The Sun. — London, England, 1866-12-31 00:00:00

XoNEY MARKET AND COMMEROLU TWELVE O'CLOCK. A very moderate business is reported in the gene ral discount market, and the position of the rates for all classes of bills remain without the least change. Bar gold, to the amount of £lO,OOO, was taken to the Bank on Saturday. The West India mail packet has brought £321,000 In specie, and the Asia, from New York, about Atlantic and Great Western Railway Debentures have declined 1, to 51. 53, and the Consolidated Mortgage Bonds to 40 41. The accounts from the manufacturing districts for the past week state that very little business has been done in most departments, owing to the obser vance of the Christmas holidays and the preparations in progress for stock-taking usual at this period of the year. The coupcns of the Viceroy of Egypt's Mort gage Loan, due on the Bth January next, and the bonds drawn for redemption will be paid at the office of the Anglo-Egyptian Batik (Limited), on and after the above date. The coupons and bonds must be left two clear days previously for examina tion. The Fourth City Mutual Building and Invest ment Society announce that they are still paying 5 per cent. ou deposits repayable at fourteen days' notice. The amount received by the society on deposit for the year ending Sept. 30, 1866, was £28,768 ; and as a proof of the security of the in vestment, it is stated that the whole of the society's funds are invested in freehold or leasehold proper ties, secured in every case by a mortgage. Two O'CLOCK. The English Funds are again less buoyant, a further reaction amounting to f having taken place to day ; Consols are, therefore, 984 a for money and the Gth January ; and 89k 90 for the February account. Business has been very dull not only in this, but also in the other departments of the house. In the corn market to-day business remained very dull, and quotations for both home grain and foreign wheat were unaltered. The New Threes and Re- Reduced Annuities are 88k 89f ; ditto New 2f per Cents., 71f ; Exchequer Bills, Ils. prem. ; Indian 6 per Cents., 1071 I ; ditto 4 per Cents., 94 ; and ditto 4 per Ceut. Bonds, 255. prem. The foreign and colonial lines show little varia tion. Dutch Rhenish are marked 19k 20; Paris and Lyons, 3G; Great Western of Canada, 12k; and East Indian, 1041. American seurities are firm at former prices, the only variation being a decline of I in Erie Shares, Which are now quoted 44f 45f ; United States 5-20 Bonds are 721 i; and Illinois, 80 81. Bank Shares are quiet, at about previous rates. Alliance are dealt in at 19 19* ; London Joint Stock" at 431 44 ; Metropolitan and Provincial at 14 12 ; and Standard of British South Africa at 13. In the Foreign department of the Stock Ex change the movements do not exhibit much variation. Mexican Bonds have receded 8 to 171 181 ; Spanish Passive, /to 211 ; the Certificates, Bto 141 ; and Italian, / 3 / 4 . to 558 a ; but Turkish 5 per Cents. have advanced to 311 8. The New Russian Loan Scrip remains steady at 4 1 prem. Business in the Railway Share Market has been very inactive, but in one or two instances prices are well sustained. Great Eastern and Lancashire and Yorkshire have each improved and Great Western ; while Midland and South-Eastern have each declined +. Miscellaneous and Finance Shares continue in very moderate request. Credit Foncier of England are dealt in at 31 ; National Discount Company, at 11i 15 ; Anglo-American Telegraph, at 15f 4 ; and Telegraph Construction and Maintenance, at 131. MINING MARKET. MONDAY, Two o'Clock. Business in the Mining Exchange has been mo derately active. Annexed are the current quota tions : Chiverton Moor, 41 51 ; Chon:ales Gold, 2f 3 ; Clifford Amalgamate, 8 81 ; East Basset, 21 23 ; East Caradon, 61 6; East Lovell, 81 9; East Wheal Grenville, 21 1 ; Great Retallack, 22s Od 24s Od ; Great Wheal Vor, 15 16; Marks Valley, 4 1; North Crotty, 3i 1 ; North Treskerby, 21 3 ; Prince of Wales, 26s Od 27s Od ; Prosper United, 3 3-1- ; Providence Mines, 25 271; South Condurrow, lie 13s ; South Grenville, 7s 6d 8s 6d ; Tincroft, .111 121; West Oaradon, —; West Chiverton, 521 55 ; West Frances, 14 16; West Seton, 120 5 ; Wheal Buller, 20 22 ; Wheal Chiverton, 61 7 ; Wheal Crabor, —s —e ; Wheal Grenville, 26s 28s 8d; Wheal Rose, —; Wheal Seton, 135 140 ; Wheal Trelawney, —; Wheal Uny, ——; Cooks' Kitchen, —; Great Laxey, 17 18 ; South Fran ces, 20 22 ; East Carn Brea, 21 31; Great South Tolgus, St. Ives Consols, 6 61. FOREIGN FUNDS—ONE O'CLOCK. GOVERNMENT FUNDS. 3 Der Cent. Consols Do. Account, Jan. 10 5O 89i 3 per Cent. Reduced B9l 8i New 3 per Cent B9l 1 8i 9k New 21 per Cent. Jan. 1891 7ll Do. 5 per Cent. Jan. 1873 Annuities ' 30 yrs, expire sth Jan., 1880 Do. for 30 yrs, expire sth April, 1885 — Do (Red Sea Telegraph), Aug., 1908 — I. 3celiequer Bills, £l,OOO, 4 per Cent — Do £5OO lt Do £lOO & £2OO „ Bank of England Stock, 61 per Cent ... - INDIAN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. (south Stock, 101- per Cent., April 1874... Shut. 11 pin , Ditto for Account — Do. 5 per Cent. July, 168) Do. 4 per Cent., Oct. 1888 Do. Certificates Do. Enfaced Paper 4 per Cent — Do. 5 per Cent., Jan. 1872 - Do. 5i per Cent., May 1879 — Do. Deb., 5 per Cent., Aug. 1873 Do. Bonds,4 por Cent., £l,OOO — pm Do. under £1,000 BRITISH FUNDS—ONE O'CLOCK. Argentine Republic, 6 per Cent — Austrian Bonds, 5 per Cent, 1859 Brazilia,n 5 per Cent — Do. 4i per Cent., 1852-58-60 Do. 1863 Do. 1863 Do Account 7l Do. £lOO Bonds 7lf Buenos Ayres 6 per Cent — Do. A ccount Do £lOO Bonds D 1 2 per Cent. (Deferred 3 per Cent ) oLitian 6 per Cent 991 Do. 3 per Cent. Do. 6 per Cent A Do. „ B Colombian, 6 per Cent. Cuba, 6 per Cent. Danish 3 per Cent., 1825 Do. 5 p©r Cent., 1864 Danubian Principalities tio. Account Equador New Consolidated, 1 per Cent — Do., Provisional Land Warrant Do Doforied Egyptian 7 per Cent Do., Second Issue £lOO Bonds Do. 1864 B2l 11 Do £lOO Bonds Do. Government Railway Debentures B3l 21 Greek 5 per Cents.. 1824-5, ex Coupon , )o Account Jo. Coupons G latemala 5 per Cent. Ioiian 5 per Cent 1865 Do, Account Do. Maremmana Railway Nlexicar. 3 per Cent tw. Account 1864 Do 6 per Cent. Anglo-French Moutevidean 6 per Cent. • ••• — Ikloorish Imperial 5 per Cent New Granada Do 3 per Cen Do. Deferr.!..l ( Hectares) Peruvian 5 per Cent., 1865 no Account Do 4i per Cent. (Uribarren) Do 4-4 per Cent., 1862 Do Account Portuguese 3 per Cent., 1853 Do 3 per Cent., 1856, '7, '9, '6O, '62, '3 — Do. Account Russian 5 per Cent., 1822, £ St Do 44 per Cent. 1850 Do 44- per Cent., 1860 Do 3 pet Cent. 1859 Do 5 per Cent. 1862 Do 5 per Cent. 1864 874 Do. Anglo-Dutch, 1866, all paid Do. do. £lO paid 4l pm Sardinian 5 per Cent Do. Account Spanish 3 per Cent Do Account Do New Deferred Do Account Do Passive Do Account 214 ./4 Spanish Cert. of Coup not funded Do Account l4l S wedish 4 per Cent. I )o. 41 per Cent. 1864 Do. Scrip, £6O paid Uurkish 6 per Cent. 1854 Do. Account Do 6 per Cent. 1858 Do. Account Do £lOO Bonds Do 6 per Cent. 1862 Do Account Do £lOO Bonds Do 6 per Cent., 1863 Do 5 per Cont., 1865 Do. Account Do. 4 per Cont. Guaranteed Venezuela 3 per Cent. Do Account Do 6 per Cent., 186 , Do Account no. 6 per Cent, 1861 Ditto 11 per Cent Dividenas on the above payable in Lona°,. Aus'risn, 5 per Cent., Ex. 10 Florins B Irian. 