The Express.
London, England, 1847-11-12 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, FRIDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 12, 1847.

LITERATURE.

Pius the Ninth; or, the First Year of his Pontificate. By
Count C. A. GODDES Di LIANCOURT, of the Pontifical
Academy of the Lincei, at Rome; and I. A. MAN:4II4O,
.IN., of the Inner Temple. 1847.
The Journal As Dames states, net without reason,
that the decision of the court of Rome in the matter
of the Irish Colleges has, in agreat measure, checked
the feeling which prevailed in England in favour of
the present Pope. We maintain the opinion which
we have already expressed, that it is the true policy
of England to support the Pope ae the representative
of Italian improvement, without paying especial re-
gard to his mode of exercising his spiritual functions.
His power depends essentially on his reputation for
orthodoxy, and for devotion to the interests of his
church. The application of the power so obtained to
the relaxation of despotism throughout Italy has met
in free countries with almost unanimous approbation.
The farther he advances in his career of improve-
ment, the more need he will have of the countenance

of England to support him against the hostility of
Austria and of Naples • and consequently, the
stronger will be our claim upon him to abstain at
least from increasing the difficulties with which our
government has to deal with reference to the Irish
esthetics. If ho were driven back on the submission
of his predecessorto GHIBELLINE influence, hispolitical
subordination would leave him at liberty in his eccle-
siastical capacity to disturb by internal interference
the governments from which he would no longer
11 have anything to fear or to hope.
It is not, however, on cold calculations like these
that the popularity of Plus IX. in England has been
founded. A generous sympathy with the long-
oppressed people of Italy, and a cordial approbation
of the Pope's efforts to elevate their condition, have
entirely superseded all selfish calculations of English
interests, and have even accomplished the far more
difficult task of overruling for the time the protestant
jealousy and suspicion with which the Vatican is
habitually regarded. It would be a peat error in
zealous catholic' to suppose that a desire to see Italy
free and independent in any way implies a disposition
to reconciliation with the see of ST. PETER. The Eng-
lish protestanta who support the political exertions
of the Pope, without regard to religious differences,

have a right to expect that their influence shall
not be perverted to the spiritual aggrandise-
ment of the Romish church. We are willing
to believe, that, notwithstanding his Irish rescript, the
Pope himself is not disposed to make the political
sympathy of England an excuse for spiritual encroach-
ments : but there are not wanting symptoms of the mor-
bid anxiety of injudicious catholics to distort the love
of freedom and national independence into • re-
cognition of the most obsolete and objectionable pre-
tensions of the court of Rome. _ _ _

