The Sun. — 1866-12-31 (London, England)

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 decreased. The Shannon had about 5 cases and only one death, which occurred ten days since. Dr. Wiblin, the Medical Superintendent of Quarantine, has communicated with the Lords of the Privy Council. It is expected that the Shannon will be admitted to pratique forthwith, as there appears no reason for the detention of ship or passengers.  In Chili the press in the Radical interest continues 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 Valparaiso 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 Swansea, 555.  Peru continues to fortify Arica and Callao—the latter port, it is said, will soon be capable of resisting 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 enjoyment 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 pubic 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 reported 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 steamship Pera has arrived here to-day with the heavy portion of the Calcutta and China mails, 25 passengers, £1,410 in specie, and a general cargo including 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 February next. The Governor of Victoria was becoming popular.