The Sun.
London, England, 1867-06-29 00:00:00

HOUSE OF COMMONS-YESTERDAY.

The SPEAKER took tho chair at 2 o'clock.
THE REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE BILL.

The House having gone into committee on this bill,
The AT TORNEY-GENERAL moved a clause providing
that notice should be sent to every ratepayer occupying
premises conferring the franchise, and that no rate should
b 3 deemed payable until the expiration of seven clear days
from the service of such requisition or note.
Mr. MARSH objected to the clause on the ground that it
would have the effect of giving the overseer power to dis-
franchise anybody ho liked.

Mr. ROEBUCK also opposed the clause, but it was sup-
ported by several hon. members.
After some discussion the clause was agreed to without
a division.

Lord J. BROWNE moved at the end of the clause to add
"It shall be the duty of the overseer to make such demand
within a month from the publication of the rate, and if he
neglect to do so he shall be liable to a penalty of 20s. in
each case."

Mr. Sergeant GASELEE said this would make the bill
one of pains and penalties.
On the motion that the clause stand part of the bill,

Lord CRANBORNE observed that thoso from whom
the rates were not demanded would come upon the rates,
and the clause therefore confotred enfranchisement
without the payment of rates. The effect would there-
fore be to give a vote to the residuum who could not pay
their rates.

Mr. LOCKE thought the only course for the committee
to pursue was to leave the voters to be enfranchised by
this bill in the same position as the .£lO householders
now stood; and if they negatived this clause that
would be the result. (Hear, hear.) By so doing they
would simply show the hon. member for Tiverton to bo a
false prophet, because ho had in a previous clause iuserted
the words " as hereinafter mentioned." Well, suppose they
did not mention anything at all. (Laughter.) No harm
would be done, and the unnecessary words would be struck
out on bringing up the report.
Mr. ROEBUCK made an appeal to the Government not
to proceed with the clause,which put into the hands of un-
educated men a tremendous power. (Hear, hear.) They
were taking a dangerous step, which would ruin the coun-
try by letting in the rabble of the people.
Mr. DENMAN little expected to bo told that this was a
clause which would ruin the constitution. lie must express
his surprise at the member for Southwark, who was a
lawyer, and ought to have seen that he was taking a
most narrow and disfranchising view. In many boroughs,
no doubt, the overseers were political partisans,
but one party would not suffer more than the other.
Besides, no more would be given them than
they already possessed, because the overseer was
liable to account to the parish for the due payment of
the rates. The Attorney-General had done his duty in
bringing up this clause, which was fairly and honestly
drawn, and if the Government did not support it they
would be deceiving him and many other members.
(Oh, oh !)
Mr. G. HARDY remarked that the clause was brought
up at the suggestion of the hon.• member for Tiverton, but
for himself ho should prefer the pr
sent
ese system of giving
notice of the rate, viz., by public notice on the church
doors.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the posi-
tion of the Government with reference to this clause had
been entirely mistaken. On the occasion when the hon.
member for Tiverton brought forward his suggestion there
was no doubt a majority of the hOuse in its favour,
but the Govarnment were opposed to it.. Tinier the cir-
cumstances, however, the Attorney-General undertook to
draw up a clause which put the hon. member in the posi-
tion he would have occupied if a division had boon taken
that night. But the opinion of the committee was now,
ho believed, very different. The Government.. however,
had fulfilled their duty.
Mr. GLADSTONE observed that he understood from the
remarks of the right hon. gentleman that he would not sup-
port the clause on the motion being put fron the Chair. ,
(No, no.) -Ile understood that from the language which had
been used, and which involved the conduct of the Govern-

meat towards private members. He objected to the Go-
vernment accepting a proposal of LaXprivate member, and
then for the Chancellor of the Exchequer—at least the
Homo Secretary—to rise and state that he viewed the
acceptance or non-acceptance of the clause with perfect in-
difference. He would not take the decision of the com-
mittee as referring to the words inserted in the 3rd clause
at a critical period of the bill, and if the clause were thrown
out he must accept it as a re-opening of the whole ques-
tion of payment of rates, and the whole battle of the bill
would have to be fought over again.
After some observations from Mr. D. GRIFFITH,
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said ho felt bound tosup-
port the hon. member fur Tiverton only so far as he would
have done if his. original amendment had been carried to a
division. He should accordingly support the clause on
the prescnt occasion, but felt himself at perfect liberty to
vote for its omission on the bringing up of the report.
Mr. DENMAN sail he had been guided in his conduct
towards the bill by the belief that the principle of his
amendment had been accepted, but it was not for hint to
say how or in what manner the Attorney-General should
rate.