We have a specimen of this perversity in the book
lately published, the title of which is prefixed. We
do not remember to have seen on any subject a
sillier, more incoherent, or more unmeaning publi-
cation ; nor should we think it worth noticing
from any respect to the opinions which it expresses.
It is the fact that such opinions and states of mind
exist, the involuntary exhibition of feeling which the
book contains, that make it in any way useful as an
illustration of the propensity, of which we have com-
plained, to sectarianise the unseetarian and disin-
terested support which has been given to the poli-
tical measures of the present Pope. Although the
parts which the foreign and English contributors
have respectively supplied to the work are nowhere
indicated, we cannot be far wrong in assuming that
the bulk of it was written in French, and translated,
or mistranslated—" abbot," for instance, being given
as the equivalent for the French " abbe"—with a few
additions entirely inconsistent with the rest of the
work, but intended, with a simple cunning, to cajole
English readers into a belief that they. were
reading a protestant publication. The principal
author of " Pius IX " not only calls the Pope
the "king of the Christian world," and adopts with
unconscious zest all the formulas which are most
habitual to those within, and 21106 t startling to those
without, the pale of catholicism; but he displays an
enthusiasm for the trappings and millinery of
Romanism, which we have never seen surpassed.
The moppings and mowings of the cardinals,
the red cloaks and the black cloaks, and the
violet sleeks, the cloth of gold tiara of the
Pope, and the harlequin uniform of the Swis
Guard, call forth an enthusiasm equal to that which
is inspired by the sentimental and apocryphal stories
about the youth of Pius IX., and the conventionally
edifying speeches with which a part of the volume
before us is crammed. To recommend this foreign
mess to the English palate, in another page the faith-
ful are called " our Roman catholic brethren,"
as if it was a protestant who had just before gravely
recorded the canonisation of five monks and
nuns of the last century; and for the benefit
of liberals all over the world we are told
that Rome, Albion (sic !), andlParis, form" an impos-
ing trinity, which will re-open the book of miracles?'
There is, however, no book so bad but what some-
thing may be learned from it; and to those who wish
to know the points in which the trappings of a pope
differ from or resemble those of a lord mayor, or the
formalities of conclaves which have in general dis-
played a greater amount of perjury, bribery, and base-
ness than was ever known at a borough election, we
recommend Count de LIANCOCRT as a willing and en-
thusiastic guide. The contrivance, childish as it is,
of inserting a few make-believe protestant common-
places in the midst of a catholic book will be found
rather amusing than troublesome.
If, however, there was any use in advising deter-
mined religious partisans, we would strongly recom-
mend the catholic supporters of Plus IX.'s temporal
policy to accept the alliance of protestant friends of
liberty and independence without attempting to
derive from it a sectarian advantage.
The no-popery feeling of England is too easily
aroused, and too formidable to admit of resistance,
when it is excited by a just and reasonable complaint,
Intelligent men would willingly see the prince of the
ecclesiastical states govern well and wisely; but if
he had accomplished all the good which he can be
said or thought to propose, it would not in any way
strengthen his title to the rank of " King of the
Christian World." Among his own subjects and
adherents he is welcome to any honorary addition
which he and they may approve. It is indifferent to
us whether he calls himself the " Servant of Ser-
vants," or the "Son of the Sun, and the Brother of the
Moon." To England he is only an Italian prince, to
' be supported as long as he promotes civilisation and
freedom, and avoids interference with our national
interests.

On exactly the same grounds we would urge the
enemies of religious disabilities, and the supporters of
the Italian policy of Pies IX., to pursue their course
without any regard to the perverse interpretations of
their objects by those whom they wish to benefit.
The greatest danger at present arising from the
officiousness of Itomish priests and proselytisers is,
that their obstinacy should afford an argument to the
protestant advocates of religious restrictions. In
the matter of the "godless colleges" it is true that
the Pope has only echoed the denunciations of the
protestant zealots in parliament, but the same views
are not in general received from enemies with the
same favour as from friends. The decision of the
Propaganda that secular education is dangerous to
Chnstianity may, perhaps, be considered a proof
of bigotry and intolerance by those who were
the first to enunciate the same proposition on
behalf of Protestantism. It is the duty of

statesmen to treat the reclamations of bigotry from
both quarters with equal indifference. By removing
all civil disabilities on the ground of religion we shall
most consistently deprive all sects of any reasonable
pretensions to special civil privileges. By supporting
the Pope in a wise policy, notwithstanding that he is
Pope, we shall both confirm the right of resisting his
possible encroachments, snd acquire a hold over Lim,
by which his power may possibly be turned to our
advantage. There is no reason why the protection
of England against foreign interference should be less
effectual as a means of influencing the Roman court
to abstain from disturbing us at home, than the hold
which the French Kings formerly possessed on the ,
Vatican by the position of the papal county of I
Avignon in the midst of their own territories.
As long as Constantinople looks to the protection
of the English flag in case of need, the vicegerent of
the Prophet will never stir up rebellion among our
Mahometan subjects in India : and a wise policy
might make it equally evident to the statesmen of
Rome, that it would be well for them not to interfere
with education in Ireland. We are not very san-
vine as to the entire hypostatic union of " Rome,
Albion, and Paris" for the purpose of enuring the
liberty of the world ; both Rome and Paris must first
modify several of their propensities and simplify their
policy. As for " Albion," or, as it is called in the
vernacular, " England," we believe its course to be
clear—to govern and deal with religionists at home
and abroad with a total indifference, as far as pos-
sible, to their sectarian objects.

