The Sun.
London, England, 1856-08-04 00:00:00

_DREADFUL EXPLOSION.

DORKING, Sunday.
Yesterday (Saturday) this usually quiet and secluded
town became painfully excited by a disaster which, in
addition to destroying a large amount of property, caus-
ed serious, if not fatal, injuries to two or three persons.
It seems that yesterday morning Mr. Knight, a sur-
geon and druggist, was in his shop, situated in High-
street, with a boy employed by Mr. Knight and a female
domestic. Mr. Knight was, we understand, preparing a
prescription, when all of a sudden a loud explosion took
place. Several people rushed to the spot, when the poor
boy was found fixed on some iron railings on the pave-
ment in front of the house. He was insensible, and the
upper part of his body covered with blood, which flowed
from a terrible wound in the head, caused by coming
into contact with the iron pests, when he was blown
through the window by the force of the explosion. The
girl was found in the window where she bad been forced.
She was lying amongst the broken glass, and was very
severely injured. Mr. Knight himself escaped with less
injuries than the two other unfortunate persons. The
damage done to Mr. Knight's premises is very consider.
able, and the force of the explosion was so great that
several of the adjoining houses were much shaken and
injured.

The exact cause of the explosion is not known, but it
seems to bays been occasioned by an escape of gas.
As soon as possible after the disaster medical aid was
procured, and the wounds having been dressed, the un-
fortunate sufferers were conveyed to their residences,
where they now remain in a pitiable condition.

Naval and l Xilitary Intelligence.

The screw steam-ship Victory, Capt. Richards, from
the Mediterranean, put into Plymouth on Saturday. She
left Constantinople July 8, Malta 16, and Gibraltar 25.
She brings from Constantinople 10,0001. in specie. The
steam-ship was used as a workshop at Balaklava.
A court-martial assembled on Friday, on board the
flag-ship Impregnable, in the Harnoaze, Plymouth, for
the trial of Lieut. Joseph George Shanks, Royal Marines,
serving on board her Majesty's ship Queen, for having,
on the 10th of July, used reproachful language to-
wards Lieut. William D. D. Selby, R.N., of the same
ship. The evidence clearly proved that the prisoner
bad taunted the prosecutor with having hid himself un-
der a gun carriage while in action ; but, inasmuch as he
had afterwards offered to apologise, the Court adjudged
him only to be severely reprimanded, and to be placed at
the foot of the list of the first lieutenants.
The Prince Jerome and another French frigate were
in the Tagus on the 221 of June. No English ship of
war was there. The cholera was subsiding at Lisbon.
The frigate Meander, 44, Captain Thomas Baillie,
sailed from Plymouth Sound for Queenstown yesterday
morning.
The screw steam-ship Sanspareil, 70, Captain .A. C.
Key, from Portsmouth, arrived at Plymouth on Satur-
day ; she is. appointed to go into Hamoaze this day.
The screw steam-ship Exjnouth, 90, Capt. H. Lyres,
and the paddlewheel ,steam-frigates Leopold,• 18. Cent.