After some further discussion the committoo divided,
when tho numbers were
For the clause • 205
Against 207
Majority ---2
The clause was accordingly negatived.

Mr. GL.A.DSTGNE moved that progress be reported,
and accused the Government of having violated its pro-
mise to the hon. member for Tiverton.

Aftor some further discussion,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER promised
under the circumstances to bring in a new clause.
The house adjourned at seven o'clock.
On reassembling at nine o'clock,

On the motion for going in committee of supply,

Mr. C. FORTESCUE moved "That this house consi-
ders it essential to the satisfactory settlement of the ques-
tion of Parliamentary Reform that there should be an
amendment of the law relating to the representation of the
people in Ireland as well as in the other portions of the
United Kingdom ; and considers it desirable that, in ac-
cordance with the promise of the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer, the Government should introduce their bill upon
that subject during the present session." The right hon.
gentleman urged that there was nothing in the condition
of Ireland, mild justify the abandonment of the Reform
Bill sine die, and that the policy of the Government in ig-
noring her legitimate claim to be put upon the same footing
with Scotland would cause wide-spread dissatisfaction and
disappointment.
The motion was seconded by Colonel FRENCH, and
opposed by Mr. CoxoLLY, who, whilst expressing his wil-
lingness to support an extension of the franchise in Ire-
land, contended that the state of that country at this
moment afforded sufficient reason for not opening up the
question of Parliamentary Reform.
The O'DONOGHUE attributed the delay of the Govern-
ment in bringing in a bill to the influence exorcised over
them by the Tory members from Ireland, and the discon-
tent which prevailed there to the conviction in the Irish
mind that it was useless to expect justice from the Imperial
Parliament.

Mr. PEEL-DAWSON opposed, and Mr. CoGAN spoke in
support of the motion.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER denied that
the elections for Waterford and Tipperary last autumn, or
the influence of the Conservative members from Ireland,
had induced the Government to delay the Reform Bill for
that country. The Government would have been glad to
have put Ireland and Scotland upon a footing of perfect
equality, but, although the Cabinet was unanimous in its
desire to do so, there were circumstances of difficulty and
complexity in the condition of Ireland which precluded
the idea of legislation in the direction of popular represen-
tation. Ho promised, however, that if the Government
was in office next year ono of its first and most agreeable
duties would be to bring in an Irish Reform Bill.
Mr. GLADSTONE, while declaring that in his opinion
the Government was to blame for nut laying the Irish Bill
upon the table, expressed a hope that, after the promise
given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the motion
would not be pressed to a division.
After a few words from Sir F. HETOATE, the motion was
withdrawn.

Captain VIVIAN called attention to a circular lately
issued from the War Department defining the duties of
volunteers in cases of riot ; and moved " That the volun-
teer force was established solely for the purpose of security
against foreign invasion, and that the members of that
force, in cases of domestic tumult or disturbance, have no
obligations or duties distinct from those c.f other citizens,
and aro in such cases no more than any other citizen
liable to orders or instructions from tho military or civil
authorities."

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL explained that the cir-
cular in question merely amounted to this, that volunteers
were not exempt from the obligation which attached to
all her Majesty's, subjects to quell civa disturbaunes if
called upon to do so, but that under no cimunstances
should they -be required to act in their 'llia:try character.
Mr. W. E. FORSTER thought the whole question de-
pended upon what the volunteers were to do with their
arms. lie hoped- the circular would be withirawn, and
that some clear and prec:se instructions would 133 substi
tuted for it which volunteer officers could understand.
After some observations from Col. NORTH,

Sir J. PAKINGTON said the circular of the War-office
clearly defined what were the duties of volunteers, and the
Government would have been to blame if they had failed
to issue an instruction as to the duties devolving on volun-
teers and of all other citizens in extreme cases of riot or
insurrection.

Mr. T. HUGHES suggested that certain of the orders
should bo withdrawn, in order that there might be a return
to tho'state of the law as it previously existed.
Some remarks followed from Lord Eleho, Gem Peel, the
Solicitor-General, and Sir G. Grey.

