Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-01-23
For The Eastern TIpns.
The Worlds Fair.
TIE SKILL, ENT ERPRIsE, &c OF PROTESTANT AND
CATHOLIC COUNTRIES CoNTRAsrED

The World S Fair.
TIE SKILL, ENTERPRISE, &c ; OF PROTESTANT AND
CATHOLIC COUNTRIES CoNTRAsTED
Mr.. EDIroR Although the style Of the
following letter addressed to Lord John Rus
sci, who now presidcs over the administration
of her Brittanic Majesty's governments adapt
ed to quite a different political atmosphere
from that in which we live, yet, the question
it involves, TO wit,-"In ,rhaf com parison do the
people Of Roman Catholic and Protestant conn
tries stand, an regard 10 the Development and er-
ercise Of geaius. skin aud enterprisf' is one,
the correct decision of which, mu,t be of deep
interest, not only TO Protestants, but to every
candid and rejecting Catholic in all countries,
and under all governments, and especially I'M
der that of the United States, SO favorable to
freedom of thought, and Of action in all mat
tiers of conscience and of personal interest.
For. whether this inquiry bring into ques-
ton the faith of either people or not, it can
hardly fail of bringing to some degree of prac
teal scrutiny, the condition of the two classes,
their religious polly and discipline and their
freedom of thought well as actual develop
ment of mind.
1t may possibly be thought by some that, as
this inquiry is directed more especially to
worldly rather than spiritual circumstances, its
decision will not freely meet the question as
the comparative advantages of the entire con
dition pertaining to the two communities but,
though the external developments and cond-
a., u &
life, may not be an absolute criterion of his in
ternal and spiritual state. yet, every unbiased
mind will connect them together and be apt to
predicate truly good, free and healthy state
of the natural man upon a corresponding state
in the spiritual
At the approaching Worlds Fair to be held
in London, every people amongst whom the
arts of civilized life have made any considera-
bic progress, will doubtless be represented, and
it will be likely to afford a good opportunity
to meet with some degree of conclusveness,
the above question; and, whatever may be
the decision, the anticipation of which we
would not attempt here, it will reflect impor-
tant light upon the tendencies of the two reli-
gious systems.
The proposed inquiry therefore, would seem
to be one of great interest, and we hope it will
be prosecuted with care and equity. To no
people will the result be Of more interest than
to those of the United States. H.
Middle HiA House, U'imborne, En- gland,
Noe, Is, 1850
My LORD AS a Protestant, zealously at
tached to her Majesty's person and Govern
ment, humby beg leave to express my admi-
ration OF your Lordship's brilliant Letter to the
| Elshop OF Durham, and to tender my sincere
thanks for your Lordship's noble and uncom-
promising declaration OF those great principles
that ought ever To govern the destinies of this
might Empire.
Ii this world, my Lord, is the seminary of
Heaven, as most people believe, it is desirable
! that all Rules of Government should have for
! their OBJECT the cultivation of the minds and
hearts OF the people for better state of exis-
tence, by making them wise good and happy.
Hence, my Lord, whichever system Roman
ISM or Proies aniisnc-promotes the most in
teihScnce and wisdom, virtue and goodness,
art and science, trade and commerce, content
ment and happiness, is decidedly the best.
| whatever might have been its origin. The
| question, whether one is derived from Peter
or the other from Paul, is of little consequence
compared with their respective influences on
Societies, Communities and Kingdoms.
The effect of these two systems on the des-
TIMES of mankind is susceptible of proof. If
your Lordship will cause comparative esti-
mate TO be made of the genius, skill and en-
te'p'ise OF the people living under these two
ys.chS, II Will be apparent at the Worlds
Exhiolilon IN 1851. Let the number, magni-
tude. and Importance of the different inven-
tions IN art and science from Catholic Coun-
tries and the variety and utility of their pro
ducts be fairly put in comparison with those
| from Protestant Countries, making proper al
low ances for their respective advantages and
disadvantages of soil and climate.
This, my Lord. humbly conceive, would be
better evidence than the testimony of the an
cient Fathers, or the modern Priesthood, as to
which is the better system of the two
l hope, my Lord, that whilst your Lordship
presides al the helm of affairs, no advantage
will be taken of the outcry now raging against