The Sun.
London, England, 1869-12-25 00:00:00

THE ORANGE SPLIT.

The schism in the Ulster Orange camp begin to look
threatening. The " Independent Orange Lodge " is
not at present a very strong body, but the "orthodox"
force contains, according to the correspondent of the
Daily News, a large element of discontent, which
may at any time develop into rebellion. " The
humbler members have begun to regard with
suspicion the movements of the aristocratic leaders of
the body. This was made abundantly manifest
during the proceedings preliminary to the Belfast
parliamentary contest last year, when the Orange
working men separated themselves from their old
leaders and espoused the candidature of Mr.
William Johnston, whose return, when the
ulliaa6 ac,D, cal Liva cial.y. triunapla .
Efforts have been made to heal the difference, but
things do not look well at present. Indeed, by
expelling Mr. Dalway, M.P., the Grand Lodge of
Ireland increased the feeling of disaffection. The
Carrickfergus lodges have denounced this proceeding,
and resolved to disown the authority of the Grand
Lodge until Mr. Dalway be invited back.

INFALLIBILITY.
The Tablet very decidedly contradicts as a "wild
canard, absolutely false," the statement that the
French Government has been threatening the Pope
with the withdrawal of the troops, if his Holiness
allows the council to proclaim his infallibility. It
gives also a reported conversation with M. Emile
011ivier. In it that celebrated French politician
(who is regarded by the Tablet as the future Prime
Minister of France) expresses himself as pleased with
the Pope, and favourable to his temporal power ;
as an admirer of the Council—" the greatest
proof of vitality the Church has shewn for
three centuries;' and as absolutely opposed to Italy
having Rome—for if the Garibaldians obtain the city
it would be the triumph of revolution, if the kingdom
of Italy, then would the strong overcome a weak ally
of France.

The Tablet also gives, without confirming, a report
to the effect that the Bishops of England, Ireland,
America, and the colonies are, as a body, likely to
take one line in respect to the definition of the infal-
libility of the Pope.

ARCHBISHOP MANNING.
The Times correspondent thinks it by no means
improbable that Archbishop Manning may some day
attain Pontifical honours. The Archbishop of
Westminster has been appointed by the Pope
"Promoter" of the dogma of Infallibility.
If he acquits himself creditably of the task, not
only can our Roman Catholic Prelate make sure
of the "Hat," but he may in proper time look for-
ward to the Tiara itself. It will be curious, indeed,
if such a result ensue. Only one Englishman has
ever been Pope, and if Archbishop Manning attain
the dignity, he will close a period of seven centuries
during ;which the chair of St. Peter has been a for-
bidden honour to the natives of this ieland,

TILE EUROPEAN ASSURANCE COMPANY.

It is understood that the European Assurance
Society will again be the subject of litigation. An
injunction will be moved at Hilary- term to
restrain the directors from paying certain
annuities granted to Dr. John Watts, of Manchester,
the chief agent of the society, to Mr. Henry Brinsley
Sheridan, M.P., to Dr. Power, of the Reform Club,
and others, in consideration for services to companies
now amalgamated with the European; and also to with-
hold the granting of a pension to Mr. Lake, the late gene-
ral manager. These payments are to be held in abey-
ance until a groper actuarial valuation of the liabili-
ties, and an investigation into the market value o
the securities and assets of the Society shall have
been made.