The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-02-18
American Sympathy In Behalf Of Italian
InAependsnce.

Ameriean Sympathy In Behalf Of Italian
InAspsndsnce.
The meeting ct the City Assembly Rooms lest
night was, a. regards its practical character,
and the influence 1t Is likely to exercise, by
far the most important that has been held here
in connection with the cause Of italian liberty.
It has been rightly deemed that declaration
of sympathy emanatng from this country At
the present moment may have some effect In
confirming the disposition of the French Empe-
ror to complete the work of Italian liberation
by emancipatipg the subjects of the Pope from
their ecclesiastical chains If there be any lin
gering hesitation on his part to enter upon
contest in which religious fanaticism, and pro-
baby the dagger Of the assassin, will be enlist
ed against him, it will be dispelled by his
finding the general sentiment ranged upon his
side. In country in which religious tolera-
ton knows no limits-in which men enjoy the
fullest measure of political liberty, and in
which, consequently, the broadcast and justest
views are taken of the questions that agitate
other communities not so fortunately situated,
it is natural that strong feeling of
interest should exist as to the future
destiny of the populations which have been,
hitherto, subject to the Pontiacal rule.
The fact that the Italians have been eagerly
looking forward to some formal expression OF
that feeling, and that we have held back from
offering it until the proper moment for doing
SO had arrived, will give increased value to
hn hot D,ox ha dariia0 un0N. In
our opinion, whatever demonstration is under
taken should neither be small nor partial
one. II should be something in which our peo-
pie generally should have an opportunity Of
participating. The meeting of last night will
serve as the inception Of the movement After
it is completed by dozen or more similar
gatherings in Boston, Philadelphia Baltimore,
New Orleans and others of our large cities a
delegation should be appointed to proceed to
Paris with an address to the French Emperor,
expressive of their appreciation of his policy in
regard to Italy, but more especially of that
part of it which contemplates the relief of the
Pope from the cares Of temporal authority
There will be nothing in our politi-
cal relations inconsistent with pro-
ceeding of this kind. The contest in Italy
is no longer one between material interests,
but between Intellectual progress and an obsti-
nate adherence to rights which have become
incompatible with the interests Of society. The
Popedom, as an institution Of semipoltical
character, has long outlived its uses In the early
ages of the Church it was an instrument of
civilization, as well as of conservatism. 1t con-
troled the instincts of brute force, and held the
masses subject to its superior intelligence
How different is its position now! Whilst the
world has advanced in intellectual develope-
ment, it has remained stationary, and it brings
its policy Of the Middle Ages to bear on the
necessities and requirements of the nineteenth
century. What wonder is it, therefore, that even
the Catholic world itself should have become
disguised with its determined adherence to old
traditions, and vote it an intolerable drag upon
the social and political progress of the age?
1t is surprising that men so astute in other
matters as the Catholic hierarchy should shut
their eyes to these facts. If the Pope and his
Cardinals were not utterly bereft of their
senses, they would see that the time has come
when they must be content to fall back upon
the modest attributes by which the Pontincate
was surrounded previous to the time of Pepin
and Charlemagne. Plus the Ninth would offer
much more satisfactory spectacle to the
Christian world were he to fold his mantle
around him, and fall with dignity, like Cesar,
han were he to wait until he is again kicked
out of Rome-never more to return. If he can
accept his fate like Christian andlike sensible
man, he will find sympathizers and friends
everywhere. Should he stand in need of an
asylum, we think that we can even promise him
one here, though we cannot take 1t upon our
selves to say how our American Pope-Arch-
bishop John--will like the idea of divided
authority.