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Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1048, 5 December 1871, Page 2

The news brought by the Suez mail is not of a very important character. In fact almost the only item of news is the loss of the P. and 0. Company's splendid steamer Rangoon just as she was leaving Point de Galle. All the cargo and mails with the exception of the Ceylon one were lost, and the passengers barely

escaped with their lives. The American Fenians, in order to raise a little excitement, have again ventured upon another filibustering expedition in the direction of Canada, and, as might be expected, the result was a miserable Jlaseo, resulting in an ignominious defeat a7id the capture of the Fenian General O'Neill— the same hero who made such an inglorious retreat on the occasion of the previous " invasion." It is to be hoped that for the future the money wasted in such abortive attempts may be better applied. The consequence of such proceedings as tljese is simply to cause a feeling of irritation, and no object is gained. The British Government, as a consequence, hasjrefused to liberate any more Fenian prisoners. That Government has also put into force the Uoyal warrant, thereby: carrying out its threat of vetoing jthe House of Lords, and the warrant authorising the re- construction of the army is now gazetted. Things are hot looking very satisfactory in Frarice, although the remainder of the war indemnity has been arranged for. The new taxes have occasioned great hardships, and discontent reigns in consequence, while the want of specie has created a monetary panic. To add to the difficulties, outrages have been committed on German residents in the great manufacturing district of Lyons, and for which Germany will certainly demand heavy damages. The Commune element is likely to give some trouble, as they possess a strong party in the French Assembly. The great Continental Powers of Germany and Austria on the one hand and Russia on the other are distrustful,, and as the Northern Bear has been making great preparations, it is not unlikely we may shortly hear of the two great military powers in Euiope trying conclusions with each other. Should it come to this, Germany cannot expect such an easy conquest as she did with France. King Amadeus of Spain seems popular, while his Ministry on the other hand has suffered a defeat and a new Cabinet has been formed. The subject of the Annexation of Fiji as a British dependency has occupied the attention of the Government, but nothing definitely has been settled. We are glad to Jearn that the health of the Queen is improving. The great Ticliborne case was to be resumed on the 7th November, when it was expected that the real Arthur Orton would be produced, in which case the principal point upon which the defence hangs falls to the ground. We are sorry to have to record the death of so many great personages, foremost among whom is the Lord Chief-Justice Sir Alexander Cockbnrn, whose loss is^ to be greatly deplored at the present time, he being the British arbitrator in the Alabama question ; the great artillery authority, Field-Marshal Sir John Burgoyne, almost the last of Wellington's Peninsular heroes; Sir Roderick Murchison, the eminent geologist ; and Charles Babbage ; besides a number of other celebrities of a lesser degree.