AND CLERICAL.

Oxman, Nov. 1.1.—1 n a convocation holden this morn-
ing, the following degrees were conferred—rig.: Bachelor of Divinity
and Doctor of Divinity by Aceumnintims—Rev. C. W. Balton, Cb. Ch.
Master of Arta—W. roc, Merton ; W. Croach, Hon. L H. Tracy,
Exeter ; J. Bamby, Magdalen ; W. Fitzhugh, P. bl'Llonall, C. Donlon,
and R. Lawson (students), Ck. Ch. • Rev. W. E. C. Austin, Rev. W.
E. D. C/rter. fellow. of New C. and A. C. Mar-kende, Bt. John's C.
Bachelor of Arts—A. Sutton, Unirersity ; C. W. Jammu, H. T. Jen.
Enron, Ball. • M. H. Ricketts, W. Parker, C. Du Cane, and J. 0.
Macleod. Exeter ;E. J. Smith, scholar of Worcester •E. Giles, St.
John's ; S. P. Hooke, Oriel ; R. N. Sharp, and P. Liperiomb, Queen's;
R. Lictrd, Bromism •J. C. Prince, scholar of COTD Chr. ; IL H.
Ley, krner But, (rind
student), ;Wl'. R.
WePhBarnej. C.
i.l.
their:al:and W. Douglas, (Cllr. TGIlt:; G. Lein.% Jeans. ; P- d. Moon,
decoy of Magda/en ; A.H. Birkett, fit. Mary Hall • J. B. Rogers, Mag-
dalen Hall ; R. T. Davison, R. C. Boyd, New Inn Hall ;J. Power, M.
Edmund Hall. .

---Ina special convocation holden yesterday, Mr. H. D. Des
Vceuz, fellow of All Souls Cutler, was admitted to the degree of

Mr. H. D. Vceuz, M.A., and Mr. F. H. Fitzroy, B.A.
of Mid. and the floe. C. Wrottealey, B A. of Colversty, were ye,
terday admitted actual fellows of All Souls ; and Mr. 11. J. Dynan,
B.A. of Merton, lola admitted a proportlooary Mon of All Souls.

PRZFERMENTI3.—The Yen. Archdeacon Hoare to the
Archdeaconry of barmy. vacant by the death of the late Archdeacon
Dealtry.—The Res. J. Wlgram, Rector of East Toted, Hants, to the
Archdeeconry of Winchester.
VACANCIES.—The chaplaincy to the Trinity Board, and
a Lectureship at St. Paul's Church, Deptford, the death of the
Rev. J. Y. Walker.

NAVAL.
PORTSMOUTH, NOT. 11.—The Mill, 84, Capt. R. F. Stop.
ford, and ftsgehip of Rear-Admiral P. Horoby, arrived late night,
and nor-bored at itt. Thilimorning she came up to Spithead,
where she will remain for Some days.—The &Heinle, 2, Capt
come, came into harbour thia afternoon to refit.—The Earl of LW-
housle arrived this day and embarked in the Lightning it., which con-
veyed his lordship to the Sidon, et.-fg., on board which ship he was
received with a salute and the hononia due as Governor-General of
India. The Sidon nailed this day.—Tbe Tartarus, it, allied for her
destination early this morning.—The Beretta, Junior. trine., arrived
this morning from the eastward.—The Baser, 16, am. A. Reed, Born
the Brazils, arrived at Spithead this morning. lee left Rio Janeiro
an Sept, 22, but brings no news whatever hors the River Plate, ea she
left ouly one day alter the Castor, which ship arrived wens dere
ago. The Rawls ordered to Plymouth to be paid off, having bedsit,
commimion nearly five yaw.
I WOOLWICH. Nov. 11.—Stromboli st.-11., paid off 'ester-
day, Is to be recommtazioned by Capt. the Hon. Lord W. A. Beat-
Clerk, as soon as her defects are made good. She is to have a mime-

