The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-11-10
Italy and the Pope.

hatlng point, ana Is slowly subsldlng LOOK
out for a relapse.
Italy and the Pope.
His Holiness Plus the Ninth, is the most re-
markable man of the present age in Europe.
Formerly Louis Philippe was a remarkable man,
Nicolas of Russia was a remarkable man, Met
ternich was remarkable man, Sir Robert Peel
has been remarkable man, and even Golden
has been somewhat noted in his day; but Plus
the Ninth eclipses all of them throughout the
civilized world The enthusiasm which he ex-
cites among the Italians is almost equalledby
similar feeling on this side the Atlantic among
Americans. popular, reforming, philosophi
cal, enlightened Pope, is novelty in the history
of modern times.
One of the most striking characteristics in the
policy of Plus, is the moral courage which he
has manifested by placing himself in opposition
to the Austrian empire, which is only the
ghost, or remains, OF the old Roman empire
For many centuries Rome has been subservient
to that power. Indeed, the Pope appears to have
understood the present temper of the age, in his
return to the principles of the first ages of Chris
tlanity, when the Bishop of Rome was the CEN
tire and the moving principle of Christian civil
cation over the old empire, and yer all Eu-
rope. During two centuries which preceded the
conversion of Constantine the Great, the policy
of the Bishop of Rome, in those days, was con-
nected with all the sympathies of the middling
classes, and of an intelligent population, and an
active people, composing the empire. By this
policy, Christianity was spread among all
the cities of the Old Roman empire, and
pervaded the legions. Thus it was, that in
the country and villages the people remain
ed immersed in paganism, as the name
literally indicates, while the cities and legions
were imbued with Christianity. This state of
things proceeded, and produced the conversion of
Constantine the Great, and made Rome Chris
tan. During later period, when the northern
barbarans overran Imperial Rome, the policy OF
the Popes and of the Romish Church in those
ages alone, preserved all the principles of civil
zation, and handed down the seeds of intell-
gence and light. 1t was solely by the moral in
1uence of the popes and priests, that the Goths
and Vandals, and all the other barbarians, became
humanized. In the middle ages there existed a
similar sympathy between the church and the
middle classes, which preserved and improved
the civilization of Europe. No doubt during the
long history Of these centuries, many popes ex-
hibited the features of a conduct anything but
honorable to their position, or to Christianity.
But it is singular fact in the history of the
Church of Rome, that upon every emergency,
when civilization commenced the struggle with
barbarism, or with despotism, this Church sided
with the liberal, enlightened, and middling
class of society. This results from the peculiar
fact of the constitution of its ministers. The
priests the sons of people generally belonging
to the middle classes, and educated on a system
tending to foster and protect the sympa lhies and
best feelings of the people.
Is it not, therefore, remarkable feature in the
history of the Roman Church, to find in the pre-
sent day the original principles of the early ages
operating upon the present Pope, and disposing
him to unite aud sympathise with the liberal and
enlightened classes of Italy and Europe, even in
opposition to the Austrian power, the remains
of the ghost of the Roman empire And what
renders this move remarkable incident, is the
anomaly of finding a protestant government,
like England, taking sides with the Pope
against the catholic power, and assisting him
to accomplish the work he has commenced.
1t is this view of the present position and poll
cy of the Pope, which has created such feeling
and sympathy for his deeds, acts and projects, In
this free republican land. In this country
the Pope is viewed merely as the head of a par
ticular church, with no other power or authority
than that which is conceded and given to his
virtues, character, and the peculiarly of his po-
siton. The Catholics in this country, who are
increasing every day, and who number probably
nearly two millions, constitute an enlightened
and Independent section of this peculiar church.
While they venerate the Pope as the spiritual
head of their church, they love their country,
and can never be led away fren the principles
which the revolution has here established. Eve
ry fresh piece Of intelligence, however, from
Italy, bearing testimony of the benehcent and
pious character of Plus the Ninth, is received
with admiration and delight, not only by Catho-
lies, but by every sect Of religion. Success to
the efforts Of the Holy Faith Honor to Plus
the Ninth
FROM NASSAU, N. P.-The brig Pedraza, Capt.
Terry, brings US files of the Royal Gazette and
the Guardian to the 18th ult The Modway