The Sun.
London, England, 1866-12-31 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDOiN, MOADAY EVENING, DLCEMBER 31, 1836.

to have dam aged his cause ; but if intemperance of
language w' as a drawback to his success, it might
have equally affected his adversaries. At any rate
the Con gress reassembled with the Radicals in a
decidd majority, and the PRESIDENT comparatively
powerla is. He still maintains an undaunted front
as the el 'ampion of those constitutional doctrines
which th. e Radicals are trampling under foot, and is
biding his time until the tumult of passion has died
out, and mc.‘derate counsels:may once more be heard.
One great dative. of America at present is that the
Radicals may thoroughly disgust the South, and at
the same time embroil the country with a foreign
Power, so that the enemy will have a sure ally
in the disaffected population of the ex-Confede-
racy. Another peril visible in the distance is that
the Radicals may provoke another revolution in
the South, and consequent civil war, which may
end in the assumption of power by a military
dictator, or the disruption of the United States
hat() three great countries—North, South, and
West. To this complexion America will probably
come at last, but the crisis may be avoided for the
time if the Radicals will listen to reason. England
has cause to be indebted to President JOHNSON.
When he assumed power there was great irritation
in the United States against this country, which
he has succeeded in pacifying, while in regard to the
Fenian raids he rendered Canada most substantial
service to the damage of his own political interests.
The Irish vote is powerful in America, and it is
a great honour to the PRESIDENT that, in defiance of
the coming elections, he loyally followed the legal
and statesmanlike course. Fenianism, though still
involving mischief in Ireland, has, we may hope,
well nigh spent itself, and all true Englishmen must
be anxious to aid the sister country to regain that
prosperity and content which will preserve her
people from such dangerous influences. The PRE-
SIDENT has hitherto succeeded in avoiding an
open difference with France, though the
year has been an eventful one in Mexico.
MAXIMILIAN'S empire is for the present at
an end, though whether it can be restored
by the efforts of his partisans is as yet uncertain.
There are two, if not more, rival Presidents of the
Mexican Republic, and the attempts of the United
States to restore order amid the chaos have been as
yet ineffectuel.

The ties of friendshinp berween England and
America have happily been strengthened duringthe
year by the great scientific triumph of 1866—the
completion of the Atlantic Telegraph. This great
achievement, doubly memorable from former failures,
is already familiar to us, but looked at in the ab-
stract it is of itself sufficient to make 1866 remark-
able, being the climax of the triumphs of intellect
and industry over space and time.

The events which have taken place in Germany
during this year will make it for ever memorable
in Continental history. The affairs of Prussia have
long been the theme of much comment among poli-
ticians ; but few expected that the ambitious pro-
jects of Count BISMARCK would have met with the
success which they have gained. No doubt great
skill was displayed by the Prussian authorities ; but
many other causes besides the foresight of the Go-
vernment and the admirable provisions of the army
contributed to the results of the campaign. The policy
of Austria was bad in the extreme, and it is almost
impossible to reconcile the cause of provocation
towards Prussia which distinguished her before the
war actually broke out, with the utter want of pre-
paration displayed when the time for exertion came.
The victories which Prussia gained by the war
were taken every possible advantage of by that de-
signing Power, as might have been expected from
her previous policy, but the future alone can show
whether the States of Germany will derive the bene-
fits, which some expect that they vi ill, from the great
changes which have taken place. So long as every-
thing is monopolised by the Berlin Government,
in the way in which it has been, we see no just
cause to expect that real progress can be made, or
any reasonable ground for hoping that a lasting
settlement has been effected. The French have
naturally been much displeased at the turn affairs
have taken, and we do not anticipate that they will
long remain quiescent if the tactics of Count Bis-
MARCK proceed in the same direction that they
now point at, that of making Prussia a great mili-
tary Power, and increasing her efficiency, so that
she may be a most formidable nation, either for
peace or war.

