The Sun.
London, England, 1855-02-16 00:00:00

DESTRUCTION OF THE STEAM-SHIP
MAURITIUS BY FIRE.

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)
SOUTHAMPTON, FRIDAY MORNING.

The fine steam-ship, belonging to the General
Screw Navigation Company, which was under-
going
repairs in the large graving docks at this
port previous to her again entering upon her duties'
in connexion with the Government transport ser-
vice, was this morning totally destroyed by fire.
About 5 o'clock a flare of light was seen issuing
from the locality of the engine-room by one or two
persons who happened to be near the ship, and im-
mediately an alarm was raised for the purpose of
disturbing those on board, and likewise to procure
assistance to at once prevent a serious conflagra-
tion. No sooner, however, were the men made ac-
quainted with the fact than all, with the exception
of one, at once deserted the vessel. For some little
time the 'fire appeared to confine itself to the
centre of the ship, but before it was possi-
ble to procure the assistance of engines or other
means to subdue the flames, the vessel seemed al-
most enveloped, symptoms of fire exhibiting itself
nearly the whole range of the ship. Some slight
attempts were made by one or two persons to save the
boats and moveable gear, but hardly a man connected
with the ship appeared willing to render the slightest
assistance. The fire raged most rapidly, and it hav-
ing become known that about 6 cwt. of gunpowder
remained on board, a terrific explosion was of course
expected. As quickly as,possible water was let into
the dock, the plugs from the bottom of the ship
drawn, and up to this time (8 o'clock) the powder
still remained.

The cause of this lamentable occurrence, and the
exact origin of the fire, is, we are sorry to add,
firmly believed to be the work of an incendiary, it
being known that great dissatisfaction and ill-feel-
ing has been exhibited by the seamen connected
with the Mauritius since her return to this port
from Portsmouth.

SOUTHAMPTON, 10.30 A.M.
The magazines of the Mauritius, containing about
a quarter of a ton of powder, have just exploded,
sending up fragments of the burning wreck a
great distance into the air. Fortunately no da-
mage has been done of any consequence either to
the dock, or to the ships surrounding.
Great numbers of persons have crowded the
docks to witness the spectacle, and, although the
vessel was surrounded at the time of the explosion,
we believe no injury was inflicted.

••
The Mauritius may now be said to be totally de-
stroyed. Her bows remain but slightly injured,
bgt before the fire can be got under there is little
doubt that the entire ship, gear and all connected
with her will be consumed or rendered almost
valueless.

THE ARMY ESTIMATES.—The army estimates for the
financial year ending the 31st of March, 1856, amount
to 13,721,1581., being an increase of 6,553,6721. upon
the estimate for the present year. There being a de-
crease of 35,0001. in non-effective services, the increase
under the head of effective is 6,589,001/. The effective
services will cost 11,764,9211., of which 7,316,0001. is
for the maintenance of the army (deducting the troops
in India), 314,0001. for staff officers, 153,0001. for public
departments, 17,7951. for the Royal Military College,
23,0001. for the Royal Military Asylum and Hibernian
School, 88,0001. for volunteer corps, and 3,813,0001. for
the militia.