C. 0. Hayes, and Valorous, 16, Capt. C. H. M. Buckle,
went from Plymouth SOund into Hainoaze on Saturday.
The crew of the Amethyst, 26, . got tops and lower
0gg",44 over rostetheadir at Derouport on, SatnidaY.
"=.lp—i'dffiii*heel-steartrtro-Opshlii Dee, 4, Commander
Thomas .C. Pullen, left Plymouth on Saturday for Pem-
broke.
The following officers have joined the depots of their
respective regiments at Chatham garrimon :—Capt. J.
H. Chads, sth Fusiliers; Capt. Douglas Hastings, 78th
Highlanders ; and Lieut. J. S. Keddle, 83d Regiment.
By the Peninsular mail-packet Madrid, which arrived
at Southampton on Saturday evening, we have received
the following items of naval and military intelligence
from Gibraltar :--The 13th Light Infantry, under the
command of Lieut. Colonel Lord Mark Kerr, and the
89th, commanded by Col. Ferryman, bad received orders
to bold themselves in readiness for immediate embarka-
tion to the Cape of Good Hope. The 15th and 96th
were mentioned as the two regiments likely to relieve
the two corps doing duty at Gibraltar. The Chasseur
(engineer workshop), under the command of Captain
Brightman, returning from the Crimea, whence • she
sailed from Balaklava, on the sth, Constantinople on the
9th, and Malta on the 16th inst., arrived at Gibraltar
on the 24th. After tekt•_ig in a supply of coal and water
she was to resume her voyage to Spithea'l in the even-
ing. The Chasseur spoke, on the 20th, in lat. 37.35,
long. 4.14 E., the British brig Wild Wave and British
schooner Argo ; and, on the 21st, in hit. 37.37 N., long.
4.54 E., the British brig Duchess of Leinster.
A letter from Carlisle Bay, Barbadoes, dated the 12th
of July, eays :—" The Imperi.3use, 51, Capt. R. B. Wat-
son, C. 8,, arrived here on the 10th, and found the Ar-
rogant, 47, Capt. Lyster, in the Bay waiting orderer.
The Cossack arrived on the 11th, and the Victor and Tar.
tar anchored this morning. The Orion, 91, Capt. Ers-
kine, and the two gun-boats Intrepid and Pioneer and
hourly expected. 4 p.m.—The Orion has just arrived.
6.30 p.m.—We sail for Greytown as soon as we are all
completed with coal, are:
Her Majesty's ship .aimalaya, Commander Priest,
left Portsmouth yesterday morning for Plymouth.
Her Majesty's steam corvette Cruiser, 17, was com-
missioned on Friday afternoon by Commander C. Fel-
'owes, at Portsmouth.
On paying off the Terrible at' Sheerness on Saturday
Capt. M'Cleverty, C. 8., distributed on the quarterdeck
the good conduct medals, and announced that the Ad-
miralty had granted the gratuity to be given, with the
medals to the following seamen :—viz , to Busbridge,
gunner's mate ; Grant, ship's cook (late boatswain's
mate) ; and Bowden, quartermaster. Captain M'Cle-
verty highly complimented the marines for their excel-
lent conduct during the time they bad been doing duty
on board the Terrible ; and he then informed them that,
should he be so fortunate as to get an early command of
another ship, he should make application for the same
company, and also for their efficient commanding officer,
First• Lieutenant W. R. Jeffreys, to be permitted to join