It is more satisfactory to turn to Italy, which
will indeed have cause to remember the year 1866
as one of rejoicing and one that calls for thankful-
ness. The Emperor NAPOLEON has there seen one
of his cherished dreams realised, and Italy has much
to thank him for. Indeed the fortunate chances
which have conspired to create a free and united
Italy are the most gracious subjects for reflection in
scanning the events of the past year.
Spanish politics are in a most unpromising con-
dition, and the Eastern question has given cause
for discussion, and seems likely to provoke
more misunderstanding. Compared with the other
Powers of Europe Russia has been comparatively
quiet, but there have been indications lately given
of her influence in certain disturbances that have
taken place in the East. Altogether the condition
of Europe is not reassuring, and we should not
wonder if the year 1867 witnessed the renewal of
the war which was so short but sanguinary in this
one that has passed. A want of respect for the ob-
servance of treaties, and a disposition to take mean
advantage of opportunities, have been so constantly
shown by the Prussian Government that the tone
of political morality has been greatly affected, and
it will- be a long time before the pernicious
effects of such evil influences will be done away
with. Some of the worst features of bygone days
of oppression and misrule have been revived in the-
conduct and the political course pursued by Count
BISMARCK, and only too readily endorsed by the
people of Prussia.

jn taking a final glance at the events of this year
we are naturally struck with the great number of
misfortunes that have taken place. The Cattle
Plague bad commenced before this year, but its
effects have been greatly felt during these months ;
the cholera has been a visitant to these
shores, and for two months its ravages
were very great. We hope that due care will be
taken to prevent the recurrence of this fearful evil
by improving the condition of the water supply in
general, and especially in particular places. In
India we have also witnessed a disastrous famine,
which has been productive of great misery. The
great fire at Quebec was also a notable occurrence,
even in such a list of catastrophes as we have this
day to chronicle ; and, indeed, whichever way we
look we see the same sad indication visible. It is
the old, old story of suffering, losses, and disaster
which appears to have been renewed in every pos-
sible manner.

The year has also been fruitful in disasters of
other kinds. The atmosphere has been strangely
disturbed all over the globe, and the Bahamas have
been visited by a cyclone of almost unparalleled
violence. In fact, so rapid has been the succession
of disasters, at home and abroad, that our sympa-
thies have been constantly evoked on behalf of
sufferers from some special calamity. The very
&et months of the year opened with etorms of such

severity that our shores were strewed with wrecks.
In the western ports espeDially there was terrible
havoc, but the public attention was rivetted
on the great shipwreck of the London in the
Bay of Biscay. The thrilling narrative of that
catastrophe, as told by the few survivors, brought
at least its consolation in the picture of heroic re-
signation and fortitude, worthy of Auglo-Saxons of
either side of the equator. All through the year,
mote or less, tempests and hurricanes have been
busy. Very lately the news of a terrible disaster
came from the other hemisphere, and the total loss
of the Evening Star was, in some respects, more
tragic than that of the London. Whether, as some
believe, there are influences at work in connection
with the periodical return of the meteors which
distinguished last November is uncertain, but there
has been a remarkable prevalence of elemental
disturbance. The northern counties have been the
scene of extraordinary inundations, while air and
fire have (combined to work wholesale, destruction
among our mining population. The great cata-
strophe at Barnsley and the sad accident in Staf-
fordshire have thrown a gloom over the last weeks
of the year. How great must be the desolation at
the scenes of the disasters Let us be thankful at
least that Christian charity, never totally power-
less, has found the means to relieve the urgency
of distress, and whisper kind words of sym-
pathy and comfort to the suffering and bereaved.
In recapitulating these sad details it seems a sort of
satisfaction to think that we have got through so
much. It is true that this year has not seen our
legions called forth to fight, or our people oppressed
with the burden of war-taxes, but there are other
encounters besides those that take place on the
field, and which call for the display of endurance and
energy in no common degree. In all human pro-
bability the year which commences to-morrow
will bring better luck to us as a nation, but
we shall be greatly to blame if we do not
show that we have profited by the teachings of
adversity, and that we have adopted those means
of prevention, which are better than cure. 'When
we have neglected no duty, and forgotten no need-
ful precaution, we may look with hope to the future,
and trust in PROVIDENCE that our land may be pre-
served from overwhelming evils, and be found worthy
to enjoy those blessings of constitutional freedom
which for generations we have enjoyed, and which,
as time rolls on, seems still to increase in import-
ance and to become enhanced in value.

