NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE Government of Germany is most desirous of conciliating Spain, and the Emperor, therefore, wished to return the visit of King Alfonso in the stateliest fashion. A personal visit to Madrid is impossible, on account of the Emperor's great age, but he has sent the Crown Prince as his substitute, and invested the journey with every possible ceremonial observance. -The Crown Prince, of course, cannot pass through Paris, and there- fore sails from Genoa on Sunday in a despatch-boat, escorted by three men-of-war, to Valencia. He was originally to have landed in Barcelona, the chief city of Northern Spain ; but the French colony there assumed so menacing an attitude, and the Republicans of the city were so cold, that Valencia was substi- tuted. The reception will, doubtless, be cordial, especially in Madrid, as Spanish pride is deeply gratified by the visit ; but it is doubtful if the people entirely approve. The Liberals among them are reluctant to offend France, which they regard as the vanguard of Republicanism among the Latin races ; while the Conservatives retain a Clerical .tinge, to which the alliance of the great Protestant Power is not acceptable. The Court would, of course, be graciousness itself, even were the Queen not, as she is, an Austrian Archduchess, and intent on maintaining the policy of her family, which is, and for years to come must be, amity with Germany.
