cut his own throat. The man an,l his wife were UP stairs, and an old woman in the same house, hearing a noise, went to the door of her room and saw Mrs. Boddington tumbling down stairs. Her throat was cut. Medical assistance was sent for, but before Dr. Barr arrived the woman was dead. On going UP stairs the husband was found on his knees, with the blood pouring from two wounds in his throat. A shoemaker's knife was lyingon the bed before him, and the room was covered with blood. He inquired if his wife was alive, and on being told that she was dead, he said he would have done it again, and that she had robbed him of 3s. He repeated the remark several times over. Boldington was taken to the hospital, but died immediately he was taken into the house. He had been in ill-health for sometime, and in low spirits. There bad been no estrangement be- tween him and his wife, and no ill words had passed between them. He was canvassed for his vote a day or two before the melancholy occurrence, and his re- nly was, "T don't know that I shall vote for any one." It is supposed from this that the murder of his wife and his own suicide were premeditated acts. AN IRISH GHOST.—A respectable farmer named Gear, residing at Ballymacmorrough, about a mile and a half from Kanturk, was returning from Mal- low, on Thursday night, accompanied by his servant man,each in charge of ahorse and cart. The servant was in advance, and both had proceeded as far as Gnrteenhaha, when the foremost horse stopped sud- ?er¡]y, pricked up his ears, and convulsed violently. Ihe driver plied his whip and tried to urge him on, but he tnrew himself wildly into the air, and the next moment fell heavily upon the road. The man jumped out and looked round, but could see nothing, ana was m the act of relieving his horse when he re- ce}J v ,? desperate, blow on the back of his head, which threw him into the ditch. Gear's horse was knocked down in a similar manner, and himself struck on the back and thrown from his horse. Gear, says he saw a tall black figure of a man standing on the ditch over him he stooped for a stone, and when ho raised his head the mysterious apparition had vanished. Both the men are at present very ill, and Gear s back is quite black and charred. Gurteenbaha is remarkable for occurrences of a similar nature. About five years ago a respectable though unfortunate farmer was discovered on a winter's morning almost dea l on the precise spot where the last incident oc- curred, and he die ) positively declaring that he had been beaten by a ghost.-Cork Herald. POISONOUS MUSHROOMS.—On Friday evening Mr. William Carter, coroner for East Surrey, proceeded with an inquiry at the Wellington Arms tavern, Rockingham-street, Newington-causewav, resnecting the death of George Thomas Ryland, age 1 26 years, a "waterman and lighterman. Louisa Ryland, the widow of deceased, residing at 7, Devonshire-street, N owington-causeway, said that on Saturday night her husband came home quite well from Gravesend. He sai 1 he had been eating mushrooms. On Sunday morning, about twenty minutes to 4 o'clock, he got out of bed and complained of having a headache, and feeiing sick. He then vomited a little, and he a ter- wards wert to bed again. The witness went down- stairs and lighted a fire, and made him some tea, which she gave him with some toast and better. bout clock witness was in the next room adjoining de- ceased s when he called saying he was ill. He was in a cold perspiration, and witness called to the landlady to bring some brandy, which was given to him. He then suddenly vomited. She called in Dr. Evans abputllo clock and he gave him medicine after be'ng informed that he had been eauag mushrooms. Dr. Evans said he was poisoned. He had a fit shortly after the doctor came. He continued in a cold per- spiration, and was sick at intervals, vomiting a quan tityof blood and brown fluid, like mushrooms. He died at ten o clock on bunday night. Mr. Robert R Gregson, surgeon, of Trinity street, Borough said that on last Sunday afternoon he was called to the house of the deceased, and he found him in bed in a cold perspiration, and in a state of collapse. He was able to speak, but appeared confused, and complained of great pain at the chest. The symptons arose from mushroom poisoning. When witness saw the deceased he was dying, and he had no hope of recovery. He died from the effects of the poison. After some fur- ther evidence the jury returned a verdict that th) deceased died from eating poisououa mushrooms. The proceedings then terminated. Mr. Justice Willes has been selected by the other iud 'es of the Conrt of Common Pleas to try election 1, petitions during the ensuing year. LAMENTABLE prT ACCIDENT.—TWO MEN KILLED. —A fearful pit accident was reported on Saturday to the Falkirk police from Blackbraes, a small colliery village in the neighbourhood of Slamannan. On Fri- day two men were descending a pit in a cage, with the view of beginningtheir work. Scarcely, however, had they left the pit bank, when the rope which was letting down the cage broke, and the men were hurled to the bottom of the shaft, a distance of 800 feet. The death of bo'h men was apparently instantaneous, their ho lies heingfrightfnllv mangled. The names of the r'n, unfortunate men a^e Tr"nes Chalmers, a roadsman, aged thirty three, a;rl Jolm Francis Snoddon.aminer, aged thirty. Both men were in the employment of the Blackbraes Colliery Company, and resided in Blackbraes village. Chalmers leaves a wife and seven children; Sneddon was unmarried. The rope which did so much mischief is reported to have been in good order, and no reason as yet can be given for its break- ing. THE EMIGRATION FROM THE MERSEY.