The Asia has arrived from Boston and Halifax,
having been detained eight hours at the latter
place by fog. She brings us news from New York
to the evening of the 20th, the last item being of
considerable importance. The Connecticut Demo-
cratic Committee have called a convention, to con-
sider the revolutionary acts of Congress, and to take
steps to secure a national convention to consider the
subject. This is a significant movement, and may, we
hope, be accepted as an indication that the more mo-
derate men are growing apprehensive of the lengths
to which the extreme party are hurrying the country,
add are anxious to put some check upon their progress.
Possibly the Radicals themselves may be influenced
by wiser counsels than hitherto, and if they can be
convinced not only that their policy is dangerous
and subversive of the national interests, but that it
is really intolerable to the public at large, they may
yet show traces of a more national and patriotic
spirit. The last movement of Mr. STEVENS, accord-
ing to report, is of a more statesmanlike and mode-
rate character ; and if this rumour be true, we may
accep it as a sign that the first excitement of poli-
tical triumph being over, the leading R tdicals are
beginning to ask themselvea what will bo the result
of their reckless legislation. The last definite act
that we hear of from the House of Represent atives
is in support of the PRESIDENT'S foreign policy, and
shows that Mr. JOHNSON judged wisely when be
interfered on behalf of the ➢Mexican Republicans.
The subject is a favourite one with the Americans,
and the PRESIDENT was probably glad of an oppor-
tunity of diverting the attention of his people from
the political contests at home to the affairs of their
neighbours. The House of Representatives have
passed a resolution promising to support the Execu-
tive in the vindication of the MONROE doctrine,
especially with regard to Mexico. The Committee
of Foreign Affairs have recommended the Govern-
ment to mediate between the belligerents in
South America ; a suggestion which will
probably be adopted.

The South Carolina Legislature have passed a
resolution expressing sympathy with Mr. Davis.
It is very much to be hoped that some effort may
be made on behalf of the illustrious prisoner before
long, since it would puzzle the most bitter of Mr.
DAVIS'S antagonists to declare what good end can
be attained by keeping him in confinement. The
PRESIDENT'S wishes are known to incline towards
clemency, and although that would have little effect
on the Radicals, yet the general opinion of Europe
might well have some .intluence.
We are glad to learn that the Canadian frontier
is now strongly guarded by British troops. It is
further stated that two British gunboats have left
Quebec to convoy the Cunard steamers. This is
not confirmed, but at any rate there is no doubt
that all parties are upon their guard, and the
Fenians have consequently little chance of gaining
a temporary success by surprise, as they did pre-
viously.

The Mexican news itself is stormy enough.
ORTEGA claims to be the Constitutional President,
and intends to indict the Federal Government for
false imprisonment. His forces, according to news
by the Atlantic Telegraph on the 26th, have cap-
tured and executed ESCOBEDO. A French column,
it was reported on the 18th, retreating from Mazat-
lan, being cut off from the capital, embarked direct
for France. The Republicans, on the other hand,
had been repulsed from San Luis de Potosi with
serious loss. It is hard to say which side has really
the advantage, the old chronic disorder of Mexico
being everywhere prevalent. MAXIMILIAN, accord-
ing to one account, has been delayed by fever ; in
another he has been joined by the Republican
General DIAz with 8,000 men. All is uncertain
and contradictory.

Waterford Election.

DUBLIN, Saturday Night.

The polling at the Waterford election gave a
majority for Mr. De la Poer of about 480 at one
o'clock, without taking into account the returns to
be made from Lismore. At three o'clock the com-
plete poll gave—
De la Poer (Liberal) 958
Talbot (Conservative)

The close of the poll showed a majority for De
la Poer of about 200, but the exact numbers are not
yet known. Great excitement prevailed through-
out the county. At Dungarvon the Carbineers were
attacked, and the escort of several of Mr. Talbot's
voters was dispersed. Corporal Brinfield was
seriously wounded, and a report is current that a
dragoon was killed. Captain Betty, of the Carbi-
neers, and Mr. Warburton, the stipendiary magis-
trate, were wounded, but not seriously.
A telegram in the Dublin Evening Mail says
nothing could exceed the violence of the rioters,
who were mounted and had leaders.