The Royal Mail scrow steamer England, Lieutenant
A. D. Dundas, RN., Commander, sailed on Saturday
from Woolwich for the Capa of Good Hope.

APPOINTMENTS.
Lieutenant H. L. Crofton, to the Acton ; Luke
Masterson Paymaster to the Highflver ; Henry C.
Davey, Paymaster to the Medusa ; Henry Bruston,
Payxnaster-to the ‘ctieou ; Jameali. Carmichael Clerk
to the Highflyer ; Thomas S. Wells, Surgeon to the
Highflyer.

INSPECTION OF CAVA Ida' BY THE

COMMANDER-IN-GRIEF.

CANTERBURY, SATURDAY EVENING.
The I2th Royal (Prince of Wales) Lancers, under
the command of Colonel Tottenham, and the Gth Cara-
bineers, under the command of Colonel Junes, were in-
spected to-dPy by his Royal Highness the Duke of Cain-
bridge, Coe.,._ Chief. His Royal Highness was
accompanied 1, Adjutant. General Sir G. A.
Wetberall, Sir Colin and another general
officer. Time did not permit, or it was proposed by
some of the citizens to have presented a congratulatory
address to his Royal Highness. The party arrived at
Canterbury shortly before ten o'clock, and the duke,
with the other generals, immediately jumped into a
stanhope belonging to one of the officers of the garrison,
and drove through the city to the Cavalry Barracks.
Wherever his Royal Highness was recogni.ed'uneovered
heads and waving of hats greeted his presence. It was
remarked that the Duke looked exceedingly well, as
did also Sir C. Campbell, who was the observed of all
observers. O.Ning to its not being generally known that
the Commander-in-Chief would pay a visit to the bar-
racks there were comparatively few spectators present.
The troops were drawn up in line in review order, in the
exercise field at the rear of the Cavalry Barns Mks, and re-
ceived his Royal Highness with a general salute.
Having carefully inspected the men (the bands of the
two regiments playing alternately), the Commander-in-
Cnief took up his position with his face fronting the
military hospital, when the troops were marched past in
quick time. The general appearance of these two fine
regiments was most imposing. They were then formed
in close columns of regiments facing each other—the
Commander-in-Chief, with the other generals, occupy-
ing the interval. His Royal Highness then addressed
the officers and men, but his remarks were totally in-
audible to the civilians present—so great a distance was
kept unoccupied between them and the troops. His
Royal Highness was understood to express his high
gratification at the appearance of the two regiments—
old comrades in arms ; and the pleasure he felt in again
meeting them. They were a credit to the service to
which they belonged. He was sure they would prove
themselves worthy of the high opinion that had always
been entertained of them. His Royal Highness also
adverted to the period when the Carabineers were under
the command of General Jackson, and the Lancers
under Colonel Stowel, and spoke complimentary of their
past and present organisation and efficiency. His best
wishes would accompany them to India, and he hoped
to see them safely return again to their native land.
The two regiments then retired in succession of troops,
and the illustrious visitors prcceeded to the mess-room
of the Lancers, where they partook of a hasty luncheon,
and then left for town.

The first portion of the Carabineers leave here in the
course of the present week for India.

SUPPOSED MURDER.

----~--

SHEERNESS, August 2.
An inquest has this day been held at the Fountain
Hotel, before Mr. Hill, the county coroner, on the body
of a young man, aged about 23, whose death seems to
have taken place under very suspicious circumstances.
It was proved that deceased had on Wednesday last
arrived here by the London steam packet. He hired a
waterman to row him about the river for an hour in the
afternoon, and for a similar time in the evening. De-
ceased then proceeded for a walk along Queenborough-
wall, and was not seen alive afterwards. Deceased's
hat (which was nearly new, and made by Chapman and
Moors, Old Band street, London) was found by A. Ir.
Josiah Hall between half-past 9 and IC/o'clock that night
under Queenborougb-wall, immediately opposite to,
where the body was afterwards found. When deceased s
body was first found two large rough stones, which bad
no doubt been taken from the sea-facing of the wall,
were lying on the upper side of the body. 'Two witnesses
state that on getting him out the stones fell rff. The
-coroner immediately ordered one of the constables to
proceed to the spot with the two men who first found
the body to search for the stones. The constable and
the men some time after returned with a number of
large stones, all of which were found lying immediately
under the water whence the body had been taken. The
stones exceeded one cwt. Further evidence led the jury
to suggest an adjournment until next Tuesday week, to
give the constables an opportunity to make every in-
quiry. Deceased informed the man who had been row-
ing him about the harbour that he was in the service of
a judge, and had left his place unknown to his employer.
He stated that the sea air bad done him a great deal of
good, and on his leaving him to proceed along Queen-
borough-wall he engaged him to take him in his boat the
following day. He appeared an intelligent young man.
He was at the time sober. He drank nothing but gin-
ger-beer, and appeared in very good spirits. He further
stated that his previous employer was the gentleman
who personally commenced to break up the street paving
in the High-street, laying
Canterbury, for down thc-
lines of rail at the time the city authorities forbade the
railway company to disturb the etreet'paving.
It publicity wero given to these circumstances, the
coroner and jury were of opinion it might lead to the
identity of the unfortunate man who has apparently in
some brutal manner been suddenly launched into eternity,

ITHE WEATFIER AND THE CROPS.

