The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-05-14
Catholic Action in the German Parliament.

experienced by the Catholic party has
rather stirred than diminished their hopes
of success. The phalanx has grown all the
closer by conflict, and their adversaries
cussea in the Parliamentary Address in re-
ply to the speech from the throne-the one
to adopt the Emperor's principle Of COM
plete and final nOn-lntervention the other,
TO hazard the brave suggestion, that the
present was a time for interference. The
latter PrCject-whch was Catholic of
course-was strongly opposed by H. won
Benhigsen, who was the urgent defender of
the contrary policy, and who pointed out
the dangers that lay hid in the attempt to
resuscitato the (Imperial) policy of the
middle ages. He conceived it to be the
those (and their number was very great,
indeed,) who imagined that the German
Empire was mainly revived to restore a
universal monarchy. H. Reichensperger
responded to this speech, in the name of
the Catholic party, and sought to prove
the advantage which must fow, to the
German Empire generally, from the at
tempt to come to the immediate rescue of
the Industrious Victim at Rome. The same
opinion WAS stoutly maintained by the elo-
quent Bishop of Mayence, Mgr Won Kettle
ler, who addressed himself in particular to
those who pretend that the present German
Empire rests upon basis more solid
than that Of Bafbarossa. "Justitia funda
ment"m regnOr~n," he said then added.
Now take We good care, in deciding the
point before US, that Government fully
realize the justice of this maxim" Fol-
lowing the examples of H. Won BennipseD.
aud OF the Bishop OF Mayence, several ora
tors spoke loudly against the principle of
non-intervention, which the speech from
the throne had approved. Itwas pointed
oAt, for example, how false was that posi-
ton into which England has thrown itself,
and what want of consideration had ac-
crued to England from this principle of
If we do not wish to
interfere at Rome, cried one of the orators,
90 it must be in virtue Of some other princi-
pie than this of nOn-intervention. What
we ale calmly beholdipg is the overthrow
Of Catholicism" But the orator who most
openly declared his sentiments was H.
Windhorst cit is the vital interest of
he said, ito see the Supreme
Chief of their Church perfectly independ-
ent. Now, he can only be independent il
he be Sovereign" And then lie argued
that if cannon should be used against an
enemy to protect commercial interests,
much more ought it to be employed to pro
tect religious "For u.s." he affirmed,
ant than mere mecantile affairs. It is
therefore We desire to go to Rome, to es-
tablish their Papal Sovereignty" And
thus a minority of 60, in favor of going to
Rome, was obtained by the Catholic party.
1t is true that the majority numbered 243,
but the .eloquence of the pleaders on the
Catholic side, and their earnest, vigorous
told with great effect. It is
remarked that Prince de Bismarck OBJ
served an ominous silence throughout the
whole of this debate. He pleaded not one
word, either for or against. The opinion
has, therefore, gained ground that he could
not be unfavorable to an intervening policy.
P,,t hat hi h.s Al
lie party have rather gained courage from
his silence; and, at all events, are fully
persuaded that they will not have him for
an enemy.-TabLet.