Seizure of the LaFayette

Any international difficulty connected with the seizure of the French steamer LaFayette has been removed by the prompt release of the vessel immediately upon notice of her capture reaching the state department. The explanation for this action on the part of the administration is given in the statement which follows, issued from the White House last night:

"The LaFayette was released in pursuance of orders which were issued by the navy department previously to her seizure, but which had not been received by the commanding officers of the vessels that made the capture.

"The facts are that on April 29 the French embassy made an informal inquiry as to whether the LaFayette, which left St. Nazaire, France, for Vera Cruz, by way of Havana, before war was declared or information of the blockade was received, would be allowed to land at Havana certain passengers, her mail bags and the dispatch bag of the consul general of France, and take some French passengers on board. Assurance was given that if this privilege should be granted the steamer would be forbidden by the French consul to land goods.

"The matter was duly considered, and it was decided that without regard to the strict law of blockade, and as an act of courtesy, the request of the French government should be acceded to. Orders were accordingly sent on the 2d day of May. When information was received of the capture of the steamer and of her having been brought to Key West these orders were communicated to the captors with instructions to release the steamer and to see that the orders were fully delivered, so that they might be carried into effect. No demand was made either by or on behalf of the French government, directly or indirectly, for the steamer's release."