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QUICK PAssAGE.-The steamer t'Jobn Duncan" arrived the wharf in this city Thursday morn ing last, having made the passage from Mobile m thrtysix hours and and half, stops included This

 is the quickest time made this river with the exception of the Robinson' during the past season, which was performed in about hours less time.- 1t is stated that there tral 0f speed between

 the Duncan and Gen. Gaines, and that the latter was beaten some five hours 1t may be wrong to pull streamboat racing, chronicle 1t Tn any manner, as serious disasters have frequently resulted from rum ming boats on wagers against others, against tine but we are satisfied that the fault in this matter to great extent exists with the community and not m the officers of the boat, whom the blame often rests. Men frequently who on other occasions de- nounce the practice in strong terms, become when passengers the animated for the of telr boat in trial of this kind. The experience of al- most every shows that it is impossible to feel in- different on such occasions and the practice will continue to exist till public sentiment is corrected on the subject

 Hear the other side of the story;

 The Gen. Gaines arrived at our wharf last eve ming. We learn from the passengers that spirited contest took place between her and the John Dun can from Mobile. The Gaines, we are told, was heavy laden and the Duncan light-the former being loaded down to her guards, and the latter merely trimmed for the The Gaines led he competi- tor for time, but in consequence of making ire quen stops to put cut freight and passengers and to take passengers aboard, the Duncan arrived at Mont gomery four hours in advance of her. The Duncan made stops between Mobile and Mont gomery, and the Gaines stopped fortythree times for purposes mentioned above No accident we learn, occurred to either boat, though the powers of the Duncan exerted to their utmost--her chimneys being heated to such degree as to melt the nuts by which they confined to the rods that supported them. She pushed to such degree that her chimneys emitted flame, and constant application of water necessary to prevent her from taking fire. Much credit isdue Capt. Pollock of the Gaines for not yielding to the excitement as to urge his boat beyond it's ordinary speed to jeopardize the lives of the passengers. We have doubt, from what we can learn from those who have travelled up- on the Gaines that she is the fastest boat upon the r- yer; and in good running trim, would beat the Dun can without difhcuity.-Aia Times.