The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-08-27


traditions of France. This abandonment is
punished to-day by cruel reverses. The Euro
pean equilibrium has been devoted to ridicule
This thought was the work , Of Henry ~, s6e
of Richelieu, the great man of the laws OF
France. of Mazarin, the great statesman who
made the peace and the admirable Treaty of
Westphalia. In 1915, as If Providence was
about to give up q means of safely in this equi-
librium, it was re-established, and, in place of
military glory, this means gave us influence.
We were not then in o position to rule the
world. France was placed in Europe between
Prussia and Austria, to prevent the dominition
of the one over the other. France was placed
in the world, between England and Russia, to
from ovorthrowing the entire world in the in
terest of their particular rule. Well, then, it
is this equilibrium which, in moment of
folly, we have all contributed to destroy. The
changed, to proclaim that of the nationalities,
and the system of natiOnalities has succeeded
in preparing for France fatal days ever to be
depiored. Without Representing Italy for hav-
ing wished to become united Power, it is not
the less true that it was error in France to
have contributed to the Union of these separ-
ate States, and to have, more than anybody,
assured our influence. To act thus was for
France, in truth, senseless and blind.
have always thought that the principle of ma
the first place, was certain that italian unity
would engender one day the unity of Germany.
In the second place, it was impossible that
Italian unity should not give fatal blow to
Holy See. Thus France, which, in the
same way as England is the protector of Pro-
testantism. has been since Charles v. the
the natural protector of Catholicity; has aban-
stated, do not, gentlemen, impose upon US a
task before which you would recoil yourselves,
for in the actual circumstances. it might
cease to be patriotic Italy is made. It is not
l who have contributed to make it, bur let us
speak plainly. What do you want to do
and do You want to lead us into war; Italy
Las become powerful State, with the sup
port of Russia, since the Pontifical Govern
ment, in a moment of generous but perhaps
unrefecting enthusiasm, touched upon the
Polish question. Look at Austria-she, also,
is a Catholic Power. Well, she, in like manner.
guided by the wisdom of an eminent man, has
resigned herself to q sacrifice, painful, but
necessary. Prussia seeks across the Alps to
approach Italy. My conscience, as yours, re-
facts. But when Europe maintains that atti-
tude towards Italy, with which you are &C
quanted, cannot act otherwise thau Europe.
Have compassion on my position. and do not
emit, because could not push it to its goal.
Let no one say that there enters into all this
any thought of q future war. No, the govern
ment has not this thodght The policy of the
head is peace. We cannot forget that in our
distress he (the Pope) consecrated portion of
the Peters Pence to the wounded OF France.
France; but I have not written the letter
which has been attributed to me. have not
offered any advice to the Sovereign Pontif.
No one could give advice to the Sovereign
Pontif on subject SO grave. as that
cf the material condition of his in
dependence. If Plus TX. were a prisoner
an exile, France would be open to him
the most venerable authority on earth.
We are bound to the Catholic Power by the
Concordat, and we ought to be very glad of it
for the Powers which are not thus bound have
frequent conflicts with the Court of Rome.
- We have been promised the independ-
ence necessary to the Head of Catholicity
The future will say whether this independence
will be really a fact in which CATHOLIC Europe
can have confidence Meantime, all the Cath
Ollie Powers will unite their efforts in such
way that this promise may not be a vain
word. Entrust this to our patriotism
and now, gentlemen, let me resume my views.
These are they great Power exists with
which we do not wish to raise any conflict, but
| we will do all that depends on us to maintain
| the spiritual independence of the Holy See.
do not promise yon to get over all difhcultie.
| successfully. but this l can promise you-that
| we, a government of reason, will not neglec,
any of the duties which reason imposes npor
us.
BISHOP pUPASLouPs SPEECH.
Monseigneur Dupanloup followed N. Theirs
| beginning his speech by expressing his thanks
fidelity to the cause of the temporal power
He also declared his acceptance of the position
taken by N. Theirs. He then went on thus
Long speeches are rather inappropriate, and
do not desire to make q speech; but after thu
words you have just heard, there Is only ont
| orator who can be heard-tnat orator is his
tory. The present moment brings us to the an
niversary of the day on which a man with
| light heart-with a light conscience also
opened the series of our disasters. What has
since happened7 AS you know, the Pontifica
Sovereignty became the first victim of tn
fault of the imperial government. 1t is jus
that the pre1ates should address France in ia
vor of the holiest of causes. In fact wheI
human justice suffers anywhere it is to Franco
that men apply, and it is to the honor o
France that this appeal is made to-day, be
cause our confidence in her survives her mis-
fortunes. You say to us, "You desire war:
No; we do not desire war, and throw bacl
on the calumniators this reproach, witt
which, impudently lying, they baye pursue'
| us. War-we have seen its horrors close be
side us, and we priests detest it.. do not sa.
that there are not sometimes necessary wars
After Sedan You fought for justice, for yo
fought for the menaced soil of your country
I War is not the only reason of civilized nations
There is in the sanctity of violated justice a
immortal strength it alone triumphs with th
protests of the human conscience. Thanks
J 1ol l. and; ta IN