44 per cent., Ex. 23f. Del per 00 , u t. Ex. 12 G ui , Do. 4 per Cent. Certiiicates French Routes, 3 per Cent., Ex. 25f. 3 per Cent. 1831, Ex. 25f. ..... Do. 5 per Cent. Aceou^t 551 TWO O'CLOCK. Consols, Money B9; D 0..; Jan. B9 it Do. February 9O 561 31/ POLICE INTELLIGENCE.---This Day. MARLBOROUGH-STREET. SHAMEFUL ASSAULT—ANNOYING THE INHABITANTS OF REGENT-STREET.—V r illiani Cull, a low-looking lad, was charged before Mr. Tyrwhitt with assaulting Mrs. Maria Rose Gordon (Gordon and Co., perfumers), of No. 147, Regent-street. The complainant said that on the previous evening she was much annoyed by a number of lads under her win dow in Heddon-court (the house is a corner one) gambling and making use of bad language. Her door was then hammered at, the bell rung, and on her going and looking out she saw a girl being pushed by some lads into a neigh bour's doorway. Having soon afterwards to send out her servant, she went to the door to watch to see that she might not b 3 molested, when the prisoner, after making use of the most disgraceful language, thrust some filth into her mouth and ran away, but he was captured and brought back, and she then gave him into custody. The prisoner said the complainant first struck him, but this the complainant denied. Sergeant Jeffery said that, on going to the complainant, she charged the prisoner with assaulting her, when he said it was another lad. There were great complaints of. the lads assembling in Heddon-court from the neighbours. Mr. Tyrwhitt said the prisoner was one of those mis chievous reckless persons about London who felt a plea sure in annoying respectable persons. He should fine him .£3 or a month. Stephen Goss and Henry Baker were charged with an noying the inhabitants of Regent• street, Thos. Cheney, 87 0, yesterday afternoon saw the two prisoners in Heddon-court pelting orange peel at each other, and also the persons passing along Regent-street. Mr. Alfred Neighbour, oil merchant, of No. 149, Regent street (the other corner of Heddon-court), said he was much annoyed by a number of lads collecting about his house on Sundays. They sat on his door stop, and were in the habit of gambling, smoking, and spitting about the place, and throwing orange peel and nut shells about, and the language was of the worst description—the conduct of the lads being so bad that he had had to complain to the Commissioners of Police. The prisoners denied throwing anything. Mr. 7 1 1 yrwhitt fined the prisoners 10s. each, or seven days. WESTMINSTER. DOING" A RECRUITING SERGEANT. —William Everett, a young man whose bearing clearly indicated the soldier, was charged with fraudulently obtaining money from Sergeant Plumb, of the 24th Regiment. Complainant stated that on Saturday night the defen dant came to him in Westminster and expressed a great desire to be a soldier. Complainant put the usual ques tions to him, when defendant stated that he was free, wil ling, and able, and had never been in the service before. In consequence of this complainant enlisted him, but this morning discovered that he was a private in the 6th Foot. Mr. Selfe—How is it that he was not with his regiment, and is in plain clothes ? Complainant—He is on furlough, which did not expire till last night. Mr. Selfe—Did he look as he did now when you enlisted him ? Complainant—Yes Mr. elfe—Theo I should have thought you would have seen he was a soldier. What did he get from you ? Complainant—l gave him the enlistment shilling and his breakfast this morning. Mr. Sella —What do you say to this, defendant ? Defendant—l was hard up, rand so I thought I might as well have the shilling, as he was willing to enlist me. I came to London on Thursday afternoon and lost my bag, containing my luggage. He was committed for 14 days to hard labour. THAMES. THE PRICE OF AN EYE.—Mr. Albert Bryant, the mate of a ship, and dwelling in Totten-street, Stepney, who had been out on bail, appeared before Mr. Partridge to answer a charge of violently assaulting John Lee on the eye with an umbrella, on the 12th of the present month, in the White Swan public-house, Commercial-road, East. Mr. Charles Young, solicitor, defended the prisoner, who, he said, deeply regretted the lamentable accident which had taken place, and by which the unfortunate man Lee had been deprived of the sight of an eye. Mr. Partridge said the evidence was that in the course of an altercation in a public-house the prisoner struck the prosecutor on the eye with the point of his umbrella. The surgeon, who gave evidence three weeks ago, said the sight of the eye was destroyed. Mr. Young—No doubt about that, sir; the defendant had no intention of injuring the man. Lee, who has been under medical treatment iu the Lon don Hospital, said he had no wish to proceed with the charge. Mr. Partridge—You have received compensation, I sup pose. Lee--Yes. sir; ho has agreed to pay me £l9. Mr. Partridge —That is the price at which you value your eye. Mr. Young said he had nothing whatever to do with effecting the compromise, and did not know until then the amount agreed to be paid. Tho prisoner was discharged. Naval and Military Intelligence. The screw steam frigate Liffey, 31, of 2,654 tons, and 600-horse power, was removed on Thursday from Keyham steamyard to the sheer hulk in Hamoaze for the purpose of receiving her masts, after which she will return to Keyham to be rigged and stored for the first division of the Steam Reserve. She will probably enter the basin to-day. The armour-plated, double screw steam gunboat Vixen, 4, having had her iron deck covered with composition in order to prevent corrosion, was re moved on Friday from Hamoaze into Plymouth Sound, where she received her ammunition. The Vixen will shortly take a cruise, and may be sent to Ireland. ". Captain Ewart, of the Cambridge, took her outside Plymouth Sound, and tested her quali fications for shot practice on Saturday. The gunboat Dapper, from Dartmouth, arrived at Plymouth on Saturday. The screw steamship Gib raltar, 81, Capt. R. Cook, which arrived in Ply mouth Sound from the Mediterranean on Monday, was inspected on Tuesday by Port-Admiral Sir W. Martin, K.C.B. On Friday she was removed into Hamoaze. Her crew will be paid off in the course of a few days. It is not yet decided by the Admi ralty that her masts shall be unstepped. The screw steam frigate Phoebe, 35, having been coppered, is appointed to be removed to-day from No. 1 dock in Keyham steamyard, to give place to the Galatea, 26, which will probably go in to-morrow. The gunboat Ruby (tender to the Coastguard ship Dantless), having had defects made good at Devonport, left Plymouth Sound on Saturday with supernumeraries for Ireland. She will shortly re turn to her duty at Hull. MR. GARTH AND MR. BRIGHT.