BEDFORDSHIRE.—Wheat has very much improved in
appearance daring the last week. Beans look exceed-
ingly promising. The hay harvest in this county is now
finished, and, geneially speaking. the crops have been
secured in prime condition.—Bedford Times.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE.—Every sort of crop is healthy, and
an abundant harvest is rapidly approaching. The turnip
crops, such as have escaped the fly attack, are_growing
wed, but within thq last week dreadful havoc has been
caused by a more destructive insect called the black cater
pillar, or locust. The insect appears in swarms, and hav-
ing attacked the leaf, adheres till every particle, except
the stamina, or vein is consumed, and then regularly
proceeds to the next, sometimes eating the produce el
acres in their course. Potatoes appear to turn out plen-
tifully, and without doubt will be very cheap, as at pre-
sent there appears to be no symptoms of the old disease.
—Cambridge Independent.
DIIRILI3I.—The meadows have rapidly fallen under
scythe, and a large quantity of excellent hay has been
made Safe. The crops almost invariably good, and in
many oases very heavy. The wheat crops have greatly
improved, and are at present assuming a much more pro-
mising aspect. In s)me places the crop is light, but is
looking Very healthy, and, should the present fine weather
continue, they will rapidly approach maturity. Turnips,
where'sown under favourable circumstances, are looking
very well, but in manly cases the wet continued so long
that the land could not be sown. Planting out is going
on to some extent where practicable. Potatoes look
well, and although the disease is not extinct, we have
not heard of the prevalence of it to any great extent.—
Durham County Advertiser,'
CUMBERLAND.—The crops appear to be in splendid con-
dition, and shoul4 the fine Vrt,iter continue,„,,harvest epew
rationil ivill no long be dMyed.—Cailate JoUrital.
KENT.—The crops generally look most luxuriant, and
their appearance has had a sensible effect upon the mar-
kets. We cannot hear of any blight in the potatoes in
this neighbourhood. They are generally of good quality,
and are already sellin, at moderate prices. A field of
oats belonging to Mr. Spong, a 5 Frindsbury, was cut and
stacked, this week, in fine condition.—ilaidstone
Journal.

LANCASHIRE.—The weather which has prevailed dur-
ing the present week has been really beautiful, and every
day of its continuance must add thousands of pounds to
the wealth of the nation. As we stated in our last, the
heavy rains of last week were local, for in other parts of
the kingdom there was a lack of moisture ; but these
rains have done little or no injury to the growing crops,
while the hot sunshine of the present week is ripening
the produce of the earth in the most satisfactory manner
posgible.—Liverpool Chronicle).
DEvoNsantE.--The harvest prospects of this county are
the most cheering possible. In the neighbourhood of
Exeter. and the fertile districts of To•ns:-, Ashburton,
litngsbridge, and throughout the whole of Vie South
Hams, the grain crops are most luxuriant, and indicate
an abundant harvest. Potatoes also look well, and will,
there is every reason to believe, be of a usual prolific
crop. The disease has shown itself in some districts,
but so partially and in such a slight form as not to ex-
cite alarm. Throughout the districts of Crediton, Run-
staple, South Molton, and the fertile valleys of North
Devon, the same cheering prospects present themselves,
and if the present fine weather continues the corn bar-

vest is expected to be general in a week or ten days.
The hay harvest has been most satisfactory.
NORTIIUMBERLAND.—The weather sines our last has
continued exceedingly propitious, and a great quantity
of hay has been safely housed this week in excellent con•
dition. A large pr portion, however, still remains in
the fields. The crops of cereals are advancing rapidly,
towards maturity, and under the influence of fine wea•
therand anticipated abundance the corn markets through-
out the country have declined considerably, and show
every appearance of a further fall.—Newcastle Chronicle.
YORKSIIIRE.—Wheat is lookilig remarkably healthy
and well, and affords the promiad; if genial weather con-
tinue, of a fill.' average yield. Other kinds of grain ex-
hibit a no less satisfactory appearance. Potatoes and
turnips are growing luxuriously, "Wakefield Journal.
OXFORDSHIRE. —The weather has been sunny, very
hot, and everything that can be desired for the corn.
The wheat on the heavy land is ripening very well, and
shows a rich yellow colour, and that on the lighter soil
is just at the edge of harvest, and in a few instances the
hook has been at work, the ear is well filled, and but
little blight appears. The barley, of which there is a
small breadth growing this year, looks well on the good
soils, where it was planted early, and promises to be of
fine quality and pod crop.
RUSSIAN CROWN DIAMONDS.

