The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1870-09-21


Rome.
1t seems TO be the general impression that
the conversion of Rome into the capital OF
Italy will he likely to effect a radical change
in the social political, and religious aspects OF
the Holy City. But that il by no means GER
tain
Pro MONO will continue TO be the great
ecclesiastical attraction, and, provided lie
does not attempt to leave the city, he will re-
ceive from the King Of Italy the most deli.
cate attentions, and be in every respect
treated with the regard due to the spiritual
head of the Roman Catholic Church. Car
dinal ANToNELLI, to be sure, will be placed
on the retired list but, after a career Of ex-
traordinary political activity, this nsiute pre-
late will find great spiritual relief in being
able to consecrate the rest Of his life 70 purely
religious exercises and meditstions. Elegant
society in Rome will doubtless benefit by
the change of rulers Heretofore il has boon
rather oppressively ecclesiastical In future
pleasant diversion will be made by the
Italian officials. The salons will be taken
possession of by the Victor Emanueltes, and
the followers of Pho Mono will find refuge
in churches and chapels For long time
society will present that peculiar spectacle
which was witnessed in this country when
the Southerners, not yet weaned from a sense
of power, met Northcrners with averted
looks and clcnched fists This peculiar feel.
ing, however, will be assuaged in Rome by
the exquisite tact with which ecclesiastical
antagonists know how to disguise their ami.
mosties But all this is Of small &C
count. Civilization rides roughs hod over
all such petty heartburnings. The temporal
sovereignty OF the Popes will pass away as
quietly and noiselessly as leaf falls from a
frost sinitten tree, and the good sense Of the
Catholic world will recognize the necessity
Of the change while tolerant Christians of
every creed will hope that the venerable
rU,tiG may be made comfortable for the rest
of his days, and live long to give his pastoral
blessings TO his flock.
In former cYss the extinction Of powers
consecrated by centuries OF duration was at
tended by violence and blood.Sed But such
has been the influence of civilization that the
world regards the dissolution Of one nation
or hierarchy, and the rise Of another in is
place, as simply vindication Of those laws of
life which regulate the existence of nations
much happier for the Papal kingdom to
die natural than violent death; to
gently give up the ghost than TO expire like
Comparison, amid the din of war and the
carnage of battlcfelds
In harmony with the character ofthc Pom, n,
his temporal rule fickcrs out peacefully, and
the Holy Father remains in Rome 70 give his
blessing 10 the King and the people Of Italy
Should he be spared TO witness the spectacle
of the Italian Parliament, assembled in Rome
devising measures for the spread of education
aud industry among their fellow citizens Of
the former Papal States. he may well exlaim,
Now, Lord. lettcst thou thy servant depart
in peace p Among the future powers Of
Rome must be schoolmasters and enterprieing
men, who will train the people to the
ways of honorable industry, and purge
the Eternal City from the curse Of mendi
cants and paupers Thus the Holy Father
will in future give his apostolic blessing
not to an ignorant and supersttlous mob Of
beGgars, but 10 n multitude of intelligent
laborious, and enlightened men and women !
Rome, renovated by liberty and education
will lose none of its classical, monumental.
and ecclesiastical charms, but add to it's
many attractions that OF progressive and
prosperous civilization.