—-LARGS DECREASE IN THE EXODUS—On Monday, the emi- gration officials at Liverpool completed their usnal monthly return of the exodus from Liverpool. Dur- ing the month just terminated there sailed 25 shins under the Act, having on board 9,289 passengers, of whom .3.649 were English, 298 Scotch, 1,989 Irish, and .3,353 foreigners. Of the 25 ships, 19 sailed to the United States, with 7,433 passengers, of whom 2,7P2 were English, 265 Scotch, 1,742 Irish, and 2,634 foreigners. To Canada there were five ships, with 1,459 Passengers, of whom 682 were English, 58 Irish, and 710 foreigners. To Victoria there was one shin, with 297 passengers, of whom 175 were English, 33 Scotch, and 189 Irish. During the month the number of short ships, or ships sailing without Government sn^prvision was 21, of which severt left for the United States, with 732 passengers two for Victoria wi+h 118 passengars one to Canada with 38 passen- gers six to South America, with 95 passengers two to the West Indies, with six passengers and three to Africa, with 84 Twseugers—making a grand total of 46 ships, and 10,362 passengers, which, when com- pared with the corresponding month of last year, shows a decrease of 838 passengers. The erolns from Liverpool during September last was 12,720 souls. FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT ON A RAILWAY.—Another of those frightful accidents which have been of such freonent occurrence of late took place a few days ago resulting in the loss of two lives. The spot where the accident occurred was close by tie New-cross Station where the iron rails are verv numerous and compli- cated, and to keep them in working order the greatest care is necessary. On Saturday two plate layers had occupied some time in making good certain repairs, when the np-train due at New-cross came In sight, and the men stepped from the six foot way on to the down line, to allow the train to enter the station, where it was due at two minutes to eight. The men had scarcely left the snot at which they were at work and taken up a position as they thought of safety, when a test engine which is usually dispatched from the London terminus in order to ascertain whether the line was free from obstruction came suddenly up- on them, and dashed the two unfortunate men to nieces. The driver of the test engine had made every sffort in his nower to warn the men to remove, but the unexpected appearance of the locomotive seemed to have made them motionless, and thus they met their death. The remains of the Poor fellows pre- sented a shocking spectacle, and with as little delay as possible shells were procured in which they were placed, and conveyed to the station-master's office, from whence information was at once sent to the authorities at the chief station at London Bridge. In- timation of the terrible accident was also forwarded to the coroner for the division. The names of the unfortunate men were Charles Gaggs, aged 35, and William Wilson, aged 21. FR'G ITFUL DEATH.—Dr. Diplock, the coroner for West Middlesex, held an inquest on Saturday after- noon at the Prince of Wales tavern, Willesden-lane, Willesden, respecting the death of Mr. Edward Har,leshy, aged 48 years, an accountant residing in Duke-street, West Smithfield, who was found dead and frightfully mutilated on the North London Rail- way on Wednesday last. John Maxell, Duke-street, Smithfield, sai11 thnt he had known the deceased for some time. He left home on Tuesday evening, at half-past 7, and he was never seen alive again by his friends. Edward Etter, a signalman at the Edgware- road station of the North London Railway, deposed that on Wednesday morning, between 1 and 2 o'clock he received information that there was something lying in the "four foot" of the up line at Willes- den. Witness walked along the railway for some yards, when he saw the body of the deceased, which had been run over by a train. The deceased must have climbed over a fence and got down the embankment of the railway before he could get upon the line. One of his boots was lying about 12 yards from his body, and at the top of the embankment. Police- constable Thomas Skinnot, 156 X division, said that enrly on the morning of Wednesday last he was on duty near the railway bridge at Willesden, when he was informed of the occurrence. He went ([own upon the railway and assisted to remove the body, after which he searched it, and found some lawyer's letters and some money. A witness stated that when the deceased was discovered the state of his dress seemed to indicate that he had got down upon the line for some purpose, and had been run over and killed bv a train. The jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict That the deceased was accident- ally killed by a train on the North London Railway." THE NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF INDIA.