The Press.
London, England, 1854-03-11 00:00:00

PERSIA.

Persia, which remains neutral, is fortifying her
frontiers towards Turkey. If the Affghans attack
Candahar, Persia offers to mediate. The Khan of
Khiva has sought a refuge at Bokhara, and calls
upon the neighbouring khans to join him against
the Russians.
UNITED STATES.

New York mails to the 23rd ult. have arrived
by the Africa and America steamers.
A violent hurricane and snowstorm swept over
New York on the evening of the 20th and morning
of the 21st ult. The high tide caused by the wind
floated the Africa at six o'clock in the morning, and
at twelve o'clock she reached her dock at Jersey City
apparently uninjured. Dredging-machines had been
at work at her side, with the hope of extricating her.
About one hundred men commenced work when she
reached dock putting in her coal, and by working
day and night, with the use of four cranes and the
aid of steam power, the Africa was enabled to leave
New York on the afternoon of the 23rd ult.

Numerous petitions from various cities and states
of the Union have been presented against the
Nebraska Bill. The same measure of support con-
tinuos to be given to it by the pro-slavery portion of

SATURDAY;

the American press, and condemnation by the aboli-
tionists.

The 22nd, the natal day of George Washington,
was celebrated at New York with more enthusiasm
than it has ever called forth heretofore.
In a commercial letter from New York we find the
following prognostics respecting the influence of
European disturbance upon "American trade ":
"We are speculating upon the influence which the
European struggle will have upon our occidental fortunes.
Our commercial world has hardly been depressed, except
for the moment, with the prospect. We feel that there is
no reason why we should be involved in any manner in this
struggle. Our Yankee enterprise foresees new roads and
channels of progress and influence, if an/ portion of the
energies of Western Europe becomes partLysed. Our mer-
chantmen are looking for a large carrying trade. Our
manufacturers are calculating upon a period of florid pros-
perity. Our agriculturists are feverish with hope, and the
prospect of a European war has driven breadstuffs up to
almost fabulous prices. It has given an impulse to our
navy ; and so active are all our private shipyards that it
is doubtful whether our Government can get its new steam-
frigates built by our people. Their hands are full of com-
missions from Europe."

WEST INDIES.
The Magdalene has brought the February mail
from the West Indies. Jamaica dates are to the
11th ult. The island was healthy. The House of
Assembly was still in session, and had agreed to the
Responsible Government Bill, which would soon,
therefore, be under the consideration of the Council.
The deficiency of revenue during the " dead-lock"
was ascertained to be about 120,0001. This the
Assembly proposed to meet by the issua of half that
amount of Exchequer Bills, bearing 0 per cent.
interest, and half in island cheques.
In Demerara the weather was propitious to the
planter, and the cane-pieces were thriving luxu-
riantly.
The President of Bolivia, it is stated, has insulted
the English Charge d'Affairs, and ordered him out
of the country.

MARCH 11, 1854.

Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cambridge and
the Princess Mary. Several foreign Ministers were
invited ; and after the banquet Lady Palmerston bad
a " reception."
HIS EXCELLENCY THE SPANISH MINISTER (M.
Isturitz), it is said, is about to be recalled by his
Sovereign.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL J. C. CHADS, President of
the island of Tortola, died of cholera on the 3rd of
February.