Preparations for civil war are being made in France.

There is terrible destitution among the farmers in Ireland.

At the Cabinet meeting yesterday the proposed Mexican treaty was the only question of importance considered.

The Quincy House, the largest hotel in Quincy, Ill., was burned yesterday morning. All the occupants escaped in safety but lost most of their effects.

Frank E. Shaw was indicted in Washington yesterday on a charge of endeavoring to corruptly influence Edwin D. Doniphan, a juror in the first star route trial.

All the Navy Yards will be closed on the 31st day of March except those at New York, Norfolk, Washington and Mare Island, owing to deficiency in appropriations.

A gunpowder manufactory in Meriden, Holland, exploded yesterday, unroofing nearly every house in the town and doing much damage to the enighboring villages.

THE WEATHER.WASHINGTON, D. C., Jan. 20, 1. A. M. For New England, cloudy weather with light rain or snow, variable winds, mostly northwesterly, stationary or higher temperature, lower pressure.