Mr. Thomas Charles Sorby has been appointed to
tho Surveyorships of Police Buildings in the Metropolitan
District, and of County Courts. Those appointments were
held by the late Mr. Reeves.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
PARIS, Sunday Evening.
A report has been prevalent in Paris that the
great Powers of Europe intend some intervention,
with a view to the speedy and total suppression of
the insurrectionary proceedings in Crete. lam not
able to confirm the truth of the report. Indeed there
seems reason to doubt it, but I believe that the new
Turkish Ambassador has communicated to the
Minister of Foreign Affairs a note, which has been
addressed on the subject by the Ottoman Porte to
the Government of Greece. Some letters rec ived
in Paris assert that the Cretan insurrection has be-
come more formidable and important.
Several of the Paris papers assert that the clerical
party in Mexico have made pressing representations
to Maximilian, with a view to induce him to abandon
his idea of abdication.
Another Cabinet Council was held yesterday at.
the Tuileries, the Emperor presiding, as usual.
On Friday afternoon the Princess Mathilde re-
ceived Mr. and Mrs. John Bigelow to take leave,
Mr. Bigelow having resigned his post as Minister
Plenipotentiary from the United States to France.
The first meeting of the Commission appointed
to revise the convention between England and
France relative to the fishery on the coasts of both
countries took place on Friday, at the Ministry of
Marine, under the presidence of the Marquis de
Chasseloup Laubat. This commission is thus com-
posed :—For France, Messrs. Mauceaux, Council-
lor of State, Herbet, Minister Plenipotentiary and
Director of Consulates and commercial business at
the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ozenne, Director
of Foreign Commerce, Ame, Chief of Division at the
Ministry of Finance and naval Captain Charapeaux.
For England—Messrs. Stephen Cave, M.P., Vice-
President of the. Board of Trade ; Mr. Frederick
Goulburn, Director of the Customs ; Mr. Shaw
Lefevre, M.P. ; and Capt. Hore, Military Attache
to the English Embassy.
_ _

The Moniteur Prussien announces that the King
of Prussia has sent to the Marquis de la Valette,
the Minister of the Interior, and to his Excellency
M. Benedetti, French Ambassador at Berlin, the
decoration of the Order of the Black Eagle. Any
tribute to the services of the Minister of the Interior
will be received with satisfaction by everybody here,
for in his department he is indefatigable in his en-
deavours to promote the comfort of the lower classes,
and to provide for the general welfare. Under his
auspices enormous sums have been raised for the
relief of the sufferers by the inundations, and in
several instances he was among the first to assuage
the effects of accident or other calamity. We
acknowledge the promptitude with which any repre-
sentation whatever connected with the affairs of the
departments is sure to be received.

The Provincia of Turin states that it will be on

the 18th or 20th of January that the High Court of
Justice will decide whether or not it be expedient
to place Admiral Persano on his trial.
Various inaccurate reports have been circulated
with a view to create an impression that the Pope
was indisposed to a conciliatory arrangement with
the Italian Government. In reference to these
apocryphal statements the Nazione says :—" The
news published by several journals relative to the
negociations between the Italian Government and
the Pontifical Court, and particularly the details
relative to some supposed points of difference be-
tween the two Governments, should be received with
great reserve. The negociations proceed regularly.
They have for object points of ecclesiastical right,
and it is hoped that they will not be without useful
results."