—At the recent Guildford election Mr. Garth took several opportu nities of animadverting upon Mr. Bright, charging him with being a bad master, stating that " he had never dared to stand fur Rochdale," that "he had baen hooted away from his own promises," that "his own people distrusted him," that " such men were rather a curse to the country than otherwise," and so on. The papers containing these re ports having been forwarded to,Mr. Mills, the manager of Mr. Bright's works at Rochdale, have elicited the follow ing reply :—" Rochdale, Dec. 25th, 1860. Dear Sir, —Par don me for not sooner replying to your note of the 20th. I have the papers you sent. Mr. Garth does not seem a gentleman on whom many words may be expended with piofit. I have not the smallest hesitation in saying that his reference to the business relations of Mr. Bright was a wilful, malignant, and premeditated falsehood. I hope the legal knowledge of the hon. member for Guildford will be able to comprehend the meaning of this. I am, dear Sir, faithfully yours, ROBERT MILLS. Mr. D. M. Stevens." THE EQUITABLE JURISDICTION IN COUNTY COURTS.—The Lord Chancellor has made an crder that all causes transferred from the County Courts under the Equitable Jurisdiction Act to the Court of chancery be heard Moro Vice-Chancellor Stuart. BRITISH MINES. 2 Cain. Consol. Gold, lira. 1 - (therton - Clifford Amalgamated 3O 51 64 Devon G. Cons. (Taylst 1 405 415 - I.)rakewalls 2.1.0 - Fast Bassett (Illogan) 294 18 20 - East Caradon ^ 14.6 5 6 - East Cara Brea 3l 2 3 - o.ast Grenville - East Gunnislake 8.3.0 4 - East Loved 3.9.0 9- 10 - W'i Russell (Tavistk 10.8.0 21 21 - StAubyn(6l 5 6 4 ircat L ixey, limited al,. i 7 18 - Treat South Tolgus 0.14.e - Great Wheal Busy 11.9.6 - Wheal Vor (lielst , m 40 15 16 154 - Grenville 8.18.0 11 14 - Elerod's Foot 8.10.0 30 32 - Elingston Downs 5.10.6 a 31 - Margaret (Uny Lelant , 13.17.6 2 4 Marke Valley 2.10.0 34 41 d wyudy Iron Ore, lira 31 21 1.4,1 - New Seton - North Roskear - Bassettailogan 4.4.0 - - North Wheal Crotty Prosper United 7.1.8 - - -- Pr ovidence,Uny Lelant 10.6.1 21 26 - 8. Caradon (St. Cleer) ll 300 320 - South Condurrow 3.2.0 4 14 B.Wheal Fran. (Mogan 18.18.9 18 22 -- Stray Park . 35 15.6 - „yin Croft 9 1 2 5 irigra and Clogan, lira all 2 1 , ) - West Itassett (Mogan - W. Caradon (L , skeard 12 12 14 - West Chi verton ll 54 56 - West Seton - Wheal Bassett 'lllogan 51 65 75 - Wheal Buller (Redruth 16 14 20 - Wheal Mary Ann (Men. 8 10 12 - Wheal Setod -. Wheal Trelawney (Lis 5.17.0 7 9 FREFERENCH SUARES AND STOCKS. Great Yorthern, 5 per cent., 110 LINES LEASED AT FIXED RENTALS. London and Blackwall, 814 FOREIGN RAILWAYS, nt werp and Rotterdam, 8j West Flanders, 7.1 FOREIGN NINES. Anglo •Brazilian hold, limited, I d par Port Philip, I St. John det Rey, lim., 501 k BANKS, Alliance, lim., 19 Auglo Egyptian, lim., 111 Bank of New Zealand, ISi Consolidated Bank, lim., 41 Imperial Bank, lim., 26 Loudon and County. 64i London Joint Stock, 448 Loudon and estmineter, 96} Metropolitan and Provincial Bank, lift., 11 Midland Bank, lim., 174 Oriental Bank Corporation. 42 a Union of London, 45 DOCKS. ondon and St. Katharine, 67i MISCHILLA.NEOUri. Anglo-American Telegraph, 15i Anglo-Mexican Mint, 15 A.tiantic Telegraph, Dit 0, 8 per cent., 70 2i Credit Fonder of linviann, 11rn.. 31 I Egyptian Corn. and Trading, lira., 5 Fore-street Warehouse, lira., 121 City of Moscow Gas, lim , 1 6; East India Irrigation and Canal. 10 91 Gen. Credit and Finance 01 London. urn.. 4I tieneral Steam Navigation; lira., 26/1 Italian Irrigation (Carat Cavourj, 6f Land Securities, I m , 2% London Financial AssOciation, lira,. 10 London tieneralOmnibus Company, lien, 31 M ,dras Irrigation and Canal (4 per cent. guaranteed by In dian Government), Ditto a.l), 1. N atonal Discount Ccimpany.tl4 Panama. New Zealand, and Aus. R. Mail, 71 Rio de Janeiro City improvements. 191 Royal M dl Steam, s 7 Telegraph Constructit.n and Maintenance, lim., Ditto (£l9, 1:a Viceroy of hgypt, Mortgage, Loan, 74 Grenada had been visited by a 'terrible storm, which had done great damage to property.l i The cane fields and cocoa fields in some districts had been laid waste. TRINITY 110 USE.—His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, Master of the Corporation of Trinity-house, presided at a Court hold at their house on Tower-hill on Saturday afternoon, when the Right on Sir Stafford H. Northcote, President of the Board of Trade, and the Right Hon. B. Disraeli, Chancellor of the Exchequer, were elected Elder Brethren of that ancient corporation, in the room of Lord Northbrook and Admiral Sir W, Parker, doomed, rtiE SUN, LONLON, MONDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 31, 1866. , SSE! 1t. , 0 100 100 all 100 100 1011 MARKETS.--.This day. MARK LANE. The supply of English wheat on sale at Mark-lane to day was very moderate. There was no activity in the trade, and the market in some measure presented a some what holiday appearance, millers showing no disposition to operate beyond their actual wants. The tone of the market, however, was decidedly firm, and fully previous sates were obtained. The market was moderately supplied with foreign wheat. There was a fair demand for most descriptions, and prices ruled very firm. Floating cargoes of grain were in request, at fully late rates. In the country markets, held on Saturday, there was a fair demand for wheat, at full pees of the previous week. Barley, oats, beans, and peas ruled quiet, at about late rates. The flour trade is firm, on former terms. On the Continent, the trade for wheat is firm, at full quotatioLs. For spring corn, however, there is only a moderate demand, at late rates. At New York there has been some speculation in wheat and flour, and prices have improved. The arrivsls of English grain, &c., up to our markets last week were very moderate. The imports from abroad consisted of 19,211 quarters of wheat; 2,523 barley; 36,396 oats; 1,366 rye; 644 beans; 1,254 peaS; 6,017 linseed; 2,864 rapeseed; 2,185 maize ; 5,567 sacks, and 3,424 barrels of flour. The supply of barley on sale was moderate. Good and fine malting produce was firm in price, otherwise, the barley trade was quiet at previous quotations. Malt was in slow request at late rates. . _ The supply of oats on sale was moderate. There was a fair demand for most descriptions at previous quotations. Beans met a slow sale at late rates. The market was fairly supplied. Peas were unaltered in value, and the trade ruled quiet. The flour trade was in fair demand, and prices ruled firm. _ _ Linseed and rapeseed changed hsnds to a limited extent on former terms. For other ►eds, there was but little demand. The cake trade was firm at full quotations. ~ CURRENCY PER IMP. MEASURE Wheat— Essex and Kent, red, new, per qr. 61s to his Do., old s7s 67s Do., white, old s9s 715 Do. n ew Norfolk and Lincoln, red, old s3s 67s Do., new Talavera Rye— Barley—Grinding ' 34s 38s Malting.. 4os 56s Malt—Suffolk and Norfolk Brown Kingstown and Ware Chevalier 7Bs 82s Oats—Yorkshire and Lincolnsh., Feeding 21s 31s Potato Youghal and Cork, black 213 25s Cork, white 22s 26s Scotch, Feeding 24s 31s Beans—Tick 4os 43s Pigeons ._ ... Peas—Grey, Maple White Boilers Flour—Town-made, per 2801 b Suffolk 42s 43s Stockton and Norfolk American, per barrel French, per sack 4ss 503 SEEARE MARKETS.—This day. iItDINARY SHARES AND STOCKS. os Paid. P ri me Ivy 100 1(0 85 ST 1(8 120 40 45 4 6 65 68 70 72 1 4 14 27 28 5 6 116 117 126 12z! 90 02 5 I 523 30 3i 3) 3; 1261 127 81 87 15. 