The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-09-12
WASHING ON.
The European War Question--New Com
plicatiOns Arising-An Affair OF Honor
ON the Tapis-The Unexpended
Appropriation Middle.

OF the Administration.
Speculatlons as to the course the United States
may possibly take In the settlement of difficulties
across the water continue 10 be INDUCED in by off,
Gals OF every grade. Some OF the prominent officers
OF the navy who were, prior to the foundation OF
the French republic, warm sympathsers with the
Prussians, are now avowedy In favor OF the sue
cess OF the French arms. This coup d'etdt carries
with 1T great many who were unwaverng in their
support OF the Germanic effort But may be rel ed
upon that there is one thing that cannot be done,
ana that Is TO swerve our government from firm
adherence to rigid neutrality. Up to the present
time there have been numberless complaints
lodged at the State Department both by
Baron Gerolt and III. Berthemy OF violations of the
neutrality laws. In some instances the charges ap-
peared well founded: in Others they were OF char
acter that hardly admitted of doubt that they were
labrcatioas Still, the State Department has eXer-
cised the greatest care and unceasing vigilance In
examining every complaint made, no matter how
trivial. Up TO the present tme-it Is stated upon
authorly-there has not been the slightest violation
or infringement or our neutrality laws. Sympathy
is one thing, recognition another, ana something
that cannot be hoped for by the French people
this side OF the Atlantic Your correspondent In
conversation with one who speaks with authority
remarked that II the popular clamor for
not affect the policy OF the government
how much less would 1t be expected that
the nation should devate from its traditional policy
In supporting the new republic The formation OF q
republic does not cancel the claims which Prussia
may have against the French people, and although
our KIND offices may have been rendered with the
view OF fastening peace they will have to be so
cited In such way as to leave mediation free from
oil embarrassments contingent upon the settlement
of 80 complicated question The fact is. the
despatch TO Minister Bancroft, as sent from the
State Department, If made public, would create
surprise throughout the country and leave many IN
doubt IS to whether our sympathies are as strong
for the new republic as have been supposed
But there is another phase OF the question
OF far more Importance to the United States
than has yet been alluded to. Matters involving
the construction Of treaties between this govern
ment. England and France viii ere long be the SUBJ
ject Of diplomatic correspondence, and policy dc
tates that the government should not in any way
involve Itself In complications that may pr0tract, II
not defeat the accomplishment OF very important
measure.
The European War Transferred TO Washing-
rOu-A Duel in Prospect.
An affair OF honor, 1t is rumored, Is upon the taps
In this city, growing out Of rencontre which took
place on Friday between Prussian and French
man, while dining at one OF our principal hotels.
The story goes That both parties were in the same
command in the Union army during the late
"onpeasantness" and that the former was court
martialed for cowardce the latter act.
ing as Judge advocate of the court. Since
the close Of the war they have been residents of
Washington, and although frequently meeting have
never spoken to each other. The Frenchman, 1t is
said, did not entertain any Ill will toward the
Prussan, but that the disgrace attached to the ac-
cusatOn OF cOwardice ana the findings OF the court
caused the Prussian to avoid his company. The
Franco. Prussian war happened to be the subject
| conversation between several gentlemen at the
| same table, and among other remarks the Prussian
| spoke disparagingy OF the valor OF the French
| troops, accusing them OF cOwardce and SO express
ing his feelings as to make 1t unmlstakablc that mis-
language was designed as haunting insult to the
Frenchman VINO sat on the opposite side of the
table The words had scarcely passed his lips when
the Frenchman hurled mis- soup plate at the head or
the offending Prussan, striking his Uranium with
force and scattering the pea soup IN his face and
upon his shirt BOSOM AS soon as he was able to
speak he remarked with 4 tremulous voice that he
would "see'' the Frenchman again, whereupon the
latter, instead OF drawing revolver, took his card
case from his pocket aud rendered the gentleman
who wished to 'see" him q card, bearing his name
and address and then left the dining nall. The
shier Of crOckery has since waited patiently for q
challenge, meanwhile impryong himself by prac-
using with short swords, and hopes blue Monday
will bring him the coveted document.
Important Public Worries to be Suspended.
Admiral Shubrick Chairman Of the Lighthouse
Board, has from time to time addressed letters to
the Commissioner OF Customs for his opinion on the
availability OF certain appropriations said to be ar
fected by the Comptroler's decision concerning un
a hA In IN nf IN
agement given he pers' .ent as ever, and pre-.
sented another question to-day to the Commissioner
asking whether the Board could use the balance OF
the appropriation made IN 1866 for the construction
OF the lighthouse at st. Clair Flats, Mich, inasmuch
continuation OF the work had been ordered
prior to July last. The Commissioner was con-
strained, under the decision already made, 20 rule
that such an order did not amount to a contract and
was not sufficient for an expenditure of the funds
remaining to the credit OF that appropriation but
that 1t must revert the Treasury. Thus all impor-
tant public improvement, demanded for the safety
of the mercantile marine OF the lakes must remain
unfinished until Congress cuts the knot into which
unexpended balances have been ehectually tied.
The Alaska seal Fisheries.
In compliance with the order OF the President the
Treasury Department yesterday issued instructions to
collectors and other officers of customs allowing the
seal fisheries. The company having the contract are
prohibited from using firearms OF any kind in Killing
of seals or other fur-Dearing animals on the
islands Of ST. Paul and st. George the haunts
of seals offers in the district Of Alaska or for
any purpose whatever from the lst Of June to 3lst
of October OF each year. nor alter the arrival of seals
in the spring or before their departure in the fall
excepting FOR necessary protection and defence
against marauders or pubic enemies who may I'M
lawfully attempt to land upon the islands. In all
other respects the first instructions Will remain In
force.
Attempt to Wreck Railroad Train.
AS the express train from New YorK and Philadcl-
pha, due here at ten minutes TO SIX this morning,
was passing Bettsville, fifteen miles from Washing
ton, man calling himself John Conner was discov-
cred placing large stone the track, evidently
for the purpose OF throwing of the train. The en-
CINE was stopped by the engineer, who, with the
fireman and conductor, got OF the train and cap
tnrpd the man and hrou glt hin, to Woehtncfon