—The Calcutta correspondent of the T%mes writes Ihe leading English journals of India have been no less emphatic than those at home in denouncing the ap- pointment of Lord Mayo but, that done, they have nil expressed a desire that a courteous welcome and fair play should be given to the man who assumes such responsibilities, and they make the most of the good Qualities ascribed to him—a genial temper, a willingness to work and support, if not design, firm and vigorous measures. The native journals, whose writers and readers cannot be expected to appreciate n strong government like the English residents, seem inclined to think well of Lord Mayo. It is usually assumed, however, that he will be in the hands of his Council and will yield even more than his predecessor to the detailed and, therefore, pernicious interference of the fifteen crotchetty old gentlemen who constitute th" Council of India. This is unfortunate at a time when the Council of the Governor-General itself will be undergoing changes. Mr. Maine will leave next Anril and after him Sir Henry Durand is the strongest man in Council. During Lord Elgin's brief adminis- tration India was really governed by Sir Henry, as Foreign Secretary, aud Mr. Maine. Sir Henry is of the same political party as Lord Mayo, and, as he is generally and justly considered the soundest and ablest living statesman, by both military men and civilians, we can only hone that his influence on Lord Mayo will be long continued. But he is waxing old, and is now in England on sick leave. Sir R. Temple is an admirable executive officer, but he has yet to prove that he is a wise Councillor. Mr. John Strachey is a safe, prudent, and experienced man. Then Sir W. Mansfield is more efficient as a Councillor than as a soldier. If Sir H. Durand returns, and is not soon promoted to the Punjab, the Lieutenant- Governorship of which Lord Elgin promised him, and for which he is by far the best man, Lord Mayo will have admirable advisers in all but the important specialities of law and finance. QUAINT CIVIC CEREMONY.—On Friday, in accord- ance with an immemorial custom in the city, the Secondary of London, the City Solicitor, and one of the retiring under Sheriffs, attended before the Queen's Remembrancer, prepared with the usual warrants, one for the lato Sheriffs appearance to account, and one appoint ing attorneys to account on their behalf. These were read in succession by Mr. Secondary Potter, and, on the order of the Queen'i j Remembrancer, filed and recorded. Then followed a curious custom, handed down from feudal times. Solemn proclamation having been made calling upon the tenants and occupiers of a piece of waste ground called "The Moors," in the county of Salon, to "come forth and do their service," the City Solicitor (Mr. Nelson) presented himself and gravely cut a faggot with a hatchet and another with a billhook, according to a time-honoured usage. Proclamation was again made commanding the tenants and oc- cupiers of a certain tenement, called "The Forge," in the parish of St. Clement Danes, in the county of Middlesex, to "come forth and do their service," upon which the City Solicitor approached and counted "six horseshoes and 61 nails." The Queen's Hemembrancer then replied, according to precedent, Good number," and with that the ceremony-which is repeated from year to year tyith as much solemnity and punntuality as if the very existence of the Cor- poration of London depended upon its performance- terminated. For its observance there may be more reasons than meet the eye, seeing that a source of income amounting to taO,000 a year, under a lease renewable for ever, of an estate in Finsbury, and which they had derived for generations, has recently been lost to tho Corporation for ever through the alleged inadvertence of one of its high officers, long dead, iu allowing for a single day the period for re- newing the lease to lapse. The circumstances have lately been investigated by a committee of the Court of Common Council, but only to increase the mortifi- cation which the matter has occasioned, and to show the omission to be irretrievable, this great source of income, which is constantly augmenting from the increased and increasing value of property there, '-having passed to the Eccle»iastical Commissioners, vho are inexorable. Offenpach is at present in Vienna. A few nights back he was present at the performance of one of his pieces, when a player of the violoncello in theorches- tra was taken suddenly ill. The maestro seized the instrument and replaced the musician. At the close of the performance the manager came and gravely presented him with a florin, as the price of his labour. lie took the money gaily in remembrance of his for- mer occupation. The London Monday popular concerts are to re- commence on the 16th of November. There will be no change in the principal executants. Herr Pauer will play at the first two concerts; Madame Arabella Goddarcl and Mr. Charles Halle are engaged for January and February—Madame Schumann also ap- pearing in the latter month and in March M. Sainton and Herr Straus will lead till Christmas, when Herr Joachim will arrive, remaining till the end of the season. Signor Piatti will be the only violoncellist. A TUNNEL UNDER THE MERSEY.—At a meeting of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board on Friday a letter was read from Messrs. Hall, Stone, and Flet. cher, solicitors, of Liverpool, informing the board that they had been empowered to draw up a bill for presentation in the next session of parliament to em- power a company now in course of formation to con- struct a tunnel from the western end of the Birken- head Docks to the north end of Liverpool, and con- verging with the line of railway at that point. It was agreed that the Board of Works should meet a depu- tation from the company. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE NEAR COVENTRY.—At a late hour on Saturday night one of the most destructive fires which has occurred in the neighbourhood for some time past, broke out upon the premises of Mr. Hollick, farmer, of Bagiugton, near Coventry. A mounted messenger was at once despatched to Coven- trv for assistance, and arrived there at one o'clock on Sunday morning. The members of the Coventry Volunteer Fire Brigade and Sun Fire Brigade at once got their engines in readiness, and proceeded to the scene of the conflagration. By this time, however, the fire had done considerable damage, no less than sixteen ricks having fallen a prey to the devouring element. l ive others were on fire, and to them the attention of the firemen was at once directed. After labouring incessantly for many hours they succeeded in saving two ricks and the dwelling house. Portions of five other ricks were also saved. The fire is sup- posed to be the work of an incendiary. MURl'ER IN SCOTLAND.