Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-02-21
Nanoleon and the Pope.


The advices from Europe for some weeks past
have indicated that the Emperor OF France was
about to take decided steps in reference to the
Pope of Rome There is rumor that the
change in the Enperor's tone towards the Pope
has been caused b. certain advantages which
the priests took of the Empress during his alb
sence in Italy, and while she was acting as Re-
gent But whatever the cause or motive tor his
conduct, there seems to be no doubt that he is
about to deprive the Pope of nearly all temporal
power Some time ago pamphlet appeared In
France which created great sensation. 1t
urged that the peace of Italy, and even the well
fare of the Roman Catholic Church, required
that the Pope should abandon his authority over
all of his present territory except the city OF
Rome. The Pope, it says, cannot regulate prop
= erly the temporal affairs OF his subjects. de
cannot perfect political institutions, grant liberty
of conscience aud of worship, establish regular
code of civil laws, favor the progress OF manu-
features, cooperate in the changes of the times,
and of the human mind. Then, the number OF
the Pope's subjects must be diminished, and his
temporal domain restricted. Romagna, being
now free in fact, should become free in law by
act of Congress. This province has only been
kept under the pontiicial dominion by the bay
onets of the Austrians; it rejects the govern
ment of the priests. France would be disgraced
if she should turn her arms against the people
who were freed by her voice. She ought not to
suffer Austria to interfere So, the only rational
<I,a anaina 0f
magma and since European Congress gave this
country TO the Pope in 1915, another Congress
las a right to take il away from him in 1867
a liberal annual compensation to the Pope, from
the Catholic States, is proposed.
An officer of the French Government is men,
toned as the ostensible author OF the pamphietr
but the belief is universal that it was dictated
by the Emperor The Pope has issued reply
10 the form OF letter addressed TO the Bishops
of France, stating his reasons for rejecting the
Emperor's advice. Hs says he could not surren-
der what does not belong to him, or without
violating the solemn oaths which bind him to
trapsmit the States of the Church to his success
sors. The London Times of the 3lst llt. says
''the Pope replied at the beginning of this month
with conditional blessing, and now at the END
of this month has arrived at the point of launch
Q an encyclical letter against the Emperor in
sich there is neither blessing nor condition,
"a downright and Straightforward denun-
Sssson. The breach has widened rapidly, and
the thunder of the arm of this world is answered
bV those thunders of the Vatican which at one
time or other have shaken the foundation OF ev-
cry throne in Europe" The official Journals Of
France announce, however, that the Emperor
stands firmly to his purpose. Nor is this ALL
The encyclical letter of the Pope appeared in the
Univers newspaper, of Paris, shut it was the
last song of the dying swan. The Univers has
been suspended"
The Catholics of Ireland have rushed into the
strife with characteristic ardor. Their Primate
has issued manifesto against Napoleon, which
concludes with the words: 'Robber take yoar
hand from the throat of the Vicar Of Christ. p
The Catholics OF this country also are taking &C
ton in the premises. large meeting was held
at Louisville, Kentucky, on Monday week, which
adopted an address to the Pope. with series OF
resolutions which declare that they "deem it
eminently proper on the part of American Gath
ocs, to unite with their brethren throughout
the world in protesting against all attempts
whether by governments or individuals, to in
wade the rights. spiritual or temporal, of the
holy See."