161, 10 20, 1181 118$ 8L 63 48 50 .21 125 14 2 10 11 84 86 0,1.1 122 2 d 2 35 36 4 18 105 1,-7 65 67 98 gi 34 55 9 10 p 116 120 1 2p 1 2p ;0 72 114 118 148 152 274 8a 119 12. Si 71 531 41 128} 38 6 i 16 } 120 } 83 6 Aij 2 Ito 1231 2; 42 44 85 65 8 1) 100 153 3 4. G7i Business done. ISIONS. 60 68 102 103 , id it) l 4 4i 7i bi 50 55 10i W 3 101 163 105 108 18 20 85 88 57 60 50 54 5u 54 37 40 23 25 10,3 to: i It i lt, 100 102 91 93 111 12} It 124 P 2 81 84 — lt 1* i 102 103 92 e 4 85 90 82 85 99 101 97 98 1k k 98 99 TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. Sir,—l am sorry to have to inform you that a portion of the Crystal Palace has been this day seriously injured by fire. It appears to have origi nated in the north-east part of the tropical depart ment, where it was discovered about 2 o'clock p.m. The company's staff and fire engines were at once on duty, and Captain Shaw arrived about half-past 4 with the steam and other engines of the London Fire Brigade, and a large force of firemen. By these means the fire was rapidly subdued, and by 6 o'clock all risk of its spreading beyond the tropical screen was at an end. The iron framework of the tropical end is mostly standing, and apparently not severely injured ; but the contents of that portion have been almost en tirely destroyed, except the Aboo Simbel figures and a large part of the Alhambra Court. Except by removal, nothing has suffered on the south side of the screen. I am thankful to say that no lives have been lost, and no one seriously hurt. Superintendents Payne and Walker, of the metropolitan police, were early on the spot and rendered valuable assistance. The Palace will be open, as usual, to-morrow (Monday).—l am, sir, your obedient servant, G. GROVE, Secretary.. Crystal Palace, Dec. 30, 9 p.m. LATEST PARTICULARS THIS DAY. The property destroyed will amount to a sum almost fabulous to mention. Some of the assessors to the different fire offices estimate the damages at nearly half a million sterling ; but Mr. White, the assessor for the County Fire Office—no mean autho rity—is of opinion that the losses will.; not ex ceed from £200,000 to £300,000. The losses to the various exhibitors will be severely felt by those parties, but most of them have their goods insured by floating policies. The exact amount of the liabi lities will not be able to be learned for several days, as many of the owners live in the country, and some are abroad. [he insurance companies are at the present time holding a conference as to whether the premiums they are at present charging on the Palace and the contents are sufficient to cover the risks, but the result of the deliberations of the fire- committe.; is not at present allowed to transpire. It was stated, but with what authority we cannot vouch for, that the Norwich Union and nearly the whole of the old established London offices will suffer more or less by isaster. TIIE MATCH BETWEEN CHAMBERS ANDKELLEY.— On Friday a meeting of iho supporters of Chambers, the champion oarsman, was held at Newcastle. Mr. Jas. Wil kinson was voted to the chair, and there were present Messrs. Blakey, Smith, Tweddle, 11. Clasper, and the champion. After a consultation extending over two hours it was decided not to accept Kelley's offer to row in June, and ultimately it was decided to name, in the articles to be sent for Kelley's signature, Monday, May 6, the distance to be the four mile course from the High Level to Leam ington Point. If no satisfactory conclusion be arrived at with respect to the referee, it was suggested that the stake holder should name that functionary, METROPOLITAN CATTLE. For the time of year there was a fair supply of foreign stock on sale here, to-day. On the whole, the trade was firm, at fully last week's prim to a slight advance. The condition of the fresh arrivals was by no means prime. . . vv The supply of home-fed beasts on offer was limited, but mostly of full average weight. All breeds changed hands freely, at an advance in the quotations of 2d. per 81bs., and at which a good clearance was effected. Prime heavy Scots realised ss. 4d. ; prime small Scots, ss. 6d., and, in some instances, ss. Bd. per 81bs. The number of beasts derived from Norfolk, Suffolk Lincolnshire and other parts of England, comprised about 1,700 short-horns, Scots, Herefords, Devons, See. There was no supply from Ireland, but the receipts from Scotland comprised 284 Scots and crosses. There was rather a limited show of sheep, but the quality of most breeds was good. The inquiry for all breeds ruled steady, and last week's currency was freely supported The best Downs and half-breds sold at from 6s 2d to 6s 4d ; heavy white-faced sheep, 5s 6d to 5s 8d per 81bs. Calves were in ehort supply and sluggish request at late rates. There was a slow sale for pigs at the late decline in value. The supply was limited. Per 81b to sink the offal. dsde d s d Crse & inf. beasts... 3 8 3 .0 Pme ers-wool sheep 5 0 5 8 Second quality do ..4 0 4 a Prime b'tlidowu do .5 10 6 4 I'rime large oxen. ..{ lu 5 2 La ge coarse calires.l 6 5 2 ratite bouts, 4 5 -0 ,t'rdne. small 4 5 t) Crse. and int. sneep.3 6 4 0 Large Iwo .3 6 4 0 Second quality do ..4 2 4 u I bmall porkers 4 2 4 6 Lamb.... 04 Od to 0 -, O. Suckling calves, 203 to 23s ; and quarter-old store pigs, .3 to 27s each. Head of stock on sale. —'-- Total supply. —— , Foreign supply. Beasts 3,310 I Beasts .. .... 1,350 Cows. Sheep and lambs 14,920 Sheep and limbs ...... 1 ,310 Calves B2 Cases B.! Pigs 255 irigs 5O A. statement and comparison of the supplies and prices of fat stock exhibited and sold in the Great Metropolitan Cattle Market :on Monday, Jan. 1, 1866, and this day, Monday, Dec. 31, 1866. Per 81bs. to sink the offal. Jan. 1, Dec. 31, 1866. 1866. sdsdB d s d. Coarse and inferior beasts 3 4to 3 . 10 3 Bto3 10 Second quality do. Prime large oxen 4 8 5 0 410 5 2 Prime Scots, &c. Coarse and inferior sheep ... 4 0 4 8 3 6 4 0 Second quality do. Prime coarse-woolled d 0.., 5 8 6 2 5 0 5 8 Prime Southdown do 6 4 6 8 510 6 4 Lambs Large coarse calves 4 0 4 6 4 6 5 2 Prime small do. Large hogs Neat small pOrkers 4 8 5 0 4 2 4 6 Beasts 3,53J 7,310 Sheep Calves Pigs . 320 3lO SUPPLIES ON SALE, San. 2, 1865.—Beasts, 3,317 — sheep, 15,090—calves, 35—pigs, 350. Jan. 4, 1864—Beasts, 4,l3o—sheop, 17,060—calves 170—pigs, 430. The total imports of foreign stock into London, last week amounted to 3,238 head. In the corresponding week in 1865, wo received 5,682 ; in 1864, 5,174 ; in 1863-4, 3,846 ; in 1863, 1,559 ; in 1862, 3,164 ; and in 1860, 1,852. IMPORTS INTO LONDON LAST WEEK. Beasts. Sheep. Lambs. Calves. Pigs. Antwerp Boulogne Bremen Calais ... - ... - • ••• ..... .100 ...... ••• Dieppe 33 ... ••• -- ••• --- ••• --- Cadiz -. ... -- •.. ••• ••• -- Copenhagen — ... ••• --- ••• -- .... --- Gottenburg - ... ••• •.• ••• Hamburg 124 ••• 429 *es - ••• - ••• H ng arlien _ _ .._. 262 ... 429 ... -- ... 11 ... 11 Nieu fliep ••• ... - .•• .•• Honfleur — •60 ••• ••• • Ostend ••• ... ••• Rotterdam ... ..• 81 TrOUVille ... ... ... ... .Vigo - ... ... The yearly comparison of weekly imports is as follows : Beasts. Sheep. Lambs. Calves. Pigs. 1865 1864 686 2,692 ... 317 ... 