The Sun.
London, England, 1862-12-10 00:00:00

THE THRONE OF GREECE.

We understand that the three Powers most inti-
mately concerned in the affairs of Greece have now
come to a definite understanding. It is agreed that
the provisions of the Protocol of 1830 shall be held
binding. The enthusiastic demand of the Greeks
for an English prince is therefore doomed to disap-
pointment. Russia, on her side, has acknowledged
that the Duke of Leuchtenberg is a member of the
imperial family. It has, therefore, only remained
for the Powers to endeavour to find some prince
whom they could recommend to the Greek people as
worthy of their suffrages, while possessing the con-
fidence of Europe. We have repeatedly adverted
to the difficulties of the selection. We believe'
however, that we may now state that King Fer-
dinand
of Portugal will receive the joint support
of the three Powers. His Mejesty is in the prime
of life, being only forty-six years of age. During
the minority of his son he governed a con-
stitutional kingdom as Regent for some years. He
is a prince of much capacity, and, by the excellent
education he gave to his children, emulated the
great qualities of our own Prince Albert. The King
is, moreover, a cousin of the young prince who is
forbidden to avail himself of his flattering election.
There is but one drawback to King Ferdinand. He
is a Roman Catholic. The feelings of a Greek rival
those of the strongest Protestant in dislike for that
faith. But it is impossible to find a candidate who
is totally unimpeachable, and it is to be hoped the
Greeks will be content to accept a prince of such
lofty connections, honourable reputation, and tried
ability, as King Ferdinand. We may not unrea-
sonably expect that the Greeks, when the excite-
ment of the present moment has passed away, will
lend not an unwilling ear to this suggestion of the
Great Powers, whose countenance and aid must be
of vital consequence to them in their present attempt
at regeneration.—Morning Post.

GREAT FIRE IN GRAYS-INN-LANE.

The approach of Christmas, as usual, appears to
herald the outbreak of an undue number of fires.
Following the disastrous conflagration in Little
Tower-street yesterday, another large fire broke out
shortly after five o'clock last evening on the exten-
sive premises of Messrs. Pritchard, builders, of
Portpool-lane, Gray's-inn-lane. Messrs. Pritchard's
yard being well stocked with dry timber, the flames
made rapid progress, and speedily occasioned a re-
flection which was visible from every part of the
metropolis. The premises were surrounded on three
sides by tenements exclusively occupied by the
humblest classes, amongst whom the greatest alarm
prevailed, the poor creatures hastily gathering to-
gether their chattels and throwing them pelt amen
into the street. On the north Messrs. Pritchard's
yard was bounded by the rear of Messrs. Reid's
brewery in Liquorpoud-street, and to this circum-
stance, and the efficient aid afforded by that esta-
blishment, may be attributed the salvage of a large
amount of the surrounding property. The engines
of the fire brigade were upon the spot within every
short period after the outbreak ; but the usual
lamentable deficiency of water from the New River
plugs prevailed, and little could be done beyond
endeavouring to confine the flames to Messrs.
Pritchard's works. Captain Shaw, chief of the
brigade establishment, adopted the best possible
means for effecting this end by a careful survey of the
neighbourhood, following this up by the disposition
of Mr. Fogo and other of his officers at all those
points where danger most threatened. By this
means the fire was promptly arrested, even after
the flames had destroyed the rear of many small
houses in Verulam-street and Baldwin's-gardens.
There was an ample supply of engine-power, con-
sisting of three of the brigade steamers and several
band engines. Mr. Hodges brought his steamer
f.om Lambeth, and Mr. Merry weather one from
Long-acre; but the New River plugs were more
than Exhausted in supplying the requirements of
the brigade engines, to which, therefore, belongs
the credit of having stayed the fire. At a very
early moment after the outbreak, and even before
the brigade engines had got to work, the powerful
qapliancea of Messrs. Reid's brewery (always ready
in case of accident) were brought into active ser-
vice. Three sets of hose having been laid on to the
tank in the roof, a continuous stream of water was
poured across Portpool lane to the flume, the tank
being kept supplied by the brewery steam-engine.
The draytnen also proved valuable auxiliaries in the
good work.
The Duke of Sutherland and Mr. Beddowe were
among the amateur firemen present, each working
with characteristic zeal.
The origin of the outbreak is not known with
certainty, nor could any statement be obtained as to
the imuranoefi on the property destroyed.