ARRIVAL OF THE ENGLISH MAIL VIA PANAMA.

Southland Times, Issue 638, 1 March 1867, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE ENGLISH MAIL VIA PANAMA.

NEWS TO JANFAEY 10. LATEE KETWS FKOM AMERICA. "WELiirsrGTOiir, 24. A destructive fire occurred in the Crystal Palace on the 30th December. Damage done estimated at £300.000. Parliament was to meet on the, sth of The British American conference, which has been in session fdr a long time, has at last removed all difficulties, and agreed on the basis, for a Confederation Bill to report to Parliament. The " Times " predicts that the next year will be one of general peace. The revenue and trade returns of Great Britain are very satisfactory, and indicate that Mr Disraeli will be able to exhibit a surplus revenue of nearly £2,000,000 sterling. On the 4th January a very severe snow-storm visited England. The snow fell to the depth of nearly four feet. The " Times " says that the relations of England with the various powers of the world, with the exception of the United States, have rarely been bettwiIt hopes that all the differences with the United States may be amicably settled through arbitration. A grand Reform demonstration is projected for the first Monday of the meeting of Parliament, by the presentation of petitions for Reform. The "Daily News" of January 8, says, upon good authority, that Sir Frederick Bruce, the British Minister at Washington, has been instructed to ascertain whether the United States Government will submit the Alabama claims to arbitration, provided certain points for arbitration are agreed upon previously. Rumors are again in circulation of impending changes in the Cabinet. The leaders of the Reform movement have decided not to make the proposed demonstration upon the meeting of Parliament by the introduction of mass petitions, but will adopt the less turbulent course of permitting it to come up in the usual course of legislation. Napoleon's plan for organising the French army is likely to be opposed by the Council of State. Bavaria is to reorganise her army. A vessel named the Harvest Queen, from Swansea for Baltimore, was lost at sea ; all hands except one man perished. The Austrian Government has extended the amnesty to the press throughout the empire. Reports from Madrid state that the Spanish Government is taking great precautions against the threatened outbreak. The Duke of Augustenberg has given in his allegiance to the King of Prussia and released the Holsteins from their oath of allegiance. There are indications of serious trouble between Turkey and Greece. The Greeks are rapidly extending their agitation for independence. Italy will hold the church property free if ransomed. Prince Alfred, of England, has accepted a challenge from James G-ordon Bennett, jun., for a yacht race round the Isle of Wight, the Prince sailing the Viking (?) and Mr Bennett the Henrietta. The London Times complains of the toleration shown by the United States G-overnment to the Fenians. The Emperor Napoleon, made a speech on New Tear's Day to the Corps Diplomatique, in which he expresses hopes for the peace and prosperity of nations. The Pom Mbniteur says that the French troops will be withdrawn from Mexico by March Ist, in spite of anything that Maximilian may choose to do. The King of Italy made a speech on New Tear's Day, predicting peace for the future, but urging improvement in the military organisation of the nation. Garibaldi, it is said, will join Greeks if the war ia Canadia is continued. The difficulties between the Pope and the Italian G-overnment have been satisfactorily settled. The Pope made a speech on New Year's Day to the Diplomatic Corps, in which he referred in severe terms to the want of adherence to the Papacy on the part of some of its former friends. A Constantinople telegram says that the Canadian insurrection has been completely suppressed. Six more Spanish ironclads have been sent to the Pacific coast. The "Etoile Beige" says that the efforts of the French G-overnment to form a triple alliance with England, Prussia, and Austria have completely failed. Matters in Ireland are perfectly quiet, and there is every indication that they will remain so. An earthquake in Algeria has destroyed a large amount of property and many lives. Count Bismarck has been making a speech in the Prussian Legislative Chamber, frankly stating the reason why Prussia concluded the peace with Austria; he thinks that France has gained the exclusian of Austria from Germany, and that Napoleon and his cabinet will maintain the most friendly relations with England and Prussia. Despatches from the East announce that there has been a Ministerial crisis at Athens, and a new cabinet had been appointed by the King. It is said here that the Governments of Great Britain and France have come to a mutual agreement not to interfere in the differences between Greece and the Sublime Porte, unless Russia should undertake to intervene. Advices have been received that the plot of the Greeks in the Mediterranean Islands to assert their independence is spreading rapidly. Formidable popular'

uprisings have occurred in otter islands, and the Greek cause has suddenly brightened. The " Times " declares that the Polish nationality has ceased to exist under the decrees which have just been issued by the Uussian Gavernment. News from Corfu, da^ed 26th Dec., state that four British war vessels took in . provisions, after being fully fitted out in that port, aDd sailed immediately for the Coast of Candia. The insurrection in Thessaly, which it is supposed is fomented from Greece, is progressing rapidly ; the insurgents have chosen a Greek colonel named Veli as* their leader. ~ Shipping.— Departures, January 3 : — Paria, for Canterbury. Ships loading for New Zealand at London— Warwick, for Canterbury; Lincoln, for Nelson, and New Plymouth; Dona Anita, for Otago; Tasmania and Ironside, for Wellington. Colonial Government Securities, closing prices : — New South Wales Government Five per Cent., 1871 to 1876, 89 to 91 ; Ditto Five per Cent., 1888 to 1893, 831 to 841. New Zealand Six per Cent., 95 to 971; Ditto Five per Cent., 841 to 851. Queensland Seven per Cent., January and July, 89^to 91. South Australian Gonernment Six per Cent.; 1888 and upwards, 103 to 105. Victoria Government Six per Cent.. April and October, 105 to 106. New Yobk, Jan. 11. The impeachment of President Johnbeen" moved in the House o£--=3l£—^ presentatives. The President vetoed, the Bill granting suffrage in the district of Columba, and both Houses passed the Bill over the veto. A Tariff Bill has been reported. Gold to-day 132*.