Mr. AYRTON suggested the omission from the motion
of the concluding words, that set fcrth that in case of
domestic tumult or disturbance volunteers no more than
any other citizens are liable to orders from the military or
civil authorities.

Sir J. PAIUNGTON having promised to take the subject
into consideration, with a view to modify the instructions,
Mr. VIVIAN accepted the suggestion of Mr. Ayrton, and the
motion, as amended, was agreed to.
The Local Government Supplemental Bill was read a
second time.

The other business was disposed of, and the house ad-
journed at five minutes to two.

Naval and Military Intelligence.

The anniversary of her Majesty's coronation was
observed at all the ports and garrisons yesterday, in
the customary manner.
Yesterday an order was received from the Ad-
miralty by Colonel G. Lambrick, Aide-de-Camp to
the Queen, commanding the Chatham division of
Royal Marines Light Infantry, directing a battalion
of the light infantry companies, numbering about
GOO officers and men, to be held in readiness to pro-
ceed to London on the sth proximo, to take part in
the review to be held by her Majesty in Hyde-park.
The battalion is ordered to consist of three lieut.-
colonels, eight captains, 18 subalterns, three staff
officers, 39 sergeants, and 520 rank and file, with
the divisional band and colours. According to the
existing arrangements on the part of the authori-
ties, it is intended to form a brigade, between 2,000
and 3,000 strong, of the Royal Engineers from
Chatham, the Royal Marine Artillery from Ports-
mouth, and two battalions of Royal Marine Light
Infantry from Chatham and Woolwich. The bands
belonging to each of the four battalions will be
formed in ono for the occasion, and in accordance
with an order to that effect received at Chatham
the bands.of the Royal Engineers and of the Royal
Marines will proceed to Woolwich, on Tuesday
next, for the purpose of practising together with
the other bands from Portsmouth and Woolwich.
IJer Majesty'sship Revenge, from Pembroke dock,
will take part in the review at Spithead on the 17th
July. Her complement of men will be about 600.
Preparations have already been made at Pembroke
dockyard for dismantling her Majesty's ship Saturn,
her lower masts having been taken out, and she will
shortly be taken into one of the docks to be broken
up.
The annual dinner of the 101st Royal Bengal
Fusiliers took place at the Pall-mall Restaurant on
Monday last, the 24th inst. The following officers
of the regiment or formerly belonging to it were
present :—Cols. Bennett, Sir Herbert B. Edwards,
K.C.8., Sainsbury, C.B. ; Capts. Daniell
and Warner, Licuts. Pope, Harden, Sewell, and Dr.
Bruce.

A detachment of the Ist division of the Depot
Brigade, Royal. Artillery, has been placed under
orders to embark for Ceylon.
The following appointments were made yester-
day at the Admiralty :—•Liirut. Edward Wickham
to the Waterwitch ; Erasmus C. Roberts, master,
to the Waterwitch; Sub.-Lieut. H. L. H.Veitch to
the Waterwitch ; Robert C. Scott, surgeon, addi-
tional, to tha Victory; Charles A. Thorno, pay-
master, to the Royal George ; and Alexander G.
Bain, assist-surg., to the Serapis.

THE CHOLERA IN PARIS.—We learn from Paris
that a few cases of cholera have again made their appear-
ance in this city, but as yet there is no epidemic, in spite of
the great number of strangers. It may also be noticed that
the town is not quite so full as might be supposed, for if
strangers are abundant, all the indigenous Parisians who
can escape to the country have done k 0 already.—Nedical
Times and Gazette.

The Oxford Commemoration.

OXFORD, Friday.