The expedition of Vice-Admiral Rose, Com-
mander-in-Chief of the Naval Division in China
to demand expiation from the Emperor for the bar-
barous murder of several French missionaries, natu-
rally creates a desire to obtain some information
relative to that distant region, which is very little
known. Captain Basil Hall, who explored the
coasts of the Corea, and the archipelago of Lion-
Tcheou, and who formed part of Lord Amherst's
mission to China in 1816, wrote a book.
upon the subject, but iu the Lettres Edifiantes
some very interesting points are mentioned.
In 1703 the Corea obtained some notoriety. At
that period the Father de Poutenay, minister of
the Society of Jesus in China, wrote to Peve
Lahaise, confessor of Louis the 14th, as follows :
Father Thomas has informed us of all that was
known at Pekin of the kingdom of Corea. He
tells us that its capital is called Chan-sien, and
that it is situated at a distance of 110 leagues
from the river Yallo, which separates Tartary from
the Corea. From that river to the town of Chin-yae
—capital of the province of Leaston—the distance
is 60 leagues. From Chin-yau to Chain-yai,
which is at the entrance of China from Leaoton
80 leagues, and from Chain-yai to Pekin 67.
The kingdom of Corea extends on the
north side to 44 deg., latitude north. It is
numerously populated and divided into eight pro-
vinces. From east to west the distance is 140
leagues. Persons were not allowed to go there
from China without the Emperor's permission."
According to a geographical account of the Corea
it is almost an island of a long form which the
Chinese call Kaoli. It has an extent of 7,442 geo-
graphical square miles and has a population of no
less than 12 millions. It is situated between China
and the islands of Japan. In reaches on the nort h
to Eastern Tartary and to the province of Canton
or Leas-Thong to the south, east, and west. To
the north there are immense mountains almost
always covered with snow, but the south is fertile,
and produces rice, corn, flax, cotton, and silk. It also
possesses valuable gold, silver, iron, and lead mines.
In many respects the inhabitants of Corea resemble
the Chinese. Their alphabet contains some thou-
sands of letters. Their Religion is a species of
Bhudism. It is only within ten years past that
Corea has deigned to enter into relations with the
European countries. The present Emperor, with
whom Vice-Admiral Rose is now in correspondence,
or rather in hostile contact, assumes the title of
King, but heis in reality only a vassal or tributary
to the Emperor of China. The language is so
very difficult that the ordinary interpreters could
not properly explain to Vice-Admiral Rose the
statements and excuses of the Emperor. The
Vice-Admiral was therefore compelled to detach a
vessel from the squadron to bring back more
" learned pundits " from Shanghai.

A Belgian journal states that a sportsman in the
environs of Esneux killed a wild rabbit of singular
conformation. It had four ears of equal dimensions
at an equal distance from each other. Two of these
ears were white and two grey. In other respects
the rabbit was of the usual form. It has been care-
fully stuffed by a naturalist.

Here is an illustration of the truth of the poet's
assertion that " a (very) little learning is a dangerous
thing." Madame X., who keeps a wine shop not
far from the Boulevards, the other day received in
the course of business a letter containing a 100 f
note. While she was turning the letter over and
over iu evident embarrassment, for it appears she
is guiltless of the knowledge either of reading or
writing, a very genteel, innocent-looking youth
passed by. She asked him to come in, and on learn-
ing the cause of the difficulty, he kindly offered to
put an end to it by reading the letter. Under the
pretence that it was too dark in the shop to read the
letter he went to the door. A step only separated
him from the street, and that step he rapidly jumped
over and ran off with full speed, taking with him
both letter and bank note. Nothing has yet been
heard of him.

I sent you the particulars at the time of the mur-
der of an innkeeper, named Irate, by two soldiers
named Ciosi and Agostini, who had sought a night's
lodging at his home, and had afterwards robbed
him. They have been convicted by a Council of
War and sentenced to death. They were natives of
Corsica, and served in Africa. Both of them were
men of bad antecedents.

The rain fell in torrents during the greater part
of last night, and there has been a good deal of rain
to-day. The temperature continues very mild.

FENIANISM.— John M'Kearney, charged at Not-
tingham with Fenianism, has been again brought before
the magistrates ; but no evidence was adduced in addition
to what has already been published. On the application of
the chief constable the prisoner was' further remanded till
Wednesday next.

LA TEST INTEL LIGENOB.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

THE ABYSSINIAN CAPTIVES.
PARIS, Dec. 31.

The Jiloniteur of this morning says :—" Letters
received here from Massowah state that Consul
Cameron and Mr. Rassam, with their friends, have
been again placed in irons by orders of the Emperor
Theodore. The cause of this severity is not
k no \VD."

AMERICA.
(By Atlantic Telegraph.)

NEW YORK, Dec. 29.

Gold, 1334. Sterling Exchange on London, 10941.
Illinois, 118 ; Erie, 68. 5-20 U.S. Bonds, 1054.
Cotton: Middling Upland, 34c.
The Royal Mail steamer Australasian arrived out
yesterday.

ARRIVAL OF THE HECLA.
QUEENSTOWN, Dec. 31.

The Cunard steamship Heela, from New York,
arrived here at 4.25 a.m., with 105 passengers and
$115,437 in specie for England. She landed 14
passengers, and proceeded to Liverpool at 4.40 a.m.
All well.

TURKEY AND SERVIA,
CONSTANTINOPLE, Dee. 30.

