The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-03-01
ellis LOYdship.o

"His lordships residence will be illuminate
cd" says the programme for Bishop Bacon's
reception which we published Monday. We
of the French monseigneur, the bishops pro-
per title in France. But however innocent
the word, as applied in this case, it is calculat-
ed to excite unpleasant emotions in the
breasts of such Red Republicans as we of
New England undoubtedly are. We do not
want the gaudy rags and tatters of defunct
denominations thrust in our faces on any pre-
tence whatever. We do not want any of our
fellow citizens aping the phraseology and the
state belonging to forms of government which
we hold to be an abomination. Nor is this
feeling of repugnance an indication of mere
blind, unreasoning democratic fury. There is
danger in becoming familiarized with the
discarded forms and language of courts, even
as adjuncts of religious polty entirely dis
tinct from anything in our political system
There is many an alderman in America who
fondly imagines himself figuring in court
dress and being addressed as "My Lord"
There is many Congressman who would like
to have his manly breast adorned with orders.
This morbid "hankering" for the forbidden
and unholy breaks out whenever stray scion
of nobility or royalty makes his appearance
in our American cities, and it ought not to be
needlessly stimulated.
But "his lordship" is peculiarly significant
phrase when made use of in designating a
high official of that church which is the only
organized body known to exist in America
which Systematically opposes itself to demo-
cratic government and to progress. The pa.
pal syllabus, now the subject of consideration
in the Ecumenical Council, enters solemn
and formal caueat against every important
progressive movement of the century. 1t is
understood that the American Bishops. al
most to man, favor the adoption of the syl-
labus by the Council. The dogma of papal
nfallibility, which is also before the Council
and which, if adopted, would impose upon
several millions of our fellow citizens an au-
thority paramount to that of the government,
is also supported, almost unanimously by the
American Bishops. The Romish prelates of
this country never fail to disclose deep-seat-
ed hostility to selfgovernment and to every
thing auxiliary to it. The common school
system is pet object of their attacks, and
their antidemocratic zeal is disclosed in the
despotism with which they rule the people of
their dioceses, and the general loneliness of
their port and demeanor.
Let it be understood that we do not at all
object to Romanists and the Romanist clergy
as Romanists. For the free enjoyment of
their religion they are entitled to the fullest
liberty; for this they have the guaranty of the
constitution of the United States and of the
feelings OF all intelligent and honest men. 1t
is only as enemies to Democratic government
that we feel any aversion to them and on this
ground we are sure that our objections are
legitimate. In all directions Romanists aro
pushing not only for spiritual but for temno-
raj supremacy. In New York they have an
parently full control of the Democratic citv
government, and their schools are more than
generously subsidized. Even in smaller cities,
like Portland, they have made beginning.
Wherever Democracy obtains a foothold
special privileges and favors are easily obtain
able. And it is natural, since our modern
Democracy" is almost as anti-democratic as
Romanism itself.