The " Shooting Stara" gave a supplementary per-
formance at the Victoria Theatre last evening,
which, like its predecessors, proved a great success.
The members of Exeter College afterwards held
their annual ball, at the Corn Exchange, M. Jul-
lien again having the honour of conducting the
musical department. The attendance was large,
and the festive gathering passed off with the greatest
éclat. With this event the pleasures of the Com-
memoration may be said to have ceased, the prose-
cution or " persecution" of the " Shooting Stars"
having taken place before the Oxford city magis-
trates this morning. There was a full attendance
on the bench, the mayor, Mr. Shiers, presiding.
The information w?s laid by Albert E. Jones, who
described himself as professor of elocation and pro-
fessional actor, residing at Alma-place, Cowley-
road, Oxford. There were in all 13 summonses,
the defendants being Henry Groom, lessee of the
theatre, and the following gentlemen of the
University (members of the company known as the
" Shooting Stars"), who took part in the classical
burlesque of "Ariadne" :—Messrs. A. G. Bagnold
(Minos), W. E. Goschen (Theseus), F. M. Alleyne
(Mentor), E. H. Selfe (Phaedra), M. L. Cumming
(Ariadne), W. A. Heygate and W. G. Guillemard
(Pages), 11. J. Hood (Apollo), G. Gumbleton
(Bacchus), W. R. Barnes (Aurora), T. Holme
(Flora), and W. R. Anson, (Discordia). The
" informer" conducted his own case. Mr. G.
lam appeared for Mr. Groom, and Mr. Hawkins
(one of the university solicitors) for the " Shooting
Stars." The court was densely crowded, several
of the talented stars also being present. The charge
agOnst the lessee of the theatre was that he kept
a certain place of public resort, situated in the
parish of St. Mary, Magdalen, Oxford, for the pub-
lic performance of stage plays, on the 22d of June,
to wit, the Victo4, Concert Room, without autho-
rity in that behalf from her Majesty's Justices of
the peace for the said city, as required by the sta-
tute, and that be did continue to keep the same
place open for one day after, to wit, on the 24th
day of June, &c. The precise charge against the
" stars " was that they did for hire act and present
there a certain part in a certain stage play, to
wit, " Ariadne," in a certain place, to wit, the
Victoria Concert Room, the said place not being
a patent theatre or duly licensed theatre under
the statute, &c. Mr. Jones said he appeared
there for the benefit of the members of the theatri-
cal profession, to support the information laid by
him on Tuesday last against Henry Groom, lessee
of the Victoria Concert Room, and a company of
theatricals known as the " Shooting Sturs," for
performing without a license. He paid 2s. 6d. at
the doors of the theatre on Monday evening, and a
check was given him for the money he paid, which
he delivered to a city constable in uniform. It was
a stage play, with all the adjuncts of scenery, &c.
Mr. Mallam, who admitted the facts complained of
and the lesseeship, submitted the prosecutor to a
desultory cross-examination, and made an able and
eloquent speech in favour of Mr. Groom, whose case
was. heard first. He relied solely on the 23d sec-
tion of the Act. of Parliament 6 and 7 Vic., cap. 48,
which enacts that the words " stage play" shall be
taken to include every tragedy, comedy, farce,
opera, burletta, interlude, melodrama, pantomime,
or other entertainment of the stage or any part
thereof ; provided always that nothing herein con-
tained shall be construed to apply to any theatrical
representation in any booth or show which by the
justices of the peace, or other persons having
authority in that behalf, shall be allowed in any
lawful fair, feast, or customary meeting of
the like kind. Mr. Mallam endeavoured to
show that the performances of the amateur
theatricals during the Commemoration we, k,
and which had been allowed to go on from year to
year walnut interference, were a part and parcel
of the Oxford Commemoration, and therefore came
within the category of " lawful fairs, feasts, or cus-
tomary tweeting of the like kind," and took the case
out of the act, and on that ground he urged he was
entitled, according to the reasonable, fair, and
genuine meaning of the clause, to ask the magis-
trates to dismiss the summons. The clerk to the
magistrates (Mr. Jacob) h roving given it as his
opinion that the Commemoration was not a " f air ,"
nor "of a like kind," and stated that the Victoria
Concert Room was rated for the relief of the poor,
the magistrates retired to the Council Chamber,
and having sent for the parties concerned the public
were shortly afterwards admitted. The Mayor said
the magistrates had well considered the case, and as
it was understood that the present information
should include the three days not included, they
had determined on fining Mr. Groom ten shillings
for each day, and as the young men did not inten-
tionally break the law, they would be fined ten
shillings each person. The decision
,was received
with loud applause.

The Mediterranean.

MALTA, June 23.

Her Majesty's screw steam transport Tamar, 6,
Captain W. Sullivan, C. 8., arrived in Malta, yes-
terday morning from Portsmouth and Queenstown,
having on board her Majesty's 31st Regiment of
Foot under the command of Colonel R. J. Eager,
which is to relieve.the 29th Foot. The 31st landed
yesterday afternoon, and the 29th will probably
embark on board the Tamar about the 28th inst.
for Canada.