—The Glasgow Herald re- ports a murder, which was committed at Larkhall. On Sunday morning, while four men were proceed- ing from Larkhall to Ayr Road-End, they came up with five men who were also going to the same place. An altercation took place about a bottle of whisky in possession of one of the parties, which resulted in a general fight after they had arrived at their destina- tion. At the height of the melee a miner named John Jergusson Clark fell to the ground crying out, I am stabbed." He was carried by some of the people of the village to his lodgings, where lie died only a few minutes after the fatal blow had been struck. The wound, which was on the left side, must have penetrated the heart. Intimation of the murder having reached Hamilton, the chief constable and the procurator-fiscal at once proceeded to Ayr Road End and apprehended eight men, among whom, it is 'noosed, is the person who inflicted the murderous Btab. IMPORTANT TO CHURCHWARDENS.—A case of some importance to churchwardens was decided on Monday, in the Chancery Court of York. It was the case of the Rev. D. Ace, the vicar of Dacre, in the diocese of Carlisle, v. James Harrington and William Mounsey, two of the churchwardens of the parish of Dacre. This was an appeal by the plaintiff from the decision of the Chancellor of the Court of Carlisle, and the question in dispute was whether the incum- bent of a parish has the sole right of the custody and control of the parish church. The Chancellor had decided in the negative, and hence the present ap- real -Mr. Shepherd appeared for the appellant, and arfued that the keys of the church should be, of right, it the possession of the rector and incumbent, and that, conseiuently, the previous decision ought to be reversed.—Dr. Derne, of London, on the contrary, on the part of the defendants, contended that the minister has no right to the exclusive possession of the keys.—The Chancellor, however, decided that he had, thereby reversing the decision of the Court below, and granted costs. SUPPOSED TRAGEDY ON BOARD A COOLIE STIIP. -From Japan we have intelligence which is thought to indicate that a terrible tragedy has occurred o board a coolie ship. On the 25th August aba-que arrived at Hacodate in a very dilapidated conditio and without any papers. Traces of blood were visibl e upon her in various placee and the only persons on board were forty-two coolies, who stated that H12 European captain and crew had deserted the shir during a strong gale of wind. This statement being disbelieved, an investigation took place, winch had not terminated when the mrtil left. The vessel is ba- lieved to be an Italian barque, named the Providenza, which left Macao for some part of the west coast of America, as far back as July, 1867, with at least 300 coolies on board. They are suppose! to have risen against the captain and crew, and murdered them after a severe struggle, in which their own losses were heavy, and then taken the ship into their own hands. RAILWAY ACCIDENT AT DUNHAM, CHESHIRE.— A somewhat remarkable accident, fortunately unat- tended with loss of human life or personal damage, t"ok plaee on Sunday morning, near the Dunham^o'- th-Hill Station, on the Chester and Manchester i rrct line. A cattle train, which left Chester at five a.m. en route for Liverpool via Warrington, ran inLo a number of bullocks (which had broken through the fence of an adjoining field and strayed on the lire), and killed three of them. The engine and the fore part of the train clearerl the animals, but the waggons nt the rear were overturned. Almost instantly a goods train from Manchester came up, and, before the speed could be slackened, ran against the over- turned waggons. The conseouence of this collision was that the goods train was turned off the line and ran into a neld, where the engine and tender turned over. It is rather remarkable that, not only was no person hurt, but that the only living creatures who sustained damage were the three stray bullocks. The line was blocked throughout the day. The traffic was not, however, interrupte 1, with the exception of that between Dunham and Chester, as trains were rnn-On the same company's line-to and from Ches- ter and Manchester, via Hooton. REMARKABLE TIDAL DISTURBANCES AT SYDNEY. A remarkable phenomenon was witnessed in Sydney Harbour on the 15th August. It was high water nhout five o'clock on that morning, and the tide was > ^5 with considerable velocity about 8 a.m., when it suddenly turned, and the waters, as if impelled by some extraordinary influence, returned UP the har- bour With great force. At the Circular Quay very little disturbance was felt, but at Darling Harbour, and particularly in Johnstone's Bay, the effects were very marked. In some places the water seemed as 1. a boil, in others whirlpool eddies were formed, while at one time a tidal wave swept up Johnstone's f & snapping the wharps of one of the steam ferries at almain, and completely stopping another while on her passage across the harbour. The steamer fromParramatta, when off Peacock's Point, Balmain, was twisted round, aud for the time was completely unmanageable. The waters ai the head of the navi- receded several feet, and swelled again as suddenly, becoming as discoloured in appearance as atter a heavy flood. The Royal Mail steamer Matura, lying at her moorings in Johnstone's Bay, was swept round with her head to S.W., although a smart S.E. wind was blowing. The buoy of the A. S. N. Co's Works was also turned round several times with great raoirtity. A gentleman residing at Darling Point in- U" r ?bout ten o'clock the tide rose there oi v7 i 0 ln about five minutes, then seemed to ebb almost as rapidly, and during the day the tide was noticed to flow and ebb in that locality six times, the rises averaging about 2% feet in fifteen minutes. hycLney Morning Herald, A SCHOONER RUN DOWN.