New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-08-21
THE PROPAGANDA IN MEXICO.


Among the speculations INDUCED in by some
of those who have closely watched the action OF
Louis Napoleon in regard to Mexico, Is one
as to whether that action is really taken in the
interest of the Roman Catholic Church. Nor is
such speculation disrespectful to her acknowi-
edged character Possessing within herself two
elements. the spiritual and the temporal, her
creed allied with and involving policy, her
Head claiming not only to be the sole represent
alive of St. Peter, but actually being political
power upon the earth, We find it impossible nor
is il improper, in viewing any enterprises under
taken by her distinguished sons, to separate
their omen and undisguscd doings from what
may be some future development in the history
of the Church.
The Roman Catholic Church is not fond oi'
does not flourish n a republic. To this conn-
try especially is this truth applicable. For
mcrly largo area Of the United states,
being held by France and Spain, owned allie
glance to the Pope; yet, although Catholicism
has had full liberty to expand Itself, not more
than one in eight, we believe, can be counted
among is professors now-and this IN spite oil
the immense Irish emigration, which Is, OF
course. almost entirely Catholic. IL IL easy 10
scc. moreover that the state Of spiritual discip-
line cvnced by this latter class speedily becomes
very lax. The newly-ariycd emgrant is III
fectcd a, once by the atmosphere OF perfect
equality and liberty Of thought and speech III
A. ~ hoo A.
necessarily soon share the Infection. And 80,
whether he remain in cities OF indifferent morals
or travel Westward, away from altar or cruclhA'
he is frequently lost TO the Church OF Rome.
Spiritually dead 20 her, il was the voice oil
Liberty that called him away; and another
proof Is given that a republican form OF govern
mcnt is inimical 10 a creed whose iirst article
IL, Thou shalt obey. and whose answer TO all
doub,crs il. am infallblc.
How largely the Emperor Of the French was
indebted TO Ronish influence for his seat, IA
what c1,cn, he Is upheld in II by that influence
now, what pledges he made when indicted, or
what be has made since, in what light the
future of his son is looked upon, are matters best
understood by Pope Plus and himself. But that
the aspect Of this great people, free politically,
free in speech and thought, free to labor and "a
live is anything but agreeable to the Propa-
ganda ia CERTAIN. And the device of placing a
puppc' upon a throne "a thing only made of Il
few boards nailed together and covered with
pieces of cloth, as the first Emperor once bitterly
said, } to be surrounded by active aud Jealous
members Of the Society of Jesus, who shall use
him in behalf OF their Church, Is no Wild or
visionary conception.
If complications should yet arise out Of this
Mexican business if kings and cabinets should
spread out their maps to see how many square
miles of despotism can be counted on To help
crush out the free; if the old. old wars OF theo-
logical liberty and grasping hierarches should
ever have to be fought over again, this American
people, trained up in and nourishcd upon intelli-
gent, educated freedom Of opinion, will be on the
right side Nor do we think nat Protestant
England will be far behind those long down
troddcn European nationalitics who will in
those days unanimously spring to arms.