Polynesian., 1851-04-19


it seems that the same secret enemies who
had labored to prevent Mr.. Cass's plan from
being carried out, resolved to put stop to
the whole concern as soon as possible. Ac-
cordingly, last week, Mr.. Cass received a
communication from Cardinal Antonelli, to
the effect that, in consequence Of the official
complaint the cardinal vicar, the doctrinal
decision of the congregation of Propaganda
Eide, and the earnest petition of many En-
glish and American Roman Catholic resi-
dents, his Holiness had been reluctantly
obliged to withdraw the permission which he
had granted with respect to the American
Protestant chapel. 1t may be easily ina
gined that Mr.. Cass was quite taken aback
by this despatch, especially as it was accom-
panied by a mass of documents con6rmatory
of the cardinals statements, and moreover a
paper, signed by most of the diplomatic
agents in Rome, setting forth their opinion
that even in his own house, the charge d'af-
fairs would not be entitled, according to the
customary privileges of international repre-
sentatives, to hold prayer meetings or preach
ings for others than the members of his own
family.
Great stress was laid upon the excathedra
which his Holiness, mortified as he professed
himselfto be at the occurrence, could not in
conscience act; and the danger to the church
by the introduction of heretical doctrines,
and the scandal produced by their propaga-
tion at the very head quarters of catholicism,
were adduced as additional considerations OF
the utmost Importance. To gild the pill as
much as possible, his Eminence limited that
an American chapel outside the walls of the
city would not be interfered with, or if that
plan was not palatable, he stated that full
liberty would be granted to Mr.. Cass to
open his rooms to as nu .ie.'ous congreSa-
ton of his countrymen &, he thought proper
in spite Of the opinions Of his diplomatic col
leagues on the subject.
Mr. Cass is to have an interview with
Cardinal Antonelli this afternoon: but it Is
not likely he will be able to change the de.
termination Of the partisans Of intolerance
who work upon the Pope by alarming his
conscience, and thus bend him to sanction
whatever they have decided upon in secret
council. The scope of Mr.. Hastings mis-.
sion to Rome is entirely defeated, as he came
here supported by large body OF his fellow
countrymen. to preach Protestant doctrine:
in public chapel, and not TO act merely az
chaplain to the American charge, who may
be changed every year, or oftener, if sucf
be the will of his government, and who may
very likely be a Catholic next time, ant
therefore not inclined to have Protestan
meeting in his house. 1t is unnecessary t.
observe that to remove extra muros, afte
having been granted chapel in the city
ard after having spent some money-consld
erable for an infant establishment-in ren
and fittings, would be considered as degra
dation, by free born americans. All, or no
thing, is, therefore, their word-the principle
of Professionalism, if Objectionable within tn
walls, is equally so at the gates-the pretex
is too fimsy to deceive men of sense. MIR
Hastings officiated yesterday, and it is to b
feared that it will be the last time he will
be allowed to do so publicly, in the eterna
city.