mast fitted to her.-Cyclops at-al. left yesterday for Sheerness, to be
conuMasioned.—Hydra st.wl. is ordered to be sent to Chatham, to be
prepared for commission.—Pheenb propeller et 41. is ordered to be
repaired at the yard of Mersin.. Tarim & Laurraun, at Limehouse, and
to have some alterations made In her machinery sail *mew propeUee.
Boma important changes are in the course of ineestigatiOm
In connexion with the convict establishments at this and Portsmoutb
dockyards, the Royal Arsenal, ice. As the desirous are not yet ma-
tured, it is sufficient for the prevent to remark that the grand object
appears to he the reparation of the prisoners during working boars
from contact with the free labourers. It G, indend, rumoured, than the
whole establishment will be remodelled, in consequence of the remota
that transpired in connexion with Mr. Ihmoombe's root,un.
DErun PORT, Nov. 10.—Rhadadnanthus at., Mr. J. Aylia
muter, arrived this mosrang from Portsmouth, with a detachment
of marines bound to Pernbroke.—Belleisle, 72, troop ship, Copt. J.
Kingoorne, sailed yesterday for Poet mouth.—Fly, It, (lon, Oliver,
moved from the harbour into Barnpool yesterday to haw) her emu.
woes adjustmL
ADMIRALTY, Nov. 11.—PROMOTIONS.—J. Mac Dowell,
and R. E. Malone, to be paymaster and purer; R. itughei, to be
assonant to thief engineer and Inspector of steam machinery; J.
Wright. to be first draughtsroan, and J. Lk Holland, to be second
draughtsman Warn deportment —Arrot nng nnan. —Lieut. 110.. A. A.
Cochr..nc, to Terrible. MmterbAmistant : T. C. Jones, to Birkenhearks
Clerk In Charge: R. Corpsmen, to Comet. Midshipman: W. D. Gar-
land, to Fly. Clerk's Assistant :J. Ray, to Belkisle. Itnalswains: B.
M`Kirtoon, to Satellite; W. Nicholson, to Cygnet. Carpenter: G.
Baker, to Cygnet.

SPORTING.
TATTEtWALVS,-TlT!Timy.

The only bets Onil;er)..-;by :,ere 300 to 2i Lest Surplice,
1,000 to 00 apt Springy Jack, and 500 to 25 eget Amault; to 1
offered on the field.
NEWPORT PAGNELL STEEPLE CHASE.-10 to I ogle
Pioneer (t), 10 to 1 eget St. Leger, II to 1 mg& The Curate, and 12
tot mpg Chronometer.
ACCEPTANCES FOR THE NEWPORT PAGNEL STEEPLR
Cass.-9t Leger, 12ist 01b; Switches, 124 21b; PmElser, net f 1115;
Latllat, llat ; MristrNorth, lid; Marengo, Ilst; Chandler, 1 Ist;
The Curate, 11 ; The Hamer, lOst 12lb; Profligate, 104 121 b; Wan-
derer, lOst 121 b; Am &Diamonds, 104 121 b; Allen Grey, 10st 1210;
Brows Stoat, lOst 121 b; &stamper, IDst 1210; Chronometer, 1.04010;
Cludry, lOst Sib; Sparta, ltd Sib; Gayhurs 10.1.
HANDICAP HURDLE RACE.—Dick Thornton, lOst 10Ib,
was omitted in the lid ct soceglancen kir this race.

tato 'lutelttanct.

EQUITY COURTS.

