New-York tribune., 1882-04-08
GENERAL NOTES.

Merchants who trade with Mexico will be
glad 10 her that Mr. Warner 2. SnJton United states
Consul mt Matam0ras, has prepared and forwarded t.
The state Department accurate and conveniently ar
ranged translation of the Mexican tarf Laws ana rates
of dr. v with the forms in which all Mexican custom
houso papers be made ont This Is likely to be one
the useful Ol the series OF Consular Reports pro
jcoted by Secretary Evarts.
The Partisan Deputy, NJ. Talandier has pro-
! posed novel scheme for compulsory life insurance
His plan provides that every Commune SHAH insure
the life Of every new born child within s jurisdic
tion for 800 francs OF this sum 1000 francs are
u be paid to the insured at the age Of twentyone
and TO the insured at the Of twenty three the
aiming francs 10 be expended party Tor tine Dene-
nt OF the Commune and partly In prenums.
II has long been known that Americans who
ould keep themselves informed OF what IL net going
on in their country must read the French papers
The inner of Paris journalists in particular
Is wonderfully expert in evolving Interesting facts re-
latng political and social life of The United States
Just now Americans who have not happened to notice
an announcement of the circumstance In their own
papers may be Interested learn that deputation OF
more than three hundred citizens OF the great Republic
accompanied by forty musicians, an array OF banners
and twelve Indians in paint and feathers, IL to visit
PARIS on the occasion OF the National Fete on July Ia
A singular incident lately occurred in a Lon
don witnessbox during the hearing Of in which
Parsee gentleman called upon to give evidence He
objected to either the Old New Testament
and not being MahOmetan, he could not DO sworn on
the Koran; but he produced from his breast sacred
relic" and said that by making adecarauon and holding
the charm in his hand and not concealng It, the act
would be binding on his conscience. The Commissioner
thought that under the peculiar circumstances he would
b. Justified in taking the witnesss declaration II at the
same time no held the - charm" unconceaed In his
hand and declared that he would consider the act sui-
centy binding upon him to bear true testimony In the
matter at ssue 1t said be usual to swear Parsees
holding the tail OF cow which IN India is regarded as
sacred animal
In launching the gigantic English turret-
ship appropriately named Colossus, on March 81 cleo
trcty was employed by means OF an ingenious confriy
anes which connected the dog shores with large
magnet; and In o similar manner tho christening was
nerformed simultaneously with tho breaking Of the
bottle over tho ships musical instrument nsde
nm ornamoned box was set at work. and Rule Britain
mia was tho result BY this time the course was
reported clear and tho ship gave evidence OF anxiety
% leays the cradle doomed advisable, though ten
inues before time to let her 60 The pressure of the
launching button was followed by heavy thud. The
weight had fallen and the dogshores had been Knocked
away The ship moved instantly and the huge Of
400 tons-the heaviest ever launched from the Ports
mouth yard giidod gracefully down tho inclined plane