The French are getting themselves into a condition of irrita-
bility in which nations, like men, are capable of almost any blunder. The King of Spain is to be the guest of the Republic for three days, but he has accepted the titular Colonelcy of a Regiment of Uhlans now stationed at Strasburg, at the bands of the German Emperor, and the Parisian journalists declare that this is equivalent to taking an oath of allegiance to Germany, and that, therefore, Pavia ought either to hiss the King, or turn its back on him. Do they really suppose that the Prince of Wales, who is also a German Colonel, is, therefore, the more bound to obey the German Emperor ? It is, of course, most vexatious to Frenchmen to see Spain join, or attempt to join, the Anstro-German Alliance; but that is no reason for forgetting all the rules of international courtesy. The consequence of this absurd sensitiveness will be that the Spanish Liberals, who are annoyed by their King's German proclivities, will feel the national dignity affronted, and will support the policy which so bitterly wounds the French. It is a great misfortune for France that of all her citizens, the journalists are the most sensitive and the least prudent.
