As we bave been informed by cable, a disaster unparalleled in modern times occurred at Santander (Old Castilo) on the afternoon of 3rd November.

A Spanish steamer, the Cabo Machichaco, caught fire whilst discharging, alongside the quay, what purported to bo a general cargo, comprising 2000 tons of iron, many cases of petroleum, a few barrels of wine, and some sacks of flour. It appears (states the Home News), however, that she had also on board over 500 cases of dynamite, which exploded, and spread destruction far and wide. Had this portion of her cargo been declared she would not have been permitted to enter the port, but it appears that the captain declared only 20 cases of the explosive, the remainder, whose clandestine destination is still matter of conjecture, being carefully concealed below.