The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-01-25

At At"FofhA coNSTelKuty Ol tnC rope
and the American Bishops.
The Bishops OF France have issued their
manifesto on the Italian question. ia which the
temporal Sovereignty Of the Pope is AN iugre-
dent The Bishops of the Province of New
York, with Archbishop Hughes at their
bead, now promulgate their views in a very re-
mnrkable document, which is published exclu-
siveiy in this days HERALD, being the first
time it has seen the light. We have re-
ceived a copy Of it from the editor Of the
metropolitan Record-the organ Of Archbishop
Hughes-in which it will appear this week.
There is no doubt, that this manifesto has
been drawn up by His Grace. We think we
can trace in it his eloquent and lucid style,
and that commanding ability which has rem
dered the distinguished prelate famous in the
United States. Certain it is, this address will
produce powerful effect in Europe. 1t pur-
ports to be reply to the recent pamphlet at
tributed to the inspiration, if not to the
pen, of the Emperor Of the French. II
ranges over wide field Of discussion,
and touches upon variety of topics, which,
however interesting to Catholics in q reli-
gious point of view, are of no political impor-
lance. There is one point, and one only, which
demands the attention of statesmen, aud that is
the origin of the title Of the temporal sove-
reignty of the Pope. The spiritual sovereign
ty is not in dispute That pertains to theolo-
gians, and Louis Napoleon, himself Catholic
and even ''the eldest son of the church" would
be the last to call it in question The temporal
sovereignty, therefore, is the only matter in dis
pute; but that involves the peace Of Europe,
and its solution puzzles all its statesmen, Louis
Napoleon excepted The London Times, in a
recent article, claims credit for England for the
origination of the plan by which a modified
temporal sovereignty of the Roman Pontif
might be reconciled with the political
freedom of the Italian people and the
spiritual authority of the successor Of
st. Peter, and only gives Napoleon
the credit Of adopting the policy of British
statesmen. The fact is just the reverse; and to
the French Emperor alone is due the merit of un-
ravelling the tangled skein of the Italian difficult
ty-frst by war, in the expulsion of the Haps
burg, and second, by peace, in regulating and
circumscribing the temporal power of the Pope
SO as to make it consistent with the liberties of
the people of the Romagna, and at the same
time to accomplish a permanent settlement of
the italian question.
Now, the able letter Of the Bishops of New
York, taking higher and more practical ground
than did the Bishops Of France, sezes the bull
by the horns, and claims that the title Of the
Pope is better than that of any dynasty in Eue
rope, because it originated in the sovereign
will of the people. Here there is no claim of
the divine right of kings, but the assertion Of
the democratic principle, that the people are the
true source of oil legitimate power-the same
principle which triumphed in the English revo-
luton which dethroned and beheaded Charles
l. of England, gave the reins Of power to Crom-
we'll, restored royalty in the person of Charles
H., and again overthrow the Stuat dynasty
and placed on the throne William Prince of
Orange. 1t is the same principle which lies at
the bottom of the American Revolution, and is
embodied in the Declaration of Independence
and the Constitution of the United States. 1t is
the principle in virtue of which Napoleon III.
isruler of France to-day. The Episcopal mani
festo puts the point in nutshell. Let us
quote:-
The temporal authority of the Pope OF these ques
tons His title, il stands to-day is beyond all dispute
he Legitimate that be put forward By any
reign in Europe in the world. But some, per-
haps, will inquire into the origin OF this title We answer
tha the origin does not appear the human record All
know that after the conversion Of Constantine the
Great the seat OF empire was transferred IRON Rome
ages the Emperor and his SUCCESSORS withdrew
not only their presence, but also their protection
the aid Emperor periods Of trial OF desoaton
OF famine, peslence and invasion by barbarous nations
To their appeal no answer came, nor any aid In these
trying circumstances the people raised their hands to the
sovereign Ponth calling him 10 be their temporal
saviour as well as their father. The tenn
pora authority OF the Emperors from Constantine the
Great ceased TO be exercised in what is called
Saes of the Church, but especially in that portion which
more Immediately connected with the imperial city OF
Rome. II not usurped by the Holy Father. II was
rather forced upon him by the wishes and camor Of
neglected and ungovcrncd people. II deYeSea.
But all events in the origin of the temporal power OF the
Pope he was the chosen ruler OF the Italian people, with
in the limits of what afterwards become his civil jurisdc
ton. Popular history states that at subsequent period
Pepp ana Charlcmagne Of France made him donation of
this territory, With additional grants OF extension
to its surface and population. The merit Of their
conduct on that occasion consists in fact they reye
and strengthened in tie Suprce Sovereign OF the
Church title with which ne was already invested They
were Catholic princes. They could have taken away from
they confirmed it.
Now. it is here admitted that the sovereign
people first conferred upon the Pope his title,
and that crowned heads subsequently strength
ened and confirmed it There is no assertion of
any divine origin Of the title. Now, it is
maxim in political philosophy that those who
gave can take away. If the people had
right to give, they have an equal right
to take away. If emperors of France had
then right to confirm, they have now a
right to abrogate, If they are able, and if they
think it is for the interests Of civilization and
progress to do so. And this proves that Napo-.
leon is right in the position he has assumed.
He holds his own title by the will of the people.
lie wishes the Pope to do the same, or not to