58 1863 NEWGATE AND LEADENDALL. These markets are but moderately supplied with meat. For most kinds the demand is steady, and prices are well supported. Last week's imports into London wore ;-74 packages, 155 baskets froin Rotterdam, 12 packages from Harlingen, 4 ditto from Hambro', and 1 case from Ostend. Per 81b by the carcase. sd s d Inferior beef 3 4 3 8 Middling do. 3 10 4 4 Prime large do 4 6 4 b Prime small do 4 8 4 10 Veal 4 2 5 4 Lamb. Os 0 ads d Inferior mutton 3 6 4 4 Middling mutton 4 0 4 Prime do 4 i 0 5 0 Large pork 3 6 4 0 Small pork. 4 2 4 0 )(I to Os Od BOROUGH HOP. There has been rather more business passing in hops. The transactions as yet, however, have been somewhat restricted, and, in fact, have been confined to satisfy the immediate wants of brewers, As regards prices the trade has ruled firm. The imports into London last week amounted to 3 bales from Boulogne, 294 Antwerp, 58 Rot terdam, 93 Hamburg, 271 Bremen, 21 Ostend, and 188 bakg from Calais. Mid and East Kents Weald of Bent Sussex Yearlings ll2s to 150 s 11 firm. Last week's imports consisted of 1,444 bales from the Cape of Good Hope, and 559 bales from Odessa. Current prices of English wool per lb. sd a d Fleeces—South Down hogets 1 71 1 8i Half-bred do 1 9i 1 101 Kent fleeces South Down ewes and wethers 1 7 1 8 Leicester do Sorts—Clothing Combing TALLOW. Tho tallow trade is firm to-day, and P.Y.C. is qn3ted at 44s to 45s per cwt on the spot. Town tallow is worth 43s 31 net cash. Rough fat, 2s 211 per 81bs. Jan. 1, Dec.,,31, , . 1864. 1865. 1866. 1866. Stock—(this day) Prices of Y.O J - 41s 9d to .11s 3d 48s 31 44s 9d 1 . 42 s 0(1 —s 05 43s 6,1 45s 05 Delivery last week Ditto from June 1 Arrival last week 990 1,411 349 Ditto from June 1 75,339 68.249 85,010 77,112 Price of Tuwn DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. Yesterday an alarming fire broke out at the Crystal Palace, threatening at one time the destruction of the entire fabric. The fire was discovered in the northern transept, but where exactly and how it originated are not at present known. The prevailing opinion is that it was in some way attributable to the over-heating of the flues employed in warming the Tropical Depart ment. It was first observed about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and a gentleman residing in the neigh bourhood is said to have heard a slight explosion as he passed the northern end of the building about that time. This attracted his attention, and pre sently afterwards he saw smoke and flame. He immediately gave an alarm, but by that time the men on duty in the Palace had become aware of the fire, and were doing their best to cope with it and to summon assistance. The alarm was flashed by telegraph to The head-quyters of the Metropolitan Fire Brigadein Watling-street, City, and Captain Shaw, with seven powerful engines and all the men whom he could collect, was soon on his way to the scene, other members of the Brigade fol lowing, until at length nearly 100 of them had reached the spot. The alarm was received at Watling-street at 20 minutes past 3. In the meantime an engine from Croydon and another from Clapham, which were the first to arrive, did good service in controlling the fire, until the superior force, with all the necessary means and appliances, under the direction of Captain Shaw, reached the spot and was brought into action. For tunately their operations were not in the least delayed or impeded by any lack of water, the numerous hydrants in the Palace and the fountains outside being readily available. Fortunately, also, the wind, which was from the south-west, blew the flames away from the main body of the fabric, and confined them very much to the compa ratively limited area in which the fire began. But what, probably, more than anything else, or more than all other fortunate circumstances together, saved the Palace from destruction, was the im mense screen, partly of glass and partly of canvas, which separated, and still separates, the tropical compartment from the rest of the nave. Volumes of water were thrown upon the canvas, and in that way the screen was preserved ; but, what was of more importance, it served to cut off the current of air which would otherwise have rushed along the nave, and carried with it the flames. As it was, the north-eastern transept was almost wholly de stroyed, and a huge breach made in that end of the building. With the transept perished the Queen's apartments and the library attached. The Assyrian, Alhambra, Byzantine, and Indian Courts were more or less injured by fire or water, or both, and the gallery containing marine architectural models was destroyed, as were also the carpenters' shops, situated at the north east end of the building and below the flooring. Some of the floors of the water-tower also caught fire, one after another, but the fire there was speedily extinguished, and the tower is said not to have been materially in jured. Nearly the whole of the animals and birds have, however, perished, including the monkeys, and chinipanzee, the singing birds, the working bees, the parrots and cockatoos, and " the Baby Hippopotamus." A fine parrot brought from Flo rida, and given to the company by M. Blondin, was saved‘ty the Duke of Sutherland from the destruc tion to which its companions were doomed. Mr. Bowley, the manager, who resides in the im mediate neighbourhood of the Palace was early on the spot on the alarm being given, as were also two of the directors, Mr. Olgivie and Mr. Bicknell, and Mr. Williams, the deputy manager. Chief Superintendent Walker and about 50 picked men of the metropolitan police were de spatched to the Palace to aid the divisional police, under the charge of Superintendent Payne, in main taining order, and others followed to the number of about 200 in the aggregate. Thirteen persons are said to have been apprehended in the course of the day within and about the building for acts of theft and other offences. Up to 11 o'clock last night all was safe, no further danger was apprehended, and the Palace will be open to the public to-day and henceforward as usual. BOROUGH AND SPITALPIELDS. The demand has improved. Pine pat eels command full prices, with a fair average businesa doing, but other kinds are a slow sale. The Markets are well but not heavily supplied, Tho imports into London last week consisted of 88 tons from Dunkirk, 110 Rouen, 42 St. Brieux, and 46 bags from Caen. Regents Scotch Regents Flukes ..100s to 150 s „ WOOL. Colonial wool has met with but little attention sinco our last report; nevertheless, prices aro unaltered. The trade for English wool hag been decidedly quiet ) but prices rule Railway b. /Bristol ana Exeter .... Caledonian ... !Cambrian 'Cork and Bandon Cornwall. Dublin' & Belfast Junc. Dun„Pertli, & A b.Junc.l s. London, scrip Certi.l uO. GlaSg - OW AG S. ‘Western, Great Eastern, Ord. s r k.' L. E. Angf. at. No. fircat North of Scotland' Great \ort►iern D. A stock B stock Do. New, ts. at 25 'CitS, and W. of. Ireland 6t. Western -Original. 1).•. 5. Val. Rail gua. Do. South Wales .... I Do. W. Kid.