The Sun. — 1849-03-05 (London, England)

FIRE NEAR THE SURREY THEATEE...--LaSt evening, between seven and eight o'clock, as Police sergeants Goff and Romaine were passing along the Surrey Circus, they discovered smoke issuing trom the upper part of the premises belonging to Mrs. Platts, the Surrey oyster-rooms. An instant alarm et fire was given, and one of the officers remained on the spot, and prevented the crowd from forcing in the doors, whilst the other started off to call the engines. In the course of a few minutes the brigade and West of England engines arrived, as well as the Royal Society's escape. An abundant supply ot water was immediately furnished by the Lambeth Compaily, and three engines were forthwith set to work; but thel moment the door was opened to allow the hose of the eni,ines to be inserted, the flames rolled out in such a huge body as to threaten the adjoining houses, and also the theatre, with destruction. The firemen, however, worked most vigorously, and by following the flames up the staircase they succeeded in getting them eventually extinguished, but not until they had extended from the basement to the roof, and had done some considerable damage. NOVEL FOOT Ree.E.—On Thursday last a remark able-sporting race came off between two officers of our garrison—Cornet Smith; of the 14th Light Dragoons, and Cornet M•Neal, of the 3d Light Dragoons. The conditions were—that Cornet Smith should make the best of his way on foot from the mess•room at the barracks, through the streets of Maidstone, to the house of Lieutenant-Colonel Griffiths, on Rocky Hill.terrace, whilst Cornet M'Neal went from the same starting place, across the river, making the best way he could through the 'meadows to the winning-post. Both parties started in excellent sporting condition from the mess-room at nine o'clock in the morning by the report of a pistol. We may observe here that the road by way of the streets was about one-third further than by way of the river. Cornet M'Neal crossed the barrack-field at the corner of the wall, when he got into straight running to Pybus's-wharf, where he took the river in most gal' lent style, and landed at Bensted's stone wharf. Se walked into the river breast high, and then struck boldly out. The passage of the river occupied half a minute only. On landing Mr. M'Neal crossed the meadows and came out near the waterworks reservoir, surmounting a stone wall upwards of six feet high, and arrived at the winning-post distancing his antagonist by several yards, Cornet Smith at starting crossed the barrackmaster's garden, and then went through Pybus's timber-yard, along the waterside, through the Fairmeadow, over the bridge, leaving the tremendous hill up the London-road for the last effort. It was a most gallant race, and both parties came in much distressed. —Maidstone Journal. RESPITE or MiTcand.—We are glad to learn that the execution of Mit4hell, who was last week sentenced to death for the murder of his illegitimate child, in Sandgate, is stayed by a respite from her Majesty.—NnseasS4 Guardian!  An individual intends opening an hotel at, San Francisco. We don't know what the sign will be, but we suggest the "Golden Fleece.”—Puppet S'l out. [