The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-01-18
American Chanel I'm Rome.

The following are extracts from letter dated at
Rome December h, Of a correspondent OF the
London DAILY Nelcs relative TO the suppression OF
! the American place of worship in that city
! 81 have already bad occasion TO mention the ser
vice rendered 10 the ecclesiastical authorities by the
American charge d'G6sfiyes, Mr.. Cass, during the
! siege OF Rome and the gratitude professed TO him
! by the inmates of the Propaganda College for hav-
| ing induced the Triumyiri TO allow them TO remain
unmolesIed by the republican soldiery. Il was. in
TACT, owing TO the representations of MIR Cass that
/ the building was not turned into barracks The
Pope upon his restoration, expressed himself in the
nlost fiattering terms 10 MIR Cas-, thanking him
repeatedly Tor what lac had done, and protesting
the greatest affection for the American nation
affection which had just then been increased by
lidings received from China, announcing that four
Roman Catholic missionaries, threatened with
death by the enraged pupulaoe OF ftnatical mamie
rims, had been rescued from impending fate by the
timely interference OF the United States consul
Ills holiness, desirous OF giving proof of his
gratitude thought he could afford stronger one
than that OF granting MIR. Cas- permission To opens
Protestant chapel within the walls OF Rome for the
use OF American vislters, plan which had been in
contemplation Tor some time and for the realization
oI winch aconsclentlousandz Jealous clergyman, the
Rev Mr. Hastings came hIthertrom the nited States
Z somewhat more than year ago. Notwithstanding
the Pope's express permission, so many hindrances
arose that the chapel could not be opened last win
Ter, and Mr. hastings convoked his countrymen in
his own apartments every Sunday morning, and
conducted Divine service there according 20 the
Presbyterian rite. During the autumn OF the pre-
overcome; n suitable place hired in the Via de
Pontitci, and fitted up a chapel at expense of
about = 300, and MIR. Hastings, fully authorized by
the government, opened the chapel, and com
menced Divine worship just one month ago From
what has subsequently taken place, il seems
that the same secret enemies, who had labored To
prevent Mr.. CASES plan from being carried out.
resolved 10 put stop to the whole concern as soon
possible. Accordingly, last week MIR. Cass re
ceved communication from Cardinal Antonel,
to the effect that, in consequence of the official
complaint OF the cardinal vicar. the doctrinal deci-
sions OF the congregation OF Propaganda Eide, and
the earnest petitions OF many English and Ameri
can Roman Catholic residents, his holiness had been
reluctantly obliged 10 withdraw the permission
which he had granted with respect to the American
Protestant chapel. Ii may be easily imagined that
MIR. Case quite taken abacl by this despatch,
especially as il waz accompanied by OF docu
sconfirnaory Of the cardinal 3 tements and
moreover paper, signed by most Of the diplomatic
agents IN Rome, setting forth their opinion that,
even in his own house, the charge d'aGdues would
not be entitled. according to the customary prvi
leges of representatives. to hold prayer
meetings or prcachings for others than the mem
bers of his own family, To gild the pill much
possible his eminence limited that an American
chapel outside the ,oaiis OF the city would be
terrred with, ar if that plan was not paiatabe. nc
stated that full liberty would he granted to M.
Cass 20 open his own rooms TO "a numerous con
gregaiion OF his conntrymen as he thought proper
in spite OF the opinions of his diplomatic colleagues
on the subject. Mr.. Cass is to have interview
with Cardinal Antonelli this afternoon but it is
likely that he will be able TO change the determine
ton,
"rhe scope Of Mr.. Hastngs's mission to Rome is
entirely defeated, as he came here, supported by
large body of hisfellow countrymen, to preach Pro-
testant doctrines in public chapel. and not to act
merely as chaplain 10 the American charge, Who
may be changed every year, oftener il such be
the will of his Government, and who may very
easily be Catholic next time, and therefore not
adapted to have Protestant meeting in his house"