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Evening Star, Issue 2992, 20 September 1872, Page 4

The French have a remarkable idea of the capabilities of the English press, Witness the following—the ‘‘ Union Democratic] ues” idea of how a northern contemporary is “ go£ up” “ ‘ The Schot-man’ is printed on the road from Edinburgh to Glasgow in a waggon belonging to the paper, which contains a printing-machine, cases of type, and quick compositors. During the journey the edition for the provinces is worked oft - , with the addition of the news and telegrams received on the road.” If progress in horse-racing is to be accepted as evidence of growth in civilization, the South African diamond fields are making most satisfactory advance. The Xalal Mercury absolutely glows over the task of ro co cling the recent brilliant turf-mceting on the Vaal Diver, which formed “ the climax of the diamantine excitement.” The races were not scratch or hurriedly arranged events but were completely organised on a regular programme, and the principal event, the Diamond Field i’latc, was a prize of L3OO. The course was attended by crowds of spectators who were counted by tens or thousands. There was a spa .nous gram l -stand, a wellkept course, policemen to maintain order, crowds of vehicles, gambling tables, at which fortunes were lost and won. The receipts for admission to the stand amounted to L 595. The spectators belonged to many races and came from many and very remote lands. There was a complete babel of tongues, but amidst the great excitement of the occasion order was well preserved. Altogether, the accounts give a curious picture of a great Derby day in the wilds of savage Africa, in a distant wilderness, which only three years ago was unknown land except to a few hunters or traders, ‘‘After all this,” says the Mrrcnn/, “ let no one despair of South Africa !”