The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-25
BOHEMIA.

New WorId Idcns and American Itcrafurc-
The Legislative Relations Towards Aus.
triu--The Religious Aspecf-What the People
Rcquire-At the Polls in John Huss style.
PRAGUE, Oct 10, 1869.
MY last evening here was passed ut the house of
Mr.. Vote Naprstek of whom / have written In q
former letter. and who has lived many years in the
United States. Mr.. Naprstek Is thoroughly imbued
with the ideas Of the New World, and is as goahead
IN business aud politics as a genuine American.
Since hts return to Bohemia Mr.. Naprstek has
founded a reading CLUB for ladies' AT this club,
which occupies portion OF his house, may be found
the principal English and American newspapers,
and good selection Of American and English
authors. Bohemian Russian, Polish and other
Slavonic books and newspapers are Of course well
represented. In the reading room OF the club
are large portraits OF Washington, Franklin,
Jackson, and Photographic portraits Of Grant, Col
fax and other distinguished Americans. 1t was
really very interesting to find SUCH collection OF
books and portraits, reminding one OF America, In
q house standing at one end Of Bethlehem square,
the place where John Huss lived and preached.
Mr.. Naprstek member Of the Bohemian Diet, and,
like all Bohemians of the present day. is an oppo-
nent Of the Vienna government. He is one or the
eighty -four members who left the Diet In 1857 and
was deprived OF his place In common with the other
protesting members. The Vienna government was
OF opinion that the people would not support their
seeding representatives. The recent elections,
however, have shown to use the words OF Vienna
paper that the constitution has adherents among
the Bohemians. All the members who protested
and left the Diet in 1867 have been returned, many OF
them unanimously others by very large majorities,
being opposed only by the government officials. Mr..
Naprstek has been reelected by his constituents,
and last evening at his house was collected large
number OF the leading political and literary men of
the country. mad good opportunity or learning
| what the political and religious aspirations OF the
country are Both OF these topics were freely dis
| cussed.
With regard to religion, was informed that there
is probably no Catholic country In Europe In which
| there Il so little devotion 10 Rome IN Bohemia.
That the most ardent desire OF the country Is TO bring
the Church more into accordance with the wants OF
the people by having all religious services and cerc
monies performed In the language OF The country,
] and py giving laymen part IN the government OF
| the Church. III word she people OF Bohemia want
a national Church; they 90 not want a reformation
In the sense OF separation, but they want to have
control over the religious affairs OF their
try. In my last letter sent translation OF resolu-
tons passed nj great meeting Of the people the
| interior OF Bohemia. other meetings or a similar
character are soon to be held, ana ] am assured
that among the most jealous supporters OF
| this agitation are the country priests. The first
! people here do not hesitate to declare that
| n the infability OF the Pope Ia made article OF
faith 1t the coming Council there VIII be schism
the Church in consequence. The opposition OF few
bishops they also do not look upon OF very great
| Importance They say that popular movement -
necessary aud that II the people OF France and Ger
many would only hold meetings aud formulate their
wishes and clearly set forth what Is wanted q gooa
result might De arrived at; for the bishops a. me
/ Council might become the representatives OF tnis
| popular movement, and would have the expressed
] opinion OF their respective countries TO support
them, instead OF beng without an ofsahi1eu parry
~ they are now. .,,
/ Tnis movement In Bohemia is OF great interest.
especially as illustrated by TINS irst mee.ns ~ ~, ~
| winch the people have clearly and distinctly stateu
Tls slss,loua IN two divisions Qf the cy Of Prague