The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1874-01-24
FOREIGN.

An investigation into the causes Of the Vile |
du Havre disaster was concluded in London
on JAM g. No French witnesses were exam
ined. The verdict of the Court was that
Capt. Robertson Of the Loeb Erne was blame
less. Capt. Robertson stated in his testimony
that he had made no charges against the cap
tain of the Vile du Havre, and declared that
he was g incapable of taking away such
brave mans character"
A Berlin telegram of Jan. says that the
Government has absolutely resolved to abstain
from any interference with the inner ecclesi-
astical organization of the dioeeses during
the struggle with the Roman Church, and to
confine its action to vigorously repelling any
| eneroachments of the bishops on state rights.
The Spanish Cortes met on Jan. 2. A Ma
drid telegram gives the following synopsis Of
President Castelar's address:
| The President said the Government had aete
| promptly and energetcally against disturbances
and conspiracies of all kinds, and that order had
been maintained every where, exceptin the North,
/ had possessed itself of one of the strongest
places in Spain, and with it the best lsenals,
/ the most formidable Ion-clads and almost I'M
| pregnable fortresseS within which TO protect
| their accursed flag. want of troops and re-
sources delays their pture, which however, is
certain in the end 1t is beyond doubt that the in
| with the Carlsts. The Carist war is greatly ag-
| gravated by the edisOrganzation, lack of discipline
| and dlssensions among the leaders OF the forces
| supporting the Government cause. The Presi-
dent appeals to all in the presence of this war TO
sink and effaee party differences. No policy is
| possible for the Government except continue
ance of war spaniards should keep in mind
| that while it continues it imperils their young
Republic, their ancient Liberties and the con-
quests of their civilization. We must strive to
maintain the position of modern European
people War is an abnormal condition, re-
quires a suspension of certain social functions,
and temporary sacrifices are necessary, just as IN
fever abstinence from accustomed food is neces-
| sary. We must have standing army, an army
consolidation, the revival OF the military penal
code, and the restoration of discipline. Tue Gov
ernment has distributed the military command
among the generals of all parties, In order to
| give the army national character. we nave
not escaped the tyranny Of kings to submit to the
tyranny of parties. The President speaks IN
terms OF praise of the Republican troops. The
war expt nses during the recess. he says, have
amounted TO 1 0, ,00t 900 reals. He recommends
legislation for gratutous public instruction, and
for the abolition of servile labor and of slavery
within the Spanish dominion on both sid, of the
Atlantic He says the Cortes must establisHa
stable government. The European powers will
soon recognize the Republic, to which none
of them have any invincible antpathy
All countries desire primarily the maintenance
of order and the protection OF the vast interests OF
commerce. He promises shortly to submit docu,
nients relating to the pifgnius affair, which VIII
demonstrate that war has been avoided, while
the principles of international law have been up
held by the Government. In closing, The Pres1-
dent congrataates the Cortes that the condition
of affairs is greatly improved. The army is re-
covering from the effects of INSTRUMENTATION
riotous outbreaks are ceasiDg; the municipal au-
thorities no longer seek to exercise Dictator
ship; pOpula ar risngs, barricades and pronune1a-
mentoes have been annihilated by universal sui
frage. He appeals to the Cortes to do their duty
and receive the verdict of history as conservative
founders ofthe Spanish Republic.
The Cortes subsequently on two different
votes gave decisive majorities against the
President, when General Pavia, who is {
! friend of President CASTELAR,, thereupon occu
r pied the palace of the Cortes and other public
5 buildings with fourteen thousand troops. Ht
, dissolved the Cortes, and summoned the mos
! eminent men of all parties, including TN
/, members of the present Government (onl!
excepting the Carlists and intransigentes) t.
0 form new Government. This, General Pa
: via declared, was the only means for the sal
0 Walton of the country. He refused pers sonall
: to become a member of the Government.
: The streets were filled with people, and ther
!. was great excitement, but no blood had bee
e shed.
e A Madrid dispatch Of Jan. announces tha
: Marshal Serrano has been appointed chief {
i the executive power and that new Ministr
!. had been formed as follows: President, Sc
n rano; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sagasts
\ of War, Zavalla; of Justice, Figuerola;
10 Agriculture, Becerra; of Finance, Echega
t. ray; of Interior, Garcia Ruiz; of Marin
r Topete.
The French Admiralty Court has pr
n nounced Judgment, declaring the maneuyriI
b. of that steamer, in the case of the Vile
d. Havre disaster, to have been blameless, al
I. holding the bad management Of the Lo'
Erne as the cause of the disaster. The Cou
Id eulogized Capt. Surmont.