Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1867-03-02
Protestant Worship In Rome Partial
- settlement Of the Question.

1t has been announced already in the
columns of the Sun that the Papal au-
thorities had forbidden Protestant wor-
ship inside the walls of Rome. For
forty years past. although Great Brit
ain has had no diplomatic relations with
Rome, British subjects have held pub
lie worship in hay loft, finished off
as q Chapel, Just outside the wall by
the Porta del Popolo-People's gate
The Scotch Presbyterians have had
two mission stations importation within
the city for six years or more, with the
silent knowledge of the authorities, who
did not care to interfere so long as the
fact was kept secret. Towards the end
of December, the British Consul motif
fed the ministers of these stations
that Mgr. Randi, Governor of Rome,
had complained that they were hold.
lug illegal religious meetings in their
houses and were thus within the power
of the Inquisition for arrest and ina
prisonment. The owner of one of the
rooms used for religious purposes, re-
fused to have it so occupied any
longer, and SO, of course, the minister
was obliged to give it up. The other
chaplains went TO several distinguished
British gentlemen then resident in
Rome, but they deemed it impolitic to
interfere. He then went directly to
the Governor who, according to report,
informed him indirectly that the notice
served upon himself and his co laborer
was the work of the British Consul
himself, who thereby sought to gain
the favor of the Roman Government.
The Governor also informed the mis-
sionary that the Papal government pre-
ferred not to know anything of his
movements and that he might preach
and pray in his own house as much as
ne pleased, provided he made no noise
about it. Accordingly next day he
held service there as usual, but the in
sidious influence Of the Consul was
again, as believed, brought to bear
aud prevailed, ana the result
was, as before reported, that
the Presbyterians were ordered to de-
sist from public worship in all the
Papal dominions. When the Papal
Prime Minister, Cardinal Antonelli,
was appealed to by MIR. Odo Russell,
the British Charge DATA res, that
official replied that the Papal govern
ment having been under restraint fer
the past SIX years, could not interfere;
but now that the restraint French pro-
tectorate) was removed, the Papal gov
eminent would be administered ac-
cording to their own views of duty;
and that one English chapel was still
left. open, and that was enough for the
English ia Rome. And when MIR. Rus
sell further remarked that the Ameri-
cans were allowed to have place of
worship, the answer was that the gov
eminent would attend to that also.
Later accounts state that they have
been compelled to seek place of wor-
ship outside the city walls. The places
of worship above referred TO were con.
lducted SO quietly that the most careful
seeker would fail TO discover any signs
of their purpose from any outward no.
| tice or popularity. The stranger and
traveller, however, would find upon his
arrival at his hotel or boarding house,
printed cards directing him where to go
to find Protestant place of worship ia
| the External CITY," E z ,as
A correspondent, writing from Rome
on the 18th ult., says: S .t5
Il 4uO hLhCAlSnA nCIC JCdltIudH
hoisted on the facade of Mr.. Macpher
sons house, and the United States Lee
cation archives tran ferred to the large,
room in it used by the American Epis-
lcopal congregation, SO that DR.. Lyman
is no longer IN danger of being ousted,
as Messrs. Lewis and Williams have
been. As American visitors to the
Eternal City are every year on the in
crease, however, it is apprehended that
their present chapel accommodation
will soon be insufficient, and negotia-
tions are being entered into by their
church committee to obtain for the
ensuing year the building outside the
Potta del Popolo, which was used as a
chapel by the British Protestant con-
gregation before removing to their
present more commodious establish
ment, a few PAGES nearer the gate"
T. As soon as the Prussian Minister,
Baron D'Arnheim, heard Of the action
of the Roman Government, he kindly
offered to the expelled ministers and