—Ox.loni, Do. Newport Do. Hereford... I Lancashire .t Yorkshire' Linden and Blackwell Lon., Brigh.,& S Coast' Lon., Chat., and Dover Do. Metrop. Ex. A ! Lyn. & North Western Lon. Sr South Western 3lan., & Lincoln ! Atetropolitan Do. New Do. Extension Ale t ropoiitan District. do, do. do. 00. and ..Dt. John's W'd •klidiand Do. £ , J Share Do, Birrniu.. w. Dt:rby lient North British Do. Ed., Pth., & ;Nth. Eastern—Berwick Do. U.N•D purehasil Do. Leeds D. York Do. Carlisle Do. Stock. & Darling. Do. do. 1860-131 North London .. Do. do. 1864 5 . . Do. io. 1866 North Staffordshire .. N. & S. W. Junction .. Scottish Central Scot. N. E . Aber. stock 'o. Scot, Mid:at-ak Shropshire Union south Devon ,outh Eastern Statues, Wok., & Wok Fall Vale Do. C Vale of Neath Waterford & Kilkenny Waterloo & Whiteha West Cornwall BRITISH r Atlantic St. Lawrence Rom., liaroda..o Ceu.ln. gu. 5 per cent Do. 1' shares Buffalo & Lake Huron Do. Preference B uff., Brant, SL Goderich 6 p.c. Calcutta & S. E., Um a, e Town .Sz Dock, gu oemerara, 7 p.c. per. p• .last. Bengal, gu., 5 do East ludiau, gu.s p.c. Do. J rand Trunkot CanadB Do. Equip. Mort, Bond• I charge 6 p.c Do. Ist Pref. Bonds Do. do deferred De. 2d Pref. Bonds.. Du. do. deferred .... Do. 3d Pref. stock.... Do. do. deferred .... Du. 4th Pref. stook .. Do. do. deterred .... Gt. India Pen. gua. sp.c. o• G ua. 5 per cent.. Do. New o - ua. 5 p. o it. couch of India gua. 5 per cent D 4/ per cent.... Do ._.... rest Wva. of Canada..l Da. New .. Do. 6 p. s B4e- pay. 18731 Do. 51 do. pay. 1877-8.., Indian Branch, limited Madras, srua. 5 p.o Do. 41 do Do. 4s do Do. Filth Extension Meib. Cor. 6 p. c. Buds.' Mel. & Hudson's Bay.. N.Rl.C'da,6pc lstpf.bs Scinde Do. Delhi Do. do . . Do. Punisub....l dal ?_ , es Do.lndus St.Flot COLONIAL GOVERNMENT SECU British Columbia, 6 per oent., Deo. 31, 1572. ... Can.Gov.6 p.e.Ja.tt July 1877-84 . ....... Do. 6 p. c. Feb. & Aug..! Do. 5 p. c. Mar. & Sept, 00. 5 p. e. Jan. & July, Do. 5 p. c. Inscribed sk Cape G. Hope, 6 p.c. 187:i Do.Apl.& Oct , 1890-IVoO Do. do Do. Jan.&July, 1890-w Do. 5 per cent. 15 April 811(1 15 Oa., 1900.:. Ceylon, Nov. iB6S, 6 p., Do. 1878, do Mauritius, 6 p. 0, 1873, Jan. and July Do. 1 , 78 )o. 188 . 2, Mayls, Nov. Do. 1r.:15, Feb. & Aug .\atal ,ov. 6 per cent N.B.Gov.6p.c.Ja.&July N. S. W. Gov. 5 p•c., 186 i, Do. 5 p.c. 18;1 to 1876 Do. 5 p.c. 1888 to 1893 New Zealand, 6 p. cent Do. 5 per cent.... Nova Sc frtia Gov. 6 p. c sterling, 1875 queensland Gov. 6 p. c 'S. Aus.Gov. 6 p,c 1868-1, Do. 1878 & upwards Vlo,Gov. 6 p.O. Ja 4July Do. do, el pril do Oct 190 100 100 v 0 100 100 93 94 90 92 90 112 77 78 75 77 104 106 103 105 K 2 104 104 1(.6 88 ?0 KO 1(1 ly4 1,0 105 107 161 too 105 107 106 108 96 100 90 92 90 92 90 95 81 h 7 100 81 85 96 9S 92 Pi 106 108 - 103 101 ,ITII .S, the d SPORTING NOTES. Admiral •Rous having been requested to give his opinion respecting tho effoct upon bets and other contingencies, consequent upon "Soiled Dove's" disqualification, has for warded the following elaborate communication to your well-known contemporary Bell's Life : Sin—l have been asked to explain the position of Soiled Dove with respect to the adjustment of the bets on the races she won. Secondly, on the legality of the transfers by claims, and by sales at auction, after coming in first for the Selling Stakes. Lastly, to specify the penalties at tached to her. Soiled Dovo was sent to Mr. It. Boyce from Mr. Mar son's stable in Belgium. She was entered for the Brockles by S takes, January, 186:;, at Lincoln, byMr. R. L.Arnold, as " Filly by Rover out of half-bred mare (pedigree un known.") For this engagement she did not shit t. In the: First Spring Meeting, at. Newmerket, she was entered as a two-yr-old for a 10 Soya Selling Stakes ' by Mr. Shield, of Northampton, who registered w a d er the name of "W. Wallace." As she was very backw trd iu condition, and ran second, she was claimed, under the Newmarket rule, by Mr. Chaplin. She ran four times in Mr. Chaplin's pos session, and won one match and two selling stakes, in the last of which she was claimed by Mr.Teu Broeck. Iu the Second October Meeting, Soiled Dove claimed purchase in a selling shake ; and at Warwick November meeting, she, as the winner of a selling handicap, was sold to Mr. Nightingall, when Mr. Golby, the owner of the second horse, objected to her age. The stewards of the Jockey Club decided, by rule 17, that Soiled Dove, being three years old, was disqualified for all races she had won during the past season. They ignored the subject of bets in conformity with the 10th rule and order of the Jockey Club. On this point it is perfectly clear that the backers of Soiled Dove must refund not only their winnings, but the money they staked upon her in every race. Precedents— Bloodstone, 1844, and Running Rein, 1841. RULE 2 OF BETTING CODE. —" If a horse starts for a race for which he is legally disqualified, making himself liable to the penalties in Rule 17, the, bets will go with the stakes, whether any objection be made either before or after the race." Secondly, the sales by auction at 'Hampton and War wick are void, and the money must ba refunded. The claim of Mr. Ten Broeck on Mr. Chaplin, and Mr. Chap lin's original claim, aro nullified, and Soiled Dove cannot legally claim the Tribute filly in the Second October meeting. The penalties annexed are that Soiled Dove must be re turned to Mr. Wallace, alias Shield, who intimates that the filly was the propertyof General Shirley. Mr. Weather by has written twice to General Shirley for explanations, and has not received an answer. Soiled Dove is for ever disqualified for running for a public prize. REMARKS—There has always been a suspicion that there Wei something wrong. - It-is in evidence that-Mr, C. Mar son was told by his stable lad that this filly was two years old in 1865 ; and this fact was verified then by a veteri nary surgeon. This secret Mr. Marson kept until it be came valuable evidence, and his excuse that owing to liv ing in Belgium, he was ignorant of Soiled Dove's perform ances, is, to me, incredible. Equally strange, that three clover trainers, under whose care she was for ton mouths, who have been looking at horses' mouths for 40 years, • could not detect three year old teeth. The 15th Rule demands a certificate from the proper foreign authorities. No person applied for it. The Stew ards of the Jockey Club are ready and anxious at all times to enforce the law. Thus, in this instance, the most com mon precautions have been neglected, and the natural result is a grievous amount of serious disputes which may not be settled for six months.—l am, sir, yours truly. 11. J. Rous. Berkeley-square, Dec. 26, 1866. The Admiral's arguments are, as usual, lucid and clear, but I think, under the circumstances, the innocent backers of this filly have good grounds for objecting to one part of this decision. Having had the evidence of two experienced veterinary sargeons that the animal had been incorrectly entered as regards age, the Jockey Club were justified, and acted in a perfectly consistent manner, in disqualifying her for all her engagements. The decision of bets, how ever, comes before another tribunal, and I contend that Rule 17, or, at any rate, that portion of it which concerns the bets, has no right to be applied to this case without much stronger evidence than has been adduced in the Admiral's letter. In the first place, it quotes several rules, amongst others Rule 15, quite applicable to the purpose, and which cannot be gainsayed ; but on reading Rule 16, which is not quoted, viz.