The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1866-10-24
where VIII the Pope CO if Rome is

Where VIII the rope 10 II 1@9he ~
ABANDONED
AS the time approaches for the execution OF
the September convention, speculation IS busy
with the possible or probable consequences Of
the vast change which is apparently mpend-
ing over the papacy in its temporal relations
The execution Of the convention has not come
due yet, though two years have elapsed since
its date for, it will be remembered, the pre-
scribed term was only to begin to run from the
day of the removal of the seat of Italian gov
eminent from Turin to Florence. By the Md
die of December, however, the stipulated two
years will have fully expired and the with,
drawal Of the last French regiment will II
Napoleon III. keeps faith with his ally, have
left the pope alone with his subjects and with
Italy And there is no reason to suppose
that Napoleon Ill will not keep faith. Even
apart from the assurances contained IN M. de
Lavalette's circular, there has been nothing
whatever in the recent conduct of the imperial
government inconsistent with the behef that
the conditions of the convention, OF which
Italy has long since performed her share, VIII
be punctually carried out The emperor has
not taken single step to prepare either france
or Italy for the continuance OF his occupation
of Rome, and SO fagranta breach of formal
engagement would certainly require good
deal Of preparation to give it any sort OF de-
cent plausbiiity. On general grounds, more
over, it cannot be his policy TO outrage the
feelings of the Italian nation, and OF all that
is liberal in France and Europe by persIstIn9
in the forchle maintenance of preStjy mis-
government. He has strong reasons, both
personal and dynastc, for wishing to have
Italy for friend, and it is not to be lightly
assumed that lie will take course which would
concentrate on himself and his government the
fercest enmity of the Italian people All
things considered, we are probably safe in dis
missing the hypothesis that the French oceu-
patton of Rome will be continued beyond the
present year; and it is time, therefore, to IN
quire what is likely to be the position and tate
Of the papacy when its alien protectors are
withdrawn. This inquiry resolves itself into
the simple question: What will the pope do?
If the pope does nothing, nobody doubts that the
termination of the French protectorate will be
the signal for a revolution; unless, indeed, the
Italian government should Interfere for the
maintenance of order-which of itself, how
ever, would be revolution, only nuder another
Europe that can take the place which France
has occupied since 1919. When the French
90, Plus TX must either come to terms with
his so-called subjects (Which is VIGOROUSLY
impossible, or he must accept the protection
Of Victor EmanuePs government, or he must
leave Rome and set up his spiritual throne
elsewhere. Practically his choice lies be-
tween the last two alternatives The pope
may remaia at Rome, shorn of his temporal
power, but protected by a friendly government
in the free and unfettered exercise of his spir-
itual prerogatiyes as head of the church or
he may 90 into exile carrying his spiritual
prerogatves with him, and become the guest
Of any catholic or other government that may
be willing to receive him. A prudent regard
to the dignity of the potifieate and the welfare
Of the church-not to speak of merely personal
considerations which, however would proba-
bly, weigh little with the pope himself, though
they must be fully present to the minds OF
many of his adyisers-would undoubtedly
dictate the former course, but pride, passion,
and fanaticism will be strongly in favor of the
latter He must be bold man who ventures
to predict which of the two will ultimately be
determined upon. To all appearance the final
decision is reserved for the very last moment,
and il is impossible to conjecture what may be
the choice Of an aged and excitable pontitt,
distracted by conflicting counsel. We have
only to hope that English diplomacy will not
do anything so foolish as to busy itself with
finding residence for an ecclesiastical poten-
tate who had much better stay where be is.
If Plus TX, thinks proper to take up his abode
at Malta he will, Of course, be entitled to the
hospitality and respect which the British gov
eminent never refuses TO ilIustrious cxiIes ;
but it would be a silly and mpertinent piece
of officiousness for the British government to
go an inch out of its way in order to provide a
fugitive pope with pseudo-Vatican IN PARTI-
BUS. If British diplomacy has been advising
Plus TX. to setup his papacy in Malta, we can
only say that British diplomacy has once more
been meddlng and muddIing.
Liverpool Mercury, September %