The other screw steam transport Simoom, 6, Cap-
tain Lethbridge, is expected in Malta about the end
of the present month from Gibraltar, where she was
to laud the Ist battalion of 13th Foot which she
had embarked at Qieenstown. On arrival in Malta
the Tamar will embark the 3d brigade of the Royal
Artillery, under the command of Colonel G. R. H.
Kennedy, which is to relieve the other batteries now
serving in Canada, Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
The screw steam gunboat Tyrian, Lieutenant
Commander the Hon. V. Montagu, arrived at Malta
on Thursday last from Candia, having been relieved
at that port by the gunboat Wizard, 2. The Eng-
lish yacht Marcia, Captain R.B. Sheridan, M.P.
(owner) also arrived from Candia a few days ago,
and left again on Thursday for Marseilles. These
vessels do not report any progress on the part of
Omar Paella in his efforts to quell the insurrection ;
and it appears it is not at all probable that the best
endeavours of fir pacha will be crowned with the
desired success. ' The insurgents still continued to
receive supplies and ammunition from Syra, by
the Greek steamer Arcadion.
The ironclad frigate Royal Oak, 35, Captain the
Hon. G. D. Keane, has received orders from Eng-
land by telegraph to return home, to be paid off.
On Thursday last, the 20th inst., royal salutes
were fired from all the batteries and the men of war
in port, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the
accession of her Most Gracious Majesty Queen
Victoria.

The English men-of-war at present lying in this
port u the Roy al Oak and Prince Consort, iron-
clads ; the Tamar, troopship ; the Tyrian, gunboat,
andthe Cruiser, corvette.

The Duke and Duchess d'Aosta visited the
Palace and Parks of Versailles on Wednesday. Prince
Humbert went there yesterday, and extended his excarsien
as far as the Military School of St. Cyr.
TERRIBLE FIRE IN TIIE OLD KENT-ROAD.--The
inhabitants of the Old Kent-road and adjoining thorough-
fares will not easily forget the scenes of confusion that
existed throughout last night and this morning, arising
out of the great fire that occurred shortly before midnight.
At noon to-day the fire had only been safely extinguished,
and, although most of Shand, Mason, and Co.'s hind
steamers had been " knocked off," it was found necessary
to have a continuous supply of water to pass through Beck
and Cod's patent hydrants up= the smouldering debris, in
case.of a fresh outbreak. The damage done by the disaster
has proved to be far more serious than was at first antici-
pated ; and how it was that so many largo buildings in the
Old Kent-road were not entirely destroyed, may be attri-
butable principally to the indomitable perseverance of the
firemen, and the vast streams of water thrown upon the
flames by the steam land engines. The flames, however,
literally speaking, have laid in ruins buildings which
covered nearly half au acre of land.
HER MAJESTY'S BOUNTY'.—This timely relief
was yesferday handed to Mrs. Emma Roberts, of Bryan-
street, Hanley, who has recently given birth to three
children. The Royal gift was obtained through the in-
strumentality of the Rev. J. Bramell, curate in charge of
Hanley Old Church.

THIRD EDITION.

SUN OFFICE, 6 o'CLocK.

GREECE.

TRIESTE, June 28.—Dates from Athens are to
the 22d. The Russian frigate, the Grand Admiral,
which had arrived, brought news that the Candiotcs
had evacuated Lassiti. The Greek Government had
withdrawn its exequatur from the Turkish Consul
.tt Latnia. In several of the Greek towns tL•e po-
pu;ation had become excited against the Free-
masons, and disturbances had resulted.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE—This Day.

'VICTORIA CLUB 13ETTING.--THIS DAY.
The movements to-clay may he recorded as very unim-
portant. At oao time it almost appeared as if the meeting
would end in a complete blank. Before the close, a few
transactions came under notice, but in most instances the
prices recorded were laid but to nominal sums on the Good-
wood Stakes. Jezabel found support to win a " monkey"
—while, after 23 to 1 had been accepted, 20 to 1 was
kindly taken about Vandyke. 500 to 25 was the only other
wager worthy of mention, it being accepted about Douro.
4 to 1 was only offered on the field forthe Goodwood Cup,
600 to 300 would have been taken about Lecturer, but 5
to 1 was the highest offer.