(From Galignani's Messenger.)
The Crown treasury of the Czars at Moscow contains
precious stones of considerable amount. The two most
considerable are diamonds, one the size of a pigeon's
egg, cut-in rose. - The,Banasialsa hael,given it the WWI.
01 she -Orloff; -The other hag of an irregular
prism, and is of the size and almost the length of a little
finger ; it bears the name of the Shah, and its history is
as follows :—lt formerly belonged to the Sophis, and
was one of two enormous diamonds which ornamented
the throne of Nadyr Shah, and which were designated
by the Persians by the names of " Sun of the Sea" and
"Moon of the Mountains." When Nadyr was assassi-
nated his treasures were pillaged, and the precious stones
divided among a few soldiers, who carefully concealed
them. An Armenian, of the name of Shrafras, re-
sided at that period at Bussora with his two
brothers. One day an Affghan came to him, and
offered for sale the large diamond the Moon of
the Mountains, as well as an emerald, a ruby of fabulous
size, a sapphire of the finest water, called by the Persians
thelirje of Allele, and a number of other stones, for the
whole of which he asked such a moderate sum, that
I Shafras suspected that they had not been honestly come
by, and told him to call again, as he had not the money
in the house. The Affghan, fearing Shafras was going
to act with treachery towards him, left the place and
could not again be found, although the three brothers
made every search for him. Some years afterwards the
elder brother met the man at Bagdad, who told him
that be had just sold all his precious stones for 65,000
piastres and a pair of valuable horses. Shafras had
the residence of the purchaser, who was a Jew, pointed
out to him, and be went to him and offered him double
the price he had given for them, but was refused. The
three brothers then agreed to murder the Jew and
rob him of his purchase, which they did, and on
the following day poisoned the Affghan, and threw
both the bodies into the river. A dispute soon
after arose between the brothers as to the division
of the spoil, which terminated in Shafras getting rid of
his two brothers by poison, after which he fled to Con-
stantinople, and thence to Holland, where he male
known the riches ho possessed, and offered them for sale
to the different courts of Europe. Catherine 11. pro-
posed to buy the Moon of the Mountains only. Shafras
was requested to come to Russia, and he was introduced
to the court jeweller. The terms demanded by Shafras
were—letters of nobility, a life annuity of 10,000
roubles, and 500,000 roubles payable by weekly in-
stalments in ten years. Count Panin, who was then
minister, delayed the settlement of the bargain as long
as possible, and in the meantime had the Armenian
led into such extravagances that he fell into debt, and
when the minister found that he had no means of
paying what he owed he abruptly broke off the nego-
tiation. Shafras, according to the laws of the country,
could not leave until his debts should be paid, and the
court jeweller prepared to take advantage of his em-
barrassments, and intended that the diamond should
fall into his bands fora fourth of its value. Shafras, how-
ever, discovered the trap that had been laid for him, and
disposing of some of the less valuable stones among his
countrymen, paid his debts, and disappeared. Agents
were sent after him, who had even orders to assassinate
and rob him, but he escaped them. Ten years after,
while he was at Astrakan, renewed offers were made to
him, but he refused to enter into any negotiations unless
the bargain should be settled at Smyrna. Catherine
accepted, and became the possessor of the diamond
for letters of nobility-600,000 roubles, and 170,000
paper roubles, making together about two and a half
millions of francs. Shafras, not being able to return to
his country, where he would have had to give an ac-
count of two homicides and two fratricide; fixed himself
at Astrakan, where he married a countrywoman of his,
and had seven daughters. One of his sons-in-law poisoned
him for the sake of possessing his share of his pro-
perty. The immense fortune which the murderer bad
acquired (from ten to twelve millions) was divided, and
soon spent, by his successors and several of the grand-
children of Shafras are now living at Astrakan is abject
misery.