An alarming accident has occurred on board the new double turret ironclad Duilio at La Spezia, in the Gulf of Genoa. The arma ment of the Duilio consists of four 100-ton Armstrong guns, each 33ft. long, and while exercising with these one of them burst. Ten of the sailors were seriously wounded by the explosion, and the turret of the Duilio received considerable damage. St. Petersburg is in a state of siege, and all forms of law are set aside. The Nihilist who attempted to assassinate General Melikoff is found to be a baptised Jew, and his connection with the Nihilist organisation is undoubted. Acting under the despotic powers conferred upon him as presi dent of the committee of public safety, appointed by the Gear, General Melikoff has ordered the man's immediate execution with out trial. A sentence of death by hanging has been passed upon him", which will be carried out to-morrow morning. The result of the general elections in Yiotoria bas excited considerable interest in pol'tioal circles. All the principal journals have had leaders commenting upon Mr Berry's defeat and the accession of Mr Service to office. The " Spectator " considers that the victory gained by the Conservatives was attributable to the popular dislike of the plebiscite. Further, it expresses a doubt whether Mr Service can look for the support of the Catholic vote for any length of time, as he cannot conscientiously entertain their demands respecting the Education Act, and that, therefore, he is not likely to be able to withstand the liberal party. The " Pall Mall Gaaatte" approves of tiio selection of Mr Service as Mr Berry's successor, and declares him, judging from bis speeches and his scheme of constitutional reform, to be in reality a sound and vigorous liberal. Toladearsky, who attempted to nssassinate Gen. Melikoff, was hanged near St. Petersburg, in the presence of an immense conoonrse of spectators. When interrogated ss to his accomplices, the prisoner firmly refused to afford the authorities any information. He was escorted from the gaol to the gallows by a strong force of military and police, as an attempt at rescue was apprehended. During the execution a disturbance ocourred, and for some time a riot seemed imminent, but the police having apprehended the ringleaders, order was restored. 