The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1866-10-24
Where win the Pope Go if Rome
is Abandoned?

AS the time approaches for the execution
OF the September Convention, speculation
Is busy. with the possible OF probable con-
sequences OF the vast change which is ap-
parsntly impending over the Papacy in it's
temporal relations. The execution of the
Convention has not come due yet, though
two years have elapsed since its date; for.
1t will be remembered, the prescribed term
was only to begin to run from the dav of
the removal of the seat of italian govern
ment from Turin to Florence. By the
middle of December, however, the stipula-
ted two years will have fully expired and
the withdrawal of the last French regiment
will, 1t Napoleon I'll keeps faith with his
ally, have left the Pope alone with his sub
Jeets and with Italy. And there is no
reason to suppose that Napoleon III will
not keep faith. Even apart from the as
surances contained in M. de Laveletfe's
circular, there has been nothing whatever
III the recent conduct of the imperial gov
eminent inconsistent with the belief that
the conditions of convention, of which
Italy has long since performed her share.
will be punctually carried out The, En-
peror has notrtaken d single stop to prepare
either France or Italy for the continuance
OF his occupation Of Rome, and SO tlagrant
q breach Of formal engagement would
certainly require good deal ofpreparation
to give it any sort of decent plausibility.
On general grounds, moreover, it cannot
be his policy to outrage the feelings of the
Italian nation, and of all that is liberal in
France and Europe by persisting in the
n hi mo mt Of
ernments. He has strong reasons, both
personal and dynastic, for wishing to have
Italy for a friend, and tits to be lightly as
sumed that he will take course which
would concentrate on himself and his gov
ernnlent the iercest enmity of the Italian
people. All things considered, we are pro-
badly safe in Diminishing the hypothesis
that the French occupation Of Rome will
be continued beyond the present year; and
it is time, therefore, to inquire what is
likely to be the position and fate of. the Pa
pacy when its alien protectors are with
drawn. This inquiry resolves itself into
the simple question. What will the Pope
doa Ii the Pope does nothing, nobody
doubts that the termination of the French
prontectorate will be the signal for a reyo-
luton, unless, indeed, the Italian govern
ment should interfere for the maintenance
of order-wllich Of itself, however, would
be revolution, only under another name.
There is no power now remaining in
Europe that can take the place where
France has occupied since 1849. Is
When the French go, Plus TX must
either come to terms with his so-called
subjects (Which is notoriously impossible
or he must accept the protection of Victor
EmmanueHs government, or he must leave
Rome, and setup his spiritual throne else
where. Practically, his choice lies be-
tween the last two. alternatives. The
Pope may remain at Rome, shorn of his
temporal power, but protected by a friend
ly government in the free and unfettered
exercise of his spiritual prerogatiyes as
head Of the Church; or he may go into ex-
lie carrying his spiritual prerogatives with
him, and become the guest Of any Catho-
lie or.ether government that may be will
ing to receive him. A prudent regard to
the dignity Of the Pontifcate. and the wei
fare of the Church-not to speak of merely
personal considerations which, however,
would probably weigh little with the Pope
himself, though they must be fully present
to the minds Of many Of his advisers
would hndon btodly 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 pre-
dict which Of the two will ultimately be
determined upon. 20 all appearance the
final decision is reserved for the very last
moment and it is impossible to conjecture
what may lie the hnrried choice ofan aged
and exeitable Pontif, distracted by con-
fiicting counsel. We have only to hope
that English diplomacy will not do any
thing SO foolish as to busy itself with find
ing a. residence for an ecclesiastical poten-
tate who had much better stay where he
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 government never re-
fuses to illustrious eXiles; but it would be
a silly and impeachment piece of oficious-
ness for the British Government to 60 an
inch out Of -itsway.in order to provide q
fugitive Pope with d pseudo Vatican in
partibus If British diplomacy has been
advising Plus TX to set up his Papacy in
Malta, we can only say that British diplo-
macy has once more been meddling and
muddling ,-[ Liverpool Mercury, Sept %.