—A case of running down at sea occurred on Saturday morning about six "f'w11! n i Scarborough. The schooner Ariadne, o West Hartlepool, Captain Harrison, whilst on her passage trom Lyme Regis, with a cargo of cement, was run into, broadside on, in bright clear weather 'in a »r(?r, 'ugger, name and destination unknown. ihe Ariadne was cut down to the water's edge, and i-0 i.in1"61! vessel carried away her bowsprit and slightly damaged her bows. When the vessels struck bantam Harrison got on board the French vessel, of course expecting that his men, four in number, would be rescued from the rapidly sinking schooner, but he no sooner got on board than instead of standing by to take them on board, the French skipper stood off from the Ariadne. At the same time a man was ordered aft to get out a boat, wnich, as Captain Harri- son supposed, was to put off to the sinking vessels for the crew. He at once jumped into her, expecting to be followed by one of the lngger's crew. When im- me .lately the boat was cast off, and he found himself alone in her without oar, sail, or rudder. In this help- less situation he was sighted by his own crew, who had got out their own boat and abandoned the Ariadne which sank in 20 minutes after the collision. After ndmng himself of the victims of his careless steering the irerch lugger bore away under press of sail, evi- ileiitly indifferent as to the fate of the crew of the Eiiglilliseliootier. The boat in which Captain Harri- son was abandoned bore no mark which would lead to her identification. Having taken their captain on board, the crew of the Ariadne's boat made for Scar- borough, some six miles southward of the collision. and in an hour or two all were safely landed. Amongst the subscribers to the Wilber'orce fund 'or the maintenance of the Theological College of ^uddesdon as a permanent institution is Mr. Disraeli nrdEoO. At the Huddersfield Police Court, on Saturday, rhomas Crowther Crossley, beer retailer, Kirkgate In that town, was fined £ 20, with the alternative of three months' imprisonment, for having in his pos session a number of remnants of alpaca suspected to liave been purloined or embezzled. MAIL ROBBERY IN JERSEY.—On FrMayfeveninc' bhe letter orderly of the 43rd Light Infantry was robbed of the post bag which he was conveying from the Post-office, St. Helier, tothebaracksat St Peter's, a distance of some four miles. On his way through Beaumont, about half-way between the two plai es, he seems to have purchased a. bottle of rum. and to have removed the letters in order to put in the bot- tle, replacing the letters on the top. Soon after leaving Beaumont, however, he was set nnon by two men, who attempted to seize the letter-bag. He re- sisted, and a struggle ensued, in whi. h the "oor fel- low's thumb was broken, and the ruffians decamnol re-ith the bag. The soldier, on being found, was co reved to the military hospital at St. Peter's, but so :ar has been unable to afford further information, and ao clue has yet been obtained. The University of London has recently established i new degree, the highest in the faculty "of arts, with ihe title D- Lit. or Doctor of Literature. It is open to ill graduates in arts of the English universities and )f Dublin on passing two examinations at an interval )f at least a year. The former of these is in the Greek and Latin classics generally, with Prose compo- sition in Greek, Latin, and English, and in the his- tory of the world to the end of the eighteenth century. This examination also confers the degree of M.^A..At the second examiration candidates bring up, in all ;ases, the English language, literature, and history, md either the French or the German language and literature. In addition to these, they mav choose ;ither of these two, or any one of the following sub- ects :—An sIo-S p xon with Icelandic; Sanscrit, Arabic, Hebrew with Syriac. CHURCH CONFERENCE AT HUNTINGDON. — The ourth Church Conference in the diocese of Ely was leld on Friday, at Huntingdon, under the presidency )f the Bishop of the diocese, who was supported on :he occasion by the Earl of Sandwich, the Duke of Manchester, Bishop Macdougall, Hon. Charleq Fitz- rtdlliam., Archdeacon Yorke, and Archdeacon Emery. Resolutions were passed with but one or two dissen- ;ients, to to the following effect :-1. That it is de- jirable to strengthen the hands of the bishops by pro- noting a reform and amendment of the ecclesiasti- cal courts and otherwise, so as to bring the full and legitimate voice of the Church, clergy and laity, to bear upon the exercise of wholesome and godly dis- jinline in a more certain, expeditious, and inexpen- give manner. 2. That no associations or organisa- tions should be encouraged or promoted, except those wd upon the principles of the Reformed Church of England. 3. That it is desirable that in every parish ;he clergyman should seek the active assistance of ais communicants, so that no changes be made ex- :ept by consultation with them, and in accordance fvith the sanction of the bishop. 4. That it is desir- ible to employ more systematically the labours of ay persons in the work of Christ and His Church, md specially to adopt the plan of lav readers recom- nended by bishops, and other plans, such as of per- nanerit deacons, &c., when duly authorised. 