Bcorr r. PAIK•L.—PAHISII ACCOUNTS.—ADMIFSIRILZTY
OP A WlTgEBll.—This was a motion to discharge an order of
the Vice-Chancellor of England, directing a person named
Edward Scargill to be examined as a witness before the
master to whom it was rererred to take accounts in this
cause. The facts were these: John Scott, who was one of
the guardians and officers of the poor of St. James's, Clerk-
towed, being in 1834 suspected to have applied part of the
pariah funds to his own use, a committee of the guardians
was appointed to examine his accounts. Scott then abeconded
having previously executed a deed conveying all his property
to his wife. He returned in 1837, and was indicted for the
embezzlement A negotiation then took plus between.
him and his wife on one side, and the guardians
on the other. Scutt proposed to secure payment
to the guardians of what should be found doe from him oe
en examination of his accounts, which proposal they declined,
and insisted upon a mortgage from him and Mrs. Scott, to
cause payment of 10,4001., -which appeared, on the investiga-
tion already made by the committee of guardians, to be the
amount of Scott's defalcations. He and his wife did execute
a mortgage to Adams and Pascal, two of the guardians, to
secure that sum for the benefit of the parish. Mrs. Scott
soon afterwards filed a bill against the mortgagees to set
aside the mortgage deed, on the ground that it was obtained
from her and her husband under duress and threats. The
mortgagees then filed a cross bill on behalf of themselves
and the other guardians and officers of the parish, to ennpel
performance of the deed of mortgage. The two
causes were heard by the Vice-Chancellor of Eng-
land, who was of opinion that though the guar-
dians exercised only their legal power in obtaining
the mortgage they did so under undue pressure and duress.
His Honour, therefore, held that the deed should stand good
only for whatever should be found due from Scott to the
parish, and he directed a reference to the master to tike the
accounts. Scargill was tendered as a witness on behalf of
the guardians before the master, who, on obection being
taken by Scott's counsel, held that he was inadmissible, oa
the ground of his interest in the matter of the accounts, as he
had been himself one of the guardians from 1833 to 1841,
had taken a part in the proceedings against Scott, although
his name was not on the record of either hill, nor on the
mortgage deed, and on the ground that he was •
rate-payer. Another master (Senior), before whom the ac-
counta came to be taken on the Wefts of the former
master (Lynch) was of the same opinion. A motion was
then made before the Vice-Chancellor, for an order fur the
cementation of the witness, and his Honour, after hearing
the question argued, made the order, being of opinion that
the witness had no interest in the accounts, or in the causes,
except merely as a rate-payer of the parish, and that that die-
qualification was removet by the recent act 3 & 4 Vict.,
cap. 26, sec. 2, by which rate-payers are qualified .to be
without, in matters affecting the interests of their parish.—
Mr. Stuart, Mr. Parry, and Mr. Daniel, in support of the
appeal motion, contended that the witness was incompetent,
on the ground of his interest, as not only being • rate-payer
but also • guardian of the poor, and, in effect, a plaintiff in
the cross bill, which wad. tiled on behalf of all the guardians,
though they were too numerous to he named in the record.
A deed of release which the parties on the record executed
to discharge the witness from liabilities to costs could not
have that effect; he was still liable to the costs of the pre-
sent solicitor to the guardians, although with a view
to perfect the witness's competency, the solicitor who
had acted for the guardians while the witness was one of
them had been paid his cons and discharged.
The Lord Chancellor, without calling on Mr. Teed or Mr.
Rogers, who appeared for the guardians, said he entirely
agreed in the view taken by the Vice-Chancellor. It ap-
peared that Scargill had now no interest whatsoever in the
accounts, except his interest as a rate-payer, and that interest
was declared by the act 3 & 4 Vict., c. 26, not to prevent
rate-payers being witnesses in matter affecting the affairs of
their parish. His lordship, therefore, dismissed the motion j
but it was agreed that the costs should be paid out of a fond
in court.