25 JULY 1891, Page 1

We regret to see the rumours as to the grave

Character of Mr. Blaine's illness authoritatively confirmed. He is stated to be suffering from Bright's disease, a complaint which renders it imperative that all strain and worry should be avoided. Mean- time, the negotiations for submitting the Bebring Sea question to arbitration are being brought to a close. Mr. Wharton, the acting Secretary of State at Washington, informed a reporter on Tuesday that in all probability the reference would be settled and the arbitrators named in a few days. It will be a relief to the public on both sides of the Atlantk when this troublesome and disagreeable dispute is finally disp3sed of.