2 MARCH 1867, Page 2

Our Government, when applying for the vote of 116,0001. for

the expenses of the French Exhibition, refused to bind themselves not to ask for a supplementary vote, but said they had no reason to expect one. The special correspondent of the Times now affirms that the Commissioners have already spent 150,0001., and the figure will probably rise to 200,0001. So universal, moreover, is the refusal to insure anything to be stored in the great gasometer, that a special society has been formed for the purpose, which will be a most useful institution, provided no fire occurs. It is believed to be impossible to collect everything by April 1st ; and what with M. de Play's preposterous design, which does not allow of a coup d'oeil anywhere, and the risk of fire, and the unexpected expenses, everybody will be at the opening slightly savage. The world has had nearly enough of these big shops.