—" If any horse, &c., shall be named or entered without being identified as before di rected, he shall not be allowed to startin the race, but his owner shall be liable to pay the forfeit, or, if a play or pay race, the whole stake," I think it cannot be denied that some of the officials of the Jockey Club have been guilty of negligence, especially where thousands, indeed tens of thousands of pounds are at stake. The simple question, therefore, is, as she ran second in the First Spring Meet ing at Newmarket, and was then claimed by Mr. Chaplin, is it not monstrous to inflict such a serious loss upon him and a host of others when it has been incurred entirely through the gross negligence of some of the Newmarket officials of the Jockey Club, who accepted the nomination or entry in direct opposition to the above rule. The only excuse to be made on behalf of the stewards is that it is not part of their duty to enforce it, but in such case it cer tainly ought to be, and it is quite clear to my mind, in any court qf justice the Jockey Club and Mr. Chaplin would join issue on very much pleasanter terms to the latter gentleman. Again Admiral Rous says, "it is in evidence that Mr. C. Marson was told by his stable lad that this filly was two years old in 1863, and this fact was verified then by a veterinary surgeon." I presume when the word " veri fied" is made use of, it is on th , e ipSe - dixtrOf Mr. Maroon, who, it is patent, had left his late employer, Gon. Shirley, through seine unpleasantness, and who, I believe, had been in England for some weeks at least, previously to divulging the secret. Tho Admiral goes on to say : '• This secret Mr. Marson kept until it became valuable evidence, and his excuse that, owing to living in Belgium, he was ignorant of Soiled Dove's performances, is to ins incredible," which clearly proves the necessity of obtain ing more satisfactory evidence than is given by the party in question. In conclusion, permit me to quote some remarks which I made in your paper of the 3d mud. : " The Soiled Dove objection, it is generally thought, will be substantiated, and, if so, there is no doubt all bets must go to the second horse, according to the present rules, in all those races of which the filly was declared tho win ner; and I contend this is a far greater hardship on Mr. Chaplin and other owners, who are entirely innocent in the matter, than it would have been to decide the buts against the owners and backers of Landlord. In fact these rules ought to have no exception, and be like the lawn of the Modes and Persians ' which do not alter. But one rule s t u ltifi e s another, and when au objection fs lodged, it is a common topic of conversation in the best-informed racing circles that it is quite a toss-up which way the decision will be given." The season of 1867 commences as usual at Manchester on Now Year's and the following day. To analyse the chances of the competitors in the different races is very much on a par with looking for a needle in a hay stack. Still, if NUNEATON runs with Walter White in the saddle, his winning the first day's Hurdle race ought to be a cer tainty. THE ROGUE and CRUSADE are both well in the City Steeplechase Handicap, and for the Trial Handicap BLUE CAP and FAT 808 take my fancy most. The second day's racing will bo entirely dependent upon the previous running, as the same animals are engaged, and 1 dare not thereroro make any suggestions. The " Voightlander" case was heard at Croydon on Saturday, and resulted in the ignominious defeat of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, whos e summons against Mr. Crawshaw was dismissed with costs. It will probably be a salutary lesson to the secretary, Mr. Colam, not to interfere with one of our national sports, but at least I have no doubt many of the society's former supporters will take car e no t t o fi n d f un ds to aid him in such a ridiculous prosecution for the future—verbant sap. A FRESH MAN. PLAUDIT POE. THE Two THOUSAND GUINEAS. —Argus, in this Morning's Post, says—" In the meanwhile I may tell your readers, without breaking any confidence, that I met Major Elwon, the owner of Plaudit, this (Sunday) afternoon, and he assured me be had backed his horse for the Two Thousand for a certain sum, and that if ho was well and stood a preparation, as he had every reason to be lieve he would, ho should certainly start him for that race." So much for the authority of a weekly contemporary, who, the week after "A Fresh. Man" had selected PLAUDIT to win. the Two Thousand, stated the exact reTerse of this. VENGEANCE OF AN ELEPIIANT.—A serious acci dent o ccurred at Jersey on Saturday evening to a man named Williams, the result of his own imprudence. The unfortunate man is one of the grooms engaged at a circus, now stationed in St. Helier's, and of which an elephant named "Billy" forms a prominent feature in the entertain ment. After the evening's performance 'Williams went into the stable to the horses, accompanied by a soldier of the 69th Regiment. Whilst giving water to a horse stilled near the elephant the latter reached out his trunk to the pail. Williams hit the animal ou the trunk, and refused to let him drink. Although not the keeper of the elephant he resolved to show his companion his mastery over the animal, and ordered him to-lift first one foot and then the other, and do other portions of his performance. The beast did so till his patience was exhausted, when he threw his trunk round Williams and dashed and rubbed him against the wall of the stable with such force that ho was taken up half dead, bleeding most profusely. Ho was conveyed as speedily as possible to the General Hospital. It is feared that he is fatally injured. _ _ RESPITE OF A MUI:DEREn.—LEEDS, Sunday Evening.—henry Gabbiter, aged 16, who was found guilty at the recent assizes of the wilful murder of his fellow apprentice, Arthur Allen, at Sheffield, has had his sentence respited. The respite, which was received yesterday morning by Mr. Keene, the Governor of Armley Gaol, Leeds, was signed by the Right Hon. S. H. Walpole, the Home Secretary, and was as follows :—" I am commanded to inform you that the sentence of death passed upon Henry Gabbiter is respitod until further signification of her Majesty's pleasure." Upon the receipt of this com munication Mr. Keene at once informed the convict that the clemency of tho Crown had been extended to him, and that, should the usual custom be followed in his case, in structions would bo received in a few days from the clerk of assize intimating that the sentence of death had been commuted to that of penal servitude for life. Gabbiter exhibited great emotion at this grateful intelligence and wept copiously. no also stated that ho did not carp so much for imprison men t f or life, because he felt that his L crime fully deserved such u punishment. