GENERAL NEWS.

A fire at Yarnagaha, a province of Elsen, ou June 13, destroyed KOO houses. Thirteen people lost their lives. . ~ A high official of the Russian Government, M. Yalbouguino, has been despatched by Si. Mtte, the Minister of Finance, to China, Japan, Corea, and the United States, to inspect the chief ports, notably San Francisco, and report on the best mean 3of promoting commercial "relations with On jiinolS, the Cambridgo University conferred an honorary decree upon Captain Alfred T. Mahon, of the United htates cruiser Chicago, author of "Sea Power in History." The Oxford University also conferred the degree of D.G.L. on Captain Mahon. . W Howard, an American canoeist, was hopelessly beaten in two races at Bourne End, England, oa June 21. By a lire that broke out at tho Agnes cabinet manufactory, in Tabernacle street, London, on Juno 22, the whole block was destroyed, notwithstanding the efforts of the entire London Brigade, with over EO eogines manned by 400 men. The tiauies were visible from all parts of London aud the suburbs. Tho National Anti-Betting Leaguo of London commenced, on Juno 11, the first of a threatened series of prosecutions of racecourse owners, managers, and bookmakers. The suit was ascainst the lessees of the Northampton racecourse and a bookmaker doingbusiness there. Though the court dismissed tho suit against the lessees, tho bookmaker was fined 40s. . D. J. Budcock and Co., of Liverpool, traders In wheat, Ac., failed on June 7; liabilities £6I»,000. People who claim to be inside as gossips say it is a fact that the betrothal of Lord Uosebery to a daughter of the Prince of Wales will shortly be announced. Others are equally positive that the Duches3 of Albany ia the happy lady. Then tho question follows—ln either case what will Lord Kosebery's value to tho Liberal party be ? Lord Ro3ebery presented the United btates Ambassador (Mr Bayard) with one of tho plates won by his colt L.adas, the wiuner of the Derby.