The Sun.
London, England, 1858-03-06 00:00:00

AMERICA.

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We extract the fllowincr from our advices from
New York, dated the 18th ult., brought by the
City of Baltimore :
In the United States Senate Mr. Houston's
resolution, directing an inquiry into the expediency
of establishing a protectorate over Mexico and the
Central American states, had been discussed, and
was laid on the table. Senator Hale, in a spirit of
ridicule, had moved the following amendment—
" Whereas a state of colonial dependence is not cal-
culated to illustrate the theory and practice of
popular sovereignty and perfect freedom, therefore,
the committee on foreign relations are also in-
structed to inquire with regard to Canada, and
other British possessions on the American con-
tinent."

The bill for the increase of the army had been
further debated in the Sena'e. The .New York
Herald says of the measure :
" It cannot pass, but it is probable that an icerease
of the military force, limited to two years, to meet
existing exigencies, will be agreed to by the majority."
An extensive fire had occurred on the premises
in New York occupied by Messrs. Winclle and Co.,
importers of house furnishing articles, and Charles
khrenfeldt, importer of toys and Getman goods.
The total loss was estimated at about 200,000 dols.
Destructive conflagrations had also occurred at
Boston, Elmira, and St. Cherine's, Canada West.
It was reported at Washington that as soon as
one or two of the questions pressing upon the at-
tentio❑ of the Government were disposed of, the
relations with Spain and the numerous claims of
American citizsns upon the Spanish Government
would be taken up by Mr. Buchanan, and pressed
to an immediate settlement.

Commodore Jones was lying dangerously ill.

A Washington telegram says—
" The majority of the Senate's committee on territories
have completed an elaborate report. The bill which ac-
companies it is similar to those heretofore presented on
such occasions, and admits Kansas into the Union under
the Lecompton constitution."

The weather in New York had become intensely
cold, the thermometer falling to within 7 degrees
of zero.

SP O.RTINGI INTELLIGENCE.

BETTING AT MANCHESTER-FRIDAY.

The postponement of the Liverpool events, and the
unsettled state of the weather, seems to have brought
betting upon future events quite to a standstill for not
a wager (excepting a few trifling bets at 2 to 1 against
the Steeplechase being run this week, came under our
notice. The weather here at midday was very fine, and,
there being few clouds, the sun had great power, but in
parts where its rays could not touch, there was little
sign of a thaw. Fears are entertained that should the
Steeplechase be run to-morrow (Saturday), few horses
will go to the post, and the short notice that the
stewards can give of it coming off will leave people
too long in suspense to ensure anything like a good
attendance.

LIVERPOOL STEEPLECHASE.
6to 1 ag,t Little Tom (taken)
12 to 1 agst Conrad (taken)
20 to 1 aget Little Charley (taken)
Any odds against Knight of the Shire, who is reporttel
,o have gone home.

TWO TNOLTSiND.
4to 1 agst Clydesdale (taken)
sto 1 agst The Peer (taken)
12 to 1 art Lord of Lorn (taken)

CHESTER CUP.
20 to 1 agst The Peer (taken)
25 to 1 aget Melissa (taken)
50 to 1 agst Gammon (taken)

METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS.

A meeting of this board was held yesterday in the
Council Chamber, Guildhall. The president J. Thwaites,
Esq., took the chair at twelve o'clock.

THE IfAIN DRAINAGE SCHEME,

Mr. Deputy Harrison moved that a letter be addressed
to the surveyors appointed by the board to report ❑pon
the government referee's scheme upon the main drainage
of the metropolis, inquiring when their report would be
ready.
The motion was seconded and carried.
Mr. Leslie, pursuant to notice, moved " That the fol-
lowing resolution of the board of the 19th of February,
1158 tNo. 12), for the appointment of a committee for
putting in force certain powers contained in the Covent
Garden Approach and Southwark and Westminster
Communication Act, 20 and 21 Vict. Sess. 2, 1337, viz.,
That the committee above referred to do consist of 30
members, and that nine do form a quorum, and that all
warrants upon the treasurer for the payment of monies
ander this reference be signed by nine members of the
committee,' and the resolution of the board of the 26th
Feb., 185 S, appointing the members to serve on such
committee, Ise respectively rescinded ; and that ie lieu
thereof it be resolved, that the committee do consist of
the whole of the members of the bt.ard."

The motion was seconded, but after a short discussion,
negatived.

REMOVAL OF TE3I2LE BAR.

On the motion of Mr. BaisTow, the following remain-
tion was carried nem. con. :—" That Temple-bar presents
an obstruction to the traffic of the Strand and Fleet
■trees, and that its removal, and widening of the street
adjacent, are desirable. That a communication be
addressed to the Corporation of London, and also to
the City Commission of Sewers, enclosing the opinion
of the board, and reqaestirg that they will take the
subject into their consideration."
The board adjourned.