5. Chat all parishes be recommended to work legally md fully the new Act of Parliament concerning Church rates, and to put in force sectiou 9, which jmpowers the constitution in everv parish and eccle- iiastical district of a corporation of Church trustees. THE NEW BARONETS.—Sir Charles Mills, as we earn from the County Families," is a son of the ate Mr. William Mills, of Bisterne, Hants, who was or many years a director of the Hon. East India Company in its good old days in Leadenhall-street, by Elizabeth, daughter of the late Hon. Wriothesley digby, of Meriden, Warwickshire. He was born in 792, and having been for many years connected with he India Office, and of late years actively employed is one of the Council for India, has now been re- varded with the title. Sir Charles, who is a magis- rate and deputy-lieutenant for Middlesex, married n 1825 Emilv, daughter of the late Mr. Richard Jenry Cox, of Hillingdon, near Uxbridge, by whom ie has, with other issue, a son and heir, Charles Tenry, a magistrate and a deputy-lieutenant for Middlesex, late M.P. for Northallerton, and IIn officer n the Middlesex Yeomanry Cavalry, who married in L853 Lady Louisa Lascelles, eldest daughter of Henry, ;hird Earl of Harewood, and sister of the present Earl. -Sir Robert Bateson Harvey, as we learn from the >ame source, is the only son of the late Mr. Robert Harvev, of Langlev Park, a magistrate and formerly high sheriff of Buckinghamshire, who died in 1P63, by his first wife. Jemima-Tane, daughter of the late Mr. Collins, of Hatch Court, Somerset. He was born in 1825, and he was educated at Eton and at Christ Church, Oxford. He is a magistrate and a deputy- lieutenant for his native country, and a captain in he Royal Buckinghamshire Yeomanry Cavalry. He las sat in the Conservative interest for Buckingham- ihire since the year 1864, when he succeeded to the !eat vacated by the accession of the Hon. William 3 George Cavendish to the peerage as Lord Chesham. Ie married a daughter of the Venerable Archdeacon 3reyke, by whom he has, with other issue, a son and ieir, Robert Grenville, who was born in 1856. THE LATE TOTAL ECLIPSE.—The Academy 01 Sciences last week received a communication from Captain Rapatel, of the Labonrdonnais steam packet, vhich was on her way from Madras to Calcutta on the 7th of August last, the date of the late eclipse. I his paperwas accompanied with a sketch, and an In- lian ink drawing, both executed by Mr. Henry, the ommissary of the vessel. The weather, though not oggy, was not quite clear nevertheless the sun could oe distinctly observed with coloured glasses. As the noon kept encroaching on the sun daylight gradually liminisherl, and when there remained nothing but a hin line of light the effect was that of a bright moon- ight, or a green Bengal fire, with its focus concealed rom view. As soon as the total eclipse commenced, he spectacle became magnificent. Long rectilinear ays constituted the aureola round our satellite the ose-coloured protuberances immediately became isible towards the east some foggy clonds assumed strong dull yellow tint, while to the west the sky ssumed the semblance of daybreak in the northern ititudes. No parallel luminous streaks, separated rom each other by clark snaces made their apnear- nce, nor could Captain Rapatel perceive any trace, odiacal light; but three stars became immediately isible the instant the last vestige of the sn ) disan- eared behind the moon, the border of which could ot be distinguished behind then. Some of the officers 1 f the Labourdonnais declare they saw the red pro- aberances encroach on the moon's disc but Captain Rapatel did not see this himself, a-id does not gaaran- 3e it. The darkness was not so great as to prevent ery small print from being readable, and Mr. Henrv '■as enabled to continue his sketches. The end of the clipse was ushered in by a sheet of splendid violet 1 ght bursting into view just before the snu reap- « eared. The barometer experience 1 no change, but < lie temperature fell to 28deg. centrigrade, sutu- 1 ient to cause a fall of dew.-Galignani. I WILLS AND BEQUESTS.—The will of the Rev. harles Dodgpon, rector of Croft, Yorkshire, arch- ■ eacon of Richmond, and a canon residentiary of 1 .ipon, who died on the 21st of June last, was proved n the 16th inst., by the Rev. Charles Lutwidge •odgson, the son, Mr. Hassard Hume Dodgson, the S rother, and Mr. Robert Wilfred Skeffington Lut- 1 'idge, the executors. The personal property is sworn ( nder £ 10,000.—The will of Mr. Sidenham Teast, of ie Shrubbery, Redland, Westbury-upon-Trym, who ied on the 17th of August last, was Proved on the S 5th inst. by Jacob Strickland and William Montagu f aillie, the executors. The personal property is sworn nder £ 1,00,000.—The will of Sir John Brocas Whal- < iy Smyte Gardiner, Bart, late of Roche Court, f outhampton, and Clerk Hill, Lancashire, was proved a the 23rd inst. by Mr. William Henry Domville nd the Rev. Granville Hamilton Forbes, the e,ecu- )rs. The personal property is sworn under £ 9,000. < he testator has left to Mr. Domville a legacy of 200, and to the Rev. G. H. Forbes one of £ 400,"both -ee of duty. The executors are directed to raise at of the Bargus estate, at Fareham, the sum of 15,000, to be equally divided between the deceased's i ounger children, and subject thereto the deceased i as appointed the said estate to his son who shall t rst attain 21. The deceased's estate at Clerk Hill nd Whalley, with the rest of his real estate and the ssidue of his personal estate, is given to his eldest £ m for life, with remainder to his sons successively < 1 If ocu: Dean Milman was proved { ? 