The Bee-Hive. — 1870-08-27 (London, England)

DESTRUCTION OF A MANSE BY FIRE.--I3etween three and four o'clock on Saturday, smoke was observed isiuin • from the roof of the manse at Cortrichy, which speedily drew the. attentio3 oi those in the neighbourhood to the place, %%Ikea it was discovered that the roof was on fire, Piero being no water within lies than a ,wile,- any attempt to save the building appeared hopeless, and the efforts of those present were directed to saving the furniture, the greater part of. Which was got out, although considerably damaged ill the hasty removal. It was at one time exliocted that the kitchen would be saved, but by nine P.m. all was destroyed excepting the pantry and offices. It appears that the kitchen vent hid been on lire during the day, and it is supposed some fire had lodged in the roof, where it had smouldered for some time. Tle manse was built about e'..ht years ago at a cost of £2OOO.  PULIC•HGUSES AT CitEsTER.7-The lean of Chester headed a deputation r,:the magistrates of the city on plonday,and presOted a memorial praying their warships to refuse all new applications for remises as the forthcoming llrerister sessions, and to make a laage. reduction, in .those already in "mischievous existence.." The. dean stated that in Chester there was One public-house to every 24 houses, and. that every five publichouses found employment for one policeman. : The magistrates; promised to do all they could to put a restraint upon intemp emcee.  SWiluktutto.—The final race for the German Gymnastic Society's 500 yards' challenge cup race was swuna•for on Monday evening, the 22nd, at the River Lea, near The Rifle Butts, Tottenham ; and although the rain continued in one 'incessant downpour, a considerable number attended to witness the contest. The competitors were Mr. Wm. Cole (captain of the North London Swimming Club), Mr. 11. Bell (captain of the East London Swimming Club), and Mr. Henry Parker (captain of the Alliance Swimming elub). The wind blew sufficiently strong to remind one of an ocean swimming match, and no doubt dete.red others from facing the billows. At a quarter to seven the word " Go " was given, and they all plunged simultaneously. On showing up from the dive Cole led by about two feet. which he incteased to a yard—Parker second, Bell third.. At 250 yards Parker led by three yards, and, going away with a b Niutilul stroke, left his men easily, and won by eight or nine yards in 7min, 49see. ; Cole, Selcorni ; 8311, tlird. . This cap was or4;inated by "tthe resent hon. secretary of the London SwirnMing Cie), and carried out successfully throughout' all the contests, which have been as follows :-;--rn 1868. Cole won it once. Morris twice, but failing to hold it three times in Saccession, it was won and held by Parker throughout the ‘vintor, when Morris won it back again In 1869, and held it fig in twici, when Parker again wrested it from him, and n,w in 1870 hat ing won it twice, and once last year, it becomes his solo property.  _ PROCLAMATION Or' PtiI.WDENT rtANT,-7-P:e sident.Grant has issued a proelainntion, officially announcing to the chiz ,us of the .United States the existence of 'war bqween France. and .the North German C4nfederation and rits allies. The United State; bang upon .te.imas of amity and friendship with the said belligerents, the President announces that the neutrality laws, under severe penllties, forbid citizens or r:l.sidents in the United Sates serving in or aiding or procuring othk rs to serve in the armies or navies of either.bellsgerent, and also forbid the arming or increasing the force of any vessel in the service of eithe belltgerent, as well as the orginizAtion or equipment of any expedition from the territory of. the. .United States against the dominions of either belligerent, The President announces that the Envoy of the North German Confederation has officially informed the United States that Prussia will exempt from seizure private property on the high sets, regardless of reciprocity, that the French Envoy has also officially informed the United Sates that France will scrupulonsly observe. towards neutral Powers the rules or international law, and will adhere to the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1865. The President announces that theTreatyof 1799 between Prussia and the United States is stilt in force, and the privileges accorded to vessels of one _belligerent must in like manner be accorded to vessels of the other. The President further announces that the free public expression ot sympathy is not_restrieted within the United States, and that persons may manufacture and sell arms and munitions of war, but 'cannot carry such articles on the high seas for the service of either belligerent, nor transport soldiers of either belligerent, nor attempt to break a lawful blockade without incurring the risk of hostile se'zure and forfeiting the protection of the United States against the consequences of such misconduct.  SUICIDE Or A