5 SEPTEMBER 1868, Page 2

A report is current in Paris that Queen Isabella of

Spain has offered Napoleon an alliance. If he goes to war with Prussia, the Italians will have Rome, consequently Her Majesty offers him 40,000 Spaniards to garrison the Papal territory. She requires in return, however, a guarantee for her own throne, not only against foes from without, but insurgents from within, and this Napoleon hesitates to give,—guaranteeing Bourbons not being his role in life. The Count and Countess of Girgenti, the latter an Infanta of Spain, have been in Paris to settle the business ; but have failed, and the semi-official journals now deny the significance of the visit, it is quite possible that the Papal Court, which foresees events of moment, has instigated Queen Isabella to make this offer.