The New York herald., 1870-07-16

WASHINGTON, July I6, 1870.
The exciting war news from Europe was the sub.
ject OF universal comment here to-day. At an early
hour Information was received Of the sailing of the
French feet and Of the announcement made in the
Paris eo@as2Est.tIs2nsa thas ygr was accepted by
| France. People discussed the matter with the
keenest interest," and usual predicted oil sorts OF
| dreadful results, including o general European
| war and the overthrow Of all the great
Powers in that part Of the globe. It
would be difficult to determine for which side
,ost sympathy expressed, although nine-tenths
nj the tair,rs admitted that France was at fault In
striking the first warlike blow Still there are many
here who admire the pluck Of France, and who nope
she may succeed in defeating Prussia, rIgh. OF
wrong,
Baron Gerolt, the Prussan Minister, has received
quite number OF dispatches from his government
since the commencement Of the difficulties and has
communicated copies to Secretary Fish. The Baron
belongs to the old school Of red tape diplomats
who have holy horror of newspaper men, and fear
to say one word lest their government Should con.
slider 1t breach OF official etiquette. "I have
nothing to communicate to the newspapers said
the Baron tonight "My government has not
Instructed me to furnish dispatches to the news
papers, and cannot give them out"
Notwithstanding the punchlious style Of the ven
contents Of his dispatches IL is ascertaned that
among the recent communications from his govern.
menC Is one instructing him to direct all the
Prusslan consuls In this country to warn their
countrymen OF the necessity OF taking some steps to
secure their vessels against depredations of the
French Navy The Prussian Government admits its
inability to protect its commerce on the high seas
and as precautionary measure has thnsjwarned its
subjects at nome and abroad Baron Gerolt has pre-
cordance with this despatch, and will send them
away tomorrow.
The Baron is of the opinion that the
first attempt Of the French Will be to cross the
Rhlne and hopes that all who do 80 will never re-
turn. He does not pretend to predict the length of
the war or the complications to which it may lead,
but seems confident that Prussia win lose nothing
by the contest. He regrets that Con ress adjourned
without adopting the recommendations contained
In the Presidents message regarding the necessity
of suspending the navigation laws for year, and
considers that the American people will regret
this omission the part Of the National Legislature
He believes the American people Will wake up in q
few days and realize that very great mistake has
been committed by Its Congress in the haste and
confusion Of the closing hours.
The Baron was at the Senate for several hours to-
day in consultation with number OF Senators,
urging legislation with o view to protecting Prus-
sian vessels pending the war between his govern.
ment and France The feeling manifested was
eminently favorable to Prussia, and had there been
more time there Is doubt some action would have
been taken.
The Spanish Minister called to-day on the Secre-
tary OF State at the Capitol and made to him the fol.
lowing communication which shows that Spain
Will remain neutral In the coming CONTEST
MADRID, July Is, 1870.
FROM THE MINISTER OF STATE TO THE REPRESENTA-.
TIVE OF SPAIN AT WAsHINGTON:-
The President OF the Council OF Ministers has re-
ceived from Prince of Hohenzolern the following tel
egram, namely
the fact that Leopold candidate for tho throne
Spain, and the troubled situation which
late made for the Spanish people In placing
feelings and satisfied such
their suases would not be free and spontaneous
has been led believe In consentng 10 be canddat
PRINCE OF HOHENzoLLEEN.
The government grateful to the Prince OF Hohen-
zOern for the justice he Is thus rendering the span.
tsh people, respect the important motives which led
him to withdraw his name. and they consider that
there s no more reason for carrying OH the measures
tnat mad been agreed upon for the election Of the
monarch. The Gazette Will publish this very dav
order from the President Of the Cortes suspending
the call for the session on the goth inst, which
published in the Gazette of the 9th inst.
Communicate to the United States government the
contents OF this despatch.
There Is considerable talk tonight about the ne.
cessiy Of an extra session for the purpose of making
some changes In the laws relating TO foreign
vessels. number Of prominent Senators and
high ofncers Of the govsrumsnt have expressed