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. MANCHESTER STEEPLECHASE, FLAT, AND HURDLE RACE MEETING. TUESDAY, JAN. 1. Weights for a Handicap Hurdle Race of 5 sovs each, with 25 added ; winner of a hurdle race or steeplechase after December 13, at ten a.m., 71b extra. About two miles. Age st lb Age st lb Charming Woman a 11 7 Reinfrid ... 5 9 10 Queen of Trumps._ 6 10 12 Gayous ... 6 9 10 Arkansas 5 10 12 Malv ern ... 5 9 8 Grapeshot._ ... 510 7 Fomentation ... 4 9 8 Nuneaton ... 6 9 12 Tumult ... 4 9 6 Weights for the City Steeple Chase (handicap) of 5 sovs each, with 50 adle , l; Winner of a steeplechase or hurdle race after Dec. 13, at tea a.m. 71b extra. About three miles and a half. Globul3 ... Ago st lb ... a 10 9 Ago st lb ... a 12 7 Nowlight .., a 12 0 Gly Lad (lata Con ._ all 9 undrum) • a 11 4 Viudicatur... ▪ all 4 Midwife 5 10 1 ./ Huguenot ~ licinedy 'l'homastown Arleseott ... ... a 10 9 ... 6 10 7 The lt , )gue Crusade ... Farley Hill ... 5 10 7 ... a 10 2 ... ... 6 10 0 Weights for the Trial Handi added; winner of any flat extra. About one mile on of 3 sivs each, with 24 race after Drcenther 13, 51.13 L the flat. Ago a lb Lady Don, by Dru mour or Edmund Age st lb Merry Harp ... 5 8 12 Gayous ... 6 8 10 Diana (h b) a 8 8 Despair ... ... a 8 8 Ware ... ... 4 8 7 Trap ... a 8 Radcliffe ... 5 8 4 Wallet ... ... 4 8 4 Malvern ... ... 5 8 2 Terror 5 8 2 Hopleaf ... 4 8 2 Preferment ... 4 7 10 Compensation ... 4 7 9 The Hunters' Steeplechase of 3 sovs each, with 20 added for horses that have never won 20 soya at any on e ti m e across country ; 12st 71b each; thorough-bred horse; 71b extra , about two miles and a half. Mustang, Marchioness, Dudu, Charley, Pet, Bron, Diana, Reuben, Spider, Marrubium, Isabella, Sir William, Rob Roy, Miss Stanley, Holly Mount. Beau—Lady Bird 4 7 9 Blue Cap ••• 4 Chance ... ••• Pretty Queen ... 4 7 0 Feelny 3 7 0 Fat Bob ... ... 3 t 8 Libertine ... a 6 6 Highland Mary 36 6 The Mite 3 6 6 ... 3 6 0 Gentille WEDNESDAY. Weights for the Manchester Handicap Hurdle Race of 4 sovs each, with 25 added; winner of any hurdle race or steeplechase after December 13, at 10 a.m., 71b ext ra , About one mile and a half, over four hurdles. Age st lb Age st lb Arkansas ... ... 5 11 7 I Malvern ... 5 10 4 Grapeshot ... ... 5,11 0 Tumult ... ... 410 4 Radcliffe ... 5 10 9 Ada Linn° 410 0 Nuneaton ... 6 10 9 Chance 4 10 0 Trap ... ... alO 7 Pretty Queen ... 4 912 Reinfrid 5 10 7 Lady of Rank 5 9 10 Preferment • 4 10 7 Weights for the Stretford Steeple Chase (handicap) of 5 sovs each, with 50 added ; winner of a steeple cha.se or hurdle race after December 13, at ten a.m. 71b extra. About three miles. Age st lb Lightheart... ... a 12 7 Globule ... al2 4 Thomastown a 11 10 Arlescott ... a 11 6 The Rogue ... a 11 2 Crusade ... ... all 2 Glasgow ... ... 6 11 0 Barley Hill ... 5 10 8 Weights for the Old Trafford handicap of 3 sovs each, with 20 added ; winner of any flat race after December 13, 71b extra. About three-quarters of a mile on the flat. Age st lb Newlight a 10 8 Ross ... a 10 8 Midwife ... 510 6 Vindicator ... 6 10 6 Huguenot ... a 10 4 Ruberis (late Oscar) a 10 4 Maggie (h b) ... a 10 0 Age st lb ... 5 8 12 Age et lb Fomentation ... 4 7 10 Maid of Usk 4 7 6 Lady Don ... 4 7 4 Chance ... 4 7 0 Bluo Cap ... ... 4 7 0 Feemy ... 3 6 12 Pretty Queen ... 4 6 10 Fat Bob ... 3 6 4 Libertine ... 3 6 4 Th e Mite 3 6 '2 Highland Mary ... 3 6 2 Geutille 3 5 9 Merry Harp ... 5 8 7 Gayous 6 8 5 Despair ... a 8 4 Wave ... 4 8 4 Diana (h.b) a 8 4 She Devil 6 8 4 Trap a 8 2 Wallet ... 4 8 0 Terror ... 5 7 12 Malvern 5 7 10 Hopleaf 4 7 10 RACING FIXTURES FOR 1867. JANUARY. Manchester 1 FEBRUARY. Lincoln Spring Harrow MARCH. Liverpool Spring Chelmsford Spring l2 West Drayton l9 Bromley Epsom Spring 26 Lewes Spring 2B Croston Park 29 Northampton Windsor Spring 4 Edinburgh Sp. Meeting 6 Newmarket Craven 8 Curragh Thirsk .... Durham .. 22 1 Newmarket] st Spring 22 Catterick Chester 3O A.Y. Chester (continued) 1 York Spring 7 Salisbury Doncaster Spring Bath JI,I Ascot Summer 4 Windsor Summer Manchester Summer Hampton l3 Odiham l7 Bibury CluL) lB JU. Harpeuden Epsom Summer Newton 29 Croydon Stockbridge l9 ! Chelmsford • 1 Newcastle .. 25 1 Cu rrag h Worcester Summer 27 ! Ipswich 27 'LY. Carlisle 2 New►uarket July ~. 2 Pontefract Reading Liverpool July Meeting 10 Hungerford Nottingham July Down Royal Corporate l7 Stamford Huntingdon 23 Winchester Southampton Gaodwood EI,IL. NE. UST. AUG York August Dover \Vest Draytou 22 Plymouth... . 23 Canterbury Lichfield Derby Summer Weymouth 2B Tunbridge Goodwood (continuod) 1 Ripon Brighton • • 6 Brighton Club 8 Lewes Egham ..... l3 Wolverhampton l3 Stockton Oxford Hastings 8 EP T IhiBER. Warwick 3 Ri c hmond Alargate 3 Hendon l9 Curragb. Leicester 5 M Newmarket anc hes ls ter tOctober eobr Autumn.... e 2 2 0 4. Abingdon Doncaster OCTOBER. Northampton Autumn. 1 Curragh Edinburgh Autumn •.. 2 Newmarket Houghton Newmarket 2(1 October. 7 Worcester Autumn Cheltenham ............... 15 NOVEMBER. 5 I Leamington Hunt 11 sLiiivreorpivsobotlvAyutumn STEEPLECHASE FIXTURES FOR 1867. TANUARY. Manchester 1 FEBRUARY. Carmarthen 5 Harrow Spring Birmingham l2 Derby Windsor MARCH. Liverpool Spriug Croydon Spring ... Grand Military Chertsey I Mallon COURSING. COURSING MEETINGS TO COME. JANUARY, 1867. Namo. Judge. Days of Running Huntingdon Club Mr. Warwick Lincolnshire, Holbeach Mr. Spofford 9, &c. Coole, co. Cork (Open) Third S. Lancashire, (South port (Open) Mr. Westropp 9, 10, 11 Spelthorne Club Mr. Warwick Border Union (Longtown) Cumberland Barton-on-Humber, Lincoln. Mr. Spafford Altcar Club, Lancashire - Wigtonsh. Club (Stranraer) Mr. Boulton Little Crosby County Loutis Club, Ireland Mr. Spafford Ridgway Club, Lytham. - FEBRUARY. Raiford, Lancashire Cardiff Club Mr. Warwick Waterloo, Lancashire Tatuworth, Staffordshire ... Mr. Warwick MARC 11. rash Grand National (Open), county Louta Ardrossau, Sharphill South Lancashire (South port) Champion Leinster (Open) Courtown Mr. 11. S priugall... 19 , 20 Scottish Open, Lanarkshire - 26, &c. SEPTEMBER. 6, 7 ...... 7, &c. Brampton, Cumberland Mr. Warwick OCTOBER. Ancastcr and. Willoughby, WLincolnshire Mr. Spafford A RUN WITH THE QUEEN'S HOUNDS.—The meet on Friday was at New Lodge, the residence of the Belgian Minister, near Windsor, and besides a large field of sportsmen on the ground enlivening the scene there was a brilliant assemblage of the ladies living in the neighbour -11001, who assembled in carriages to witness the uncarting of the stag. The "Rake," a fins animal, who had been rechristened, but who, under the nano of " Hawthorn," gave the riders with her ajest's hounds a good run some weeks ago, on being un M carted, y made for a good line of country, but was heade I back by a farmer opposed to the sport, and so changed his course. After a good run at Flackwell Heath it was found that a few " knowing ones' had crossed at • Cookham Ferry with three couples of hounds, which had also crossed after the stag. They had taken the deer, and surrendered him accordingly to the legitimate keepers when they arrived at the scene, Mr. H. King thanking them for their cleverness in taking tIIQ shortest cut to recover the prize, hare ; ' 20 8t 8t tCO too 1 105.