France has confidentially advised the Porte to
yield to the demands of Servia, and, generally, to
endeavour to pacify its Sclavonian subjects.
The Candian insurgents have been reinforced by
fresh arrivals of volunteers, and are preparing to en-
gage the Turkish troops.

WEST INDIA, MEXICAN, AND PACIFIC
MAILS.

SOUTHAMPTON, Dec. 31.

The Royal Mail Company's steamship Shannon,
with the above mails, has arrived. She brings 69
passengers, $1,613,830 in specie and 3,298 packages
of cargo, consisting chiefly of cocoa, indigo, cigars,
bark, and tobacco.

She left St. Thomas on the 16th, and experienced
fine weather. The yellow fever has greatly de-
creased. The Shannon had about 5 cases and only
one death, which occurred ten days since.
Dr. Wiblin, the Medical Superintendent of Qua-
rantine, has communicated with the Lords of the
Privy Council. It is expected that the Shannon
will be admitted to pratique forthwith, as there ap-
pears no reason for the detention of ship or passen-
gers.

In Chili the press in the Radical interest con-
tinues to denounce the Government. The allied
fleet were to leave Valparaiso about the 20th Nov.,
for the purpose of attacking the Spanish merchant
vessels in the Atlantic.

A alight shock of an earthquake was felt at Val-
paraiso on the Bth. A fire also occurred there on
the 2ud, and entirely destroyed the market of that
city, reducing numbers of families of the lower
classes to want and ruin. In Valparaiso the market
was active, and considerable transactions were
taking place in nitrate of soda. Bar copper had
declined 37c. per quintal. Exchange on London,
46d. to 46id. Ou Paris, 480 f. ; bar silver, per
mare, $lO 25e. Freights to Liverpool and Swan-
sea, 555.

Peru continues to fortify Arica and Callao—the
latter port, it is said, will soon be capable of re-
sisting the most powerful fleet. The telegraph
between Arica and Jaeua was completed, and will
shortly be in operation between Islay and Arequipa.
The secretary of the Exchequer had resigned, in
consequence of a misunderstanding between the
other members of the Cabinet. The troops stationed
on the Chincha islands had mutinied, and having
seized a boat made their way to Pisco, and returned
to their homes i❑ the interior.

In Costa Rica dry weather prevailed, and a great
improvement was shortly expected in business.
The Central American Republics were in the en-
joyment of peace.
The difficulties existing between the President of
Bogota and the Archbishop had been amicably
arranged.

A revolution in Antioquina against Mosquera,
and an invasion of the Canea by that state was
expected.
The Jamaica Legislature was to meet on the 10th
December. The Government had manifested a
desire to economise the expenditure. It is expected
that numerous offices of emolument will be abolished.
The north side of the island had been unusually wet.
On the South side rain was wanted. In some parishes
sugar making had commenced, and the yield was
expected to be good. The coffee supplies were
small, and had sold at from 40s. to 455. Rum,
2s. 6d. in bond. Sugar 14s. to 17s. Exchange on
London, 2 per cent.

The weather at Trinidad was unsettled, but pub-
ic health had improved.

General rain had fallen at Antigua, and crops
were flourishing, and were expected to be good.
The yellow fever and smallpox still prevailed at
St. Thomas, which, although not to the extent re-
ported by the last mail, are nevertheless very bad.
Cholera, however, is raging fearfully, and carrying
off the inhabitants at the rate of 35 to 40 daily.
News from the other islands was unimportant.
SOUTHAMPTON, Dec. 31.

The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam-
ship Pera has arrived here to-day with the heavy
portion of the Calcutta and China mails, 25 pas-
sengers, £1,410 in specie, and a general cargo in-
cluding 1,576 bales of silk, value £140,000.
Across the Bay of Biscay she experienced heavy
north -westerly gales and a high sea. On the 27th
inst. the Pera spoke the steamer London, on the
28th the steamer Thessalia and Castillian, and on
the 29th the Peninsular and Oriental Company's
steamship Syria.
New Zealand advices announce that the Hokitiki
murderers had been hanged, with the exception of
Sullivan, the approver.
The Hokitiki gold diggings were yielding more
largely than ever. News had been received from
Victoria that the ship Result, of London, had been
destroyed by fire. The gold fields were prosperous.
Trade was dull. Parliament would open in Feb-
ruary next. The Governor of Victoria was becom-
ing popular.