28th rnst. by the Rev. Williatn Henry Milman ad Arthur Milman, the sons of deceesed, two of the s Kecutors. The other executor, Mary Ann Milman. idow, the relict of deceased, has a power reserved i ) her to prove hereafter. The personal property is i vorn under £20,000. The testator, by his will, has 1 -it the whole of his property to his widow for life, ( nd after her death to be equally rlivirIe1 between is three sons—the said Rev. William Henry Milman, id Arthur Milman, and Archibald John Scott Mil- ian. By the co licil the testator gives after his 1 idow s death to his son, Arthur Milman, whom he lecially appoints as his literary executor, ail his ] jpyrights, particularly the copyright of his "His < >ry of Christianity from the Birth of Christ to the i xtinction of Paganism," and his History of Latin 1 Inistianity," on the condition that, if any further ] litions of these works are wanted, he will"superm- ini their publication.—The will, with a codicil, of < r. Sheffield Neave, late of Oakhill, Ilemnstea l, was ] roved on the 27tli inst. The personal property was < vorn under £ 100 000. { I At the Brighton Police-court, on Friday, Edward Martin, a middle-aged man, was charged with having disturbed the congreo^tion at St. James's Chapel on T-i by shouting "Protestants to the rescue TI /i r j1"ess,°'! wps «a"siup along the aisles. l lie defendant, who e-Pre«sed his regret, pleaded gni v, and was fined 20< and costs. In futnre admission to bt. James's Chapel is to be by ticket. A. MAYOR S ELOQUENCE.—A newly-appointed .Mayor of Saint Saturmn (Vancluse) delivered himself of a speech the other day, the peroration of which was as follows ViveV Fmnerevr Yes, gentlemen, Vivo I En^errur vtveS anoleon III. that other C^sar on the battle-held, that other Louis who with a flash, o, his eye engenders Billaults Rouhers about his per- son, on the summit of that pyramid whose vast and profound bar- rests upon eighty-nine departments ab v administered by Boharts and SarrebrousPe V ^udevilles. These names are those of the Mayor's immediate administrative superiors, the prefect and sub-prefect of Yaucluse. THE .ABYSSIN'AN BATTA.—With reference to the numerous. applications which have been received a1 the India office for the payment of the Abyssinian do ation batta, a military contemporary says ATajor-General Pears ha" issued a request to the varions army agents, that they will forward any cer- tificates that they mav have received from officers of her Majesty's Indian Staff Corps showing that their shares have not been pai 1 in India, with a view to the Question being taken i -to consideration whether it wi. be practicable to pay their claims in this country Prior to the receint of the rolls, which have been called for from India, of those who have not been paid in that country." .-Lord Stanley, Her Majesty's Prin- cipal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, has re- ceived from Mr. Fagan, Her Majesty's Charge d' Anaires to Venezuela, a copy of the following notifi- cation which is publishe 1 for the information of liiltish claimants against the Government of Vene- zuela. "Notice to British subjects having claims pending against the Government of Te lezuela.—AII persons having claims against the Governmenl of Venezuela are reinestpd to Present or forward the Fame, together with t.he necessary proofs or vouchers, to the undersigned within three calendar months from the date hereof, after which late they cannot be sub- Tnitte. 1 to the Mivei Commission now in session in this city for the adjudication of Pending British claims. Ze-or~e Her Britannic Majesty's Charga a Affaires to \enezu- la.—British Legation, Caracas. THE YELVERTON CASE ONCE MORE.—A curious action against Major Yelverton, at the instance of his former antagonist, Mrs. Maria Theresa Longworth, otherwise Yelverton, was decide! a few days ago by the First Division of the Court of Session. The laiy now seeks to have the judgments of this Court and of the House of Lor is reduced"—that is to say, an- nulled and I'ec.ared void—on the ground that the Scotch Courts had not jurisdiction to entertain action- in which neither of the Pai tie^ were domiciled in Scotland, or had ever hn 1 so much as forty rlays. residence before citation. The Court seemed to think that, as the lady in the nresent actio i of reduction appeale 1 to the same Court whose jurisdiction to de- cide the former case she was denying, her c-Ise amoun- ted to a contention that it had not jurisdiction to de- cide wrongly, but that it had juris iiction to decide rightly and repair that wrong. They thpreFore dis- missed the action. The lady, on the other hand, mnv say that the decision amounts to an acknowledgment that all the in the former action were pro- nounced by Conrts without jurisdiction. THE PROPOSE > TUNNEL UNDER T IE ENGLISH CHANNEL.—Asthevaricus schemes for accomplish- ing the work have cronped up, we have given an out- line of them in these pages they hive met with more or less favonr according to the refute of their authors. That towers would have to be constructed at certain intervals, for ventilation, and to act as lighthouses, v,o think is plain enough—thev would i riecessary. The work of forming and levelling the foundation for the length of tube woull, in our opinion, be one of the most diffi- cult parts of the comprn as for the general stability of a tunnel, when once constructe 1, we have no fear whatever. But the question now prese ,ts itself to all reasonable folks-Is there any necessity for such a tunnel? We no not ti.iuk there is, so long as it is possible to construct and work with ease, gigantic, well-appointed ferry-boats, with very capacious docks on either side, where a sufficiency of water could be had at all times. This scheme has never been tried it would pay, wp think; and not until this has been dorle, and iaiie :-which we do not think it would—shall we think of giving our unqualified ap- proval to any scheme for uniting England and France by means of a railway under the Channel.