NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THE Government of Spain has addressed to that of France a Note, in which it complains, bitterly of the assistance afforded by French officials, in the Basses Pyrenees, to the Carlist cause. From the tone of the Note—which is analysed elsewhere—and the bitterness of the expressions employed, it is considered in France an ultimatum, and believed to have been dictated by Prince Bismarck. Parisian journalists even ask whether Ger- many is seeking any special concession, or only'a pretext for war. The French Government appears to have allowed the Note to reach the- Times, and will, it is stated, submit its answer to the Courts of Europe. Meanwhile, the Due Decazes is gathering information to enable him to make a reply, and there are rumours of a circular protesting against German dictation. It is possible, as we have endeavoured to show, that too much importance has been given to the Note ;_ that it is an -effort on the part of Marshal Serrano's. Cabinet to shift the odium of their failure to subdue Carlism on to the -nearest shoulders, which happen to be those of Marshal Mac. Mahon ; and that the President is playing for popularity, rather than furthering German interests. It seems to be certain that the commotion caused by the Note has greatly pleased the Spaniards.