GOODWOOD CUP.
4 to 1 agst Raglan (offered)
5 to 1 agst Lecturer (offered—take G to 1)
GOODWOOD STAKES.
11 to 1 agst Blinkhoolie (offered)
13 to 1 agst Pakrita (taken)
13 to 1 agst Aggravator (taken)
100 to 7 agst Jt zabel (taken)
100 to 7 agst Padishah (offered)
100 to 7 agst Vici (offered)
100 to 6 agst Lucifer (offered)
20 to 1 agst Vandyke (taken)
20 to 1 agst Douro (taken)
25 to 1 agst Primrose (offered)
40 to 1 agst 0 wain Glendwyr (taken)
.100 to 10 agst Primrose and Vandyke coupled (taken)
8 to 1 agst Pakrita and Vixen colt coupled (taken)
DERBY.
1000 to 40 agst Goant des Battailes (offered 1000 to 30)

THE HAVELOCK Turf Agency's Representative can Ise
seen daily in Talbot-court, Gracechurch-street, from
Eleven till Three. N.B.—lf you want a good foreign
cigar call at the Havelock Cigar Stores, 10, Walworth-
road, three doors from the Elephant and Castle.

MR. GEO. WEBB executes commissions, by letter only,
at his residence, 125, Queen's-crescent, Haverstock-hill,
and has lists posted daily at the City Arches ; also through
his Agent, Mr. F. Butler, near Meux's Brewery. No
connexion with any other person using the same name.

RACING FIXT

RES roR 1867.

Carlisle 2
Newmarket July 2
Pontefract
Reading
Liverpool July Meeting 10
ilungerford
Nottingkam l6
----

Down Royal Cot poratn l7
Stamford
Radcliffe
Huntingdon 23
Winchester
Southampton
Good wood
ST.
Dovor
West Drayton 22
Plymouth__ 22
Canterbury . - 27
1 Derby
Lichtield
Yarmouth 27
Waymoutb.
Tunbridge
Baden Baden

_
Aliat
Ripon
Brighton . .. 6
Brighton Cluu 8
Lewes
ram ...
Wolverhampton l3
Stockton
Oxford ..... 15
Hastings
York August _2l

CENTRAL AMERICA.

.--_,D.

The steamship Guatemala, from San Jose de
Guatemala and intermediate ports, arrived at
Panama on the 30th ult. The Star and Herald of
the Ist inst., from which the subjoined is extracted,
reports that the five republics are all at peace :
" GUATEMALA.—The heavy rains which com-
menced in the latter part of April in the Nopal
districts in this republic continued through the
first two weeks in May, and have destroyed almost
one half the cochineal crop. In April the Nopals
promised a fine yield, and it was generally estimated
the crop would amount to from 8,000 to 10,000
serons; but owing to the damage caused by the
heavy rains, it is now believed the product will
not amount to over 5,000 serons. The neigh-
bourhoods of Antigua, Aniatitlan, and Villa Nueva
have suffered most. A terrible hailstorm was
experienced at Antigu wh:ch cut, up tho road so
that carriages could not pass for several days. Not-
withstanding the inferior quality of the crop, the
price at the departure of the steamer ranged from
$lO5 to $llO per seron. The heavy rains had also
extended to the coast, but without any evil result,
further than some little inconvenience to travellers.
The large amount of cargo which has been accumu-
lating in San Jose on account of the impossibility,
for some time past, of embarking it through the
heavy surf, has been greatly reduced by the present
trip of the Guatemala. The weather being favour-
able on the arrival of the steamer at that port, she
was delayed beyond her usual time, and succeeded
in receiving on hoard some 3,200 packages—a little
more than half the amount then ready for shipment.

- _
" SALVADOR.—This Republic appears to be pro-
gressing favourably under its present rulers. The
Government is taking an active interest in the
Opening of the country, and with that object in
view we find it entering into contracts for con-
structing new roads, improving old ones, building
or repairing bridges, erection of wharves, &c. The
want of proper means of conveyance throughout
the interior has heretofore been a great drawback
to the Central American Republics. Costa Rica,
in fact, is the only one of the five which has made
worthy progress in this line.
"NICARAGUA.—In Nicaragua the cholera seems
to have almost, if not entirely, disappeared. The
Official Gazette of 11th May proves that all the ex-
citing rumours started by interested parties a month
ago in regard to the dreadful ravagss of the disease
are entirely false."