-English jltchanic for Oct. 30. Blt'GANi AGE IX ITATJY. The Naples journals state that Lieutenant Ghinelli and some men of the 61st Regiment last week captured five brigands form- ing part of Molinaro's band, concealed in a grotto near Pastina. The bandits were asleep, and with them was a prisoner of San Stenhano, aged/16, one of whose ears they had cut off. The lad went with joy on Leing- rescued, as he fully expected to be killed, not having any hone of his parents being able to nay a sum of 60,000fr. demanded for his release. While the brigands were being couducte 1 to Iso.etta they endeavoured to escape, but the soldiers lire land killed the whole. The Italw. of Naples, says :—"The bri- gand Antonio Mascnro, of Accaria, a village near Nicastro, went to the Scolese mill with the intention of killing his brother-in-law, Giovanni Mascaro. This idea is attribute to long-standing rancour. As soon as the bandit perceived Giovanni he killed him with a musket shot. He then went into the neighbouring vineyard and discharged the second barrel of his gun against Gregorio Fizio, a miller of the place, who died on the spot. Mascaro then made off and has not since been heard of. He belongs to the band of the Castaguese. The brigands who capture 1 Giuseppe Valone, of Torreorrsaia, have sent to his family de- manding a ransom of 29,"50f." A NEW EXPLOSIVE S UESTANCE.—The Journal des Corma^ssances Medicales relates a curious occurrence which took place at Moirtrosier, near Riom, a short time ago. M. Mittenswey, a Saxon manufacturer at Poeblitz, near Zwickhau, nas, it appears, invented a composition which he calls artificial saffron, on account of the powerful colouring property it possesses. Being specially intended for tinging vermicelli, an opera- tion generally performed with real saffron, the in- ventor sent specimens of his compound to a firm in Paris, through which it was forwarded to M. Verru, a vermicelli manufacturer at Montrosier. The work- man to whom the box containing this substance, which is in a pulverised state, was given for use, happened to have a lighted pipe in his mouth while opening it, the consequence was that, by the jeik he gave in getting off the lid, a spark fed upou the contents and ignited them. A violent explosion took place, the mail was seriously injured and everything in the shop broken to pieces. Un learning this, the authori- ties at Riom immediately inquired into the matter, and M. Mittenswey's compound was handed over for analysis to M. Chevallier, a member of the Societe d'Encouragement. This gentleman has drawn up a report on the subject, from which it appears that he has been unable to discover the ingredients of the composition at first he suspecte i it to contain a picrate, but its sweet taste rendered this supposition improbable. The substance in question was then given for exami.,atio 1 tu an experience i gunsmith, who found tiiat it ignite 1 with as much readiness as gunpowder, but that its force of projection was not more than two-lifths of that of the latter. The residiio of its combustion, thougn biaok, will yet impart a yellow colour to water. I:) M. Chevallier proposes that the introduction of artiliciai saffron be prohibited, although tile inventor proposes sending it in a wet state.—(jcfLligvuxivi. ARRIVAL OF THE STEAMSHIP QUEEN.—EXTRA- ORDINARY VOYAGE. — X'ne National Company's steamship Queen, Captain G rogan, which has been employed fur upwards (if twelve months In the trans- port service in Abyssiuian waters, arrived in the Mersey on Saturday morning. Her voyage is one ot tie most extraordinary On record, in the nrst place she won tue prize of LA given by the Govern- ment for the first transport that arrived out. The Queen left England on the 14th September, lb67, and was then occupied at intervals in carrying troops, as well as ammunition, stores, &c., between Bombay and Annesiey Bay. in this service she carrie t the 4th, 108th, 20tn, SiSrd Regiments, and the 25th Native Kegiinent, aitogeuier numbering about 4,000 souls, with numerous followers. in addition to this work she was occupied, whilst in Annesiey Bay, in con- densing water, and turned out on the average 40,000 gallons per day. She left Bombay on the homeward voyage on the 8th September, reached Algo Bay, and remained there four days taking in cargo. She left Algo Bay on the 1st October, and has made the most rapid passage on record, notouly between India and England, but between South Africa and Eng- land. though the Norseman (mail steamer) left the day before the Queen, she will in all probability be about a week benind her in arriving at Southampton, III fact, the Queen has brought the summaries of the bouth African papers prepared for transmission by the Norseman. Not the least extraordinary feature about- the passage is that the Queen made the entire passage from Bombay to Liverpool under steam with- out calling auywnere to coal. "llen she left India she had on board 2,750 tons, and when she arrived in the iiersey she had 850 tons left. She brings thirty pa-seugers, and a large cargo of oil, cotton, aud seeds. ihe Queen is one of the latest additions to the iieet of ihe National Steamship Company. Previous to her employ nient in the Government service, she was employed in the passenger trade between Liverpool ana Isew York, an employment which she will im- mediately resume.