Mr Gladstone, ab a thanksgiving banquet to celebrate the settlement of the disputed claims, lel erred at length to the relations which recently existed between the two countries, and enlarged upon the permanency of the ties which now unite England and America in a closer bond of brotherhood. December 1. An acrimonious debate took place in the French National Assembly relative to the encouraging addresses sent to M Thiers. A motion declaring them illegal was adopted by a majority of 305 to 299. In consequence of these nrceeding-*, the gloomiest forebodings are entertained ia regard to the political future of France. Ministers have resigned. December 3. Sir Alexander Cockburn, the Lord Chief Justice, has received from the Queen an autograph letter, thanking him for his dis tinguished services in connection with the Geneva arbitration. M. Thiers has informed the Assembly that, though discouraged by the motion of ,the Chamber, he will not abandon his posi tion, but will renew his efforts to govern the country. The Emperor of Germany has created twenty new peers. The Bill for tlie reorganisation of German Counties, and for the better administration of affairs, has been amended by the Chamber of Deputaties aud is likely to pass the Her* renhaus. The American Government states that it is sounding the British Government in re gard to the maintenance of the Pacific Mail Line. The desire of the American Ministers appears to be that it should be subsidised jointly by England and America. Arrived — Dunbar Castle, ship, from Sydney, on September f ' £c.mc.o. vosaacK has been ordered Home. Melbourne. Viscount Canterbury has not yet received official notification of his removal. The Upper and Lower Houses are at a deadlock relative to certain amendments made by the former in the Education Bill. The Conference failed, but a satisfactory result is anticipated. Commercial. — Sales of wheat have been made at 7a 2d for best Adelaide. 200 tons of malt, changed hands at 4s to ss. A cargo of sugars, ex Nightingale, realised L 39 to L 39 10s for best white, L 35 to L 35 15s for counters. A telegram from Mauritius, via Aden, dated Nov. 15, reports that sugars have advanced. Whites, 10 cents; finest yellow (grainy), 20 cents. A telegram from London reports kerosene to nave ad vanced 2d. Sydney, December 4. Heavy rains have fallen in the country districts. 