The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-05-21
DIR. DOilinger's Position mt Present.
from the Manchester Guardian. Nav 81

From the Manchester Guardian May 81
No greater mistake could possibly be made than
to suppose that the German movement to which
the name of standardization may be applied, can be
reckOned upon as nineteenth century counterpart
OF Luther's Reformation. We are constantly ex-
posed TO Dlunders OF this kind. No sooner does q
DUllinger Passaga or q Hyacinthe appear on the
scene than we rush to the conclusion that our ideal
OF Christianity is about TO be realized In South Ger
many, IN Italy ana in France. What PGre Hya:
cnthe's standpoint may be we do not know;
but who can forget the astonshment OF the New
York reporters when they discovered that the
reverend father could see blots in the Papacy and
yet hesitate to take his place III Mr. Henry Ward
Beecher's pupitS The notion that religion is
something that can be squeezed within tho two
boards of book as In the Tnirty-nl Articles or
the Westminster Co lfession--is as monstrous a
deluson as the pretenson that the human SOUL II it
Is to rest In the end must travel Rome. In re.
iigion as IN politics we 40 not hesitate 10 assume
good for all manSind. Many worthy people have
been looking with eager hope TO the battle which
Dir. D6llinger has been waglng with the utramon-
tame faction which happens Tor the moment to be
supreme at the Vatican. They have seen In 1t the
beginning OF the Armageddon-the opening OF q
struggle in which the triple crown must certainly
sooner or later tumble into dust. We can readily
the dismay with which people OF this class
Will receive the Intelligence that the venerable ana
learned theologan OF Munich c0unsels his followers
TO policy OF "moderati0ii" WHAT can this mean2,
An answer is furnished by IA BayarIan Catholic,
who contributes most interesting paper 10 the new
number OF the contemporary Rec,e.c With this
writer for our guide let endeavor, If possible to
see what Dolinger's position Is.
D5llinger began his career as a strenuous SUD-
porter oil Ultramontanism. 1t may, indeed, be said,
observes "a Bavarian Catholic" that .'the mental
slavery. the narrowneas OF the greater part the
Cathoic clergy In Bavaria, their servie and SUPER
sutlous SUBMISSION TO the Pope, their entire 5nd-
age IN Roman chalnsin fact, all which constitutes
the opposition to the present movement Is chiefly
due to the teaching and the writings OF D0linger.r
HIS early years were spent III 'bitter warfare
against Professionalism" Even after his first ardor
for the faith as was held by the jesuls had cooled
down he could not muster courage enough to al,an-
don the party OF his youth. His views grew more
liberal, but he was ''tim.d ana vaclating.n "If
he advanced a step he was sure Immediately
to reract It," Thus matters went Oh. reason
pa IN e %e began ~ speak o ey e rghs
OF science" and IN the autumn OF that year
he invited the learned Catholics OF Germany to meet
at Muncn 10 discuss and determine the question
which was agating his own mind. Al this assem-
bly, he delivered bold address: but the result oi the
telegrapned as follows to the Pope:-"rhe impor-
tant question concerning the relations OF authority
and science Is determined in the Of the subjec-
ton OF science to authority" Nothing, OF course,
could have been more pleasing 10 the vatican; hui
have awakened to a sense Of the inconvenience OF
permitting deliberations oil the Kind. The Pope sent
his paernal blessing TO Dr. D5lllngcr, but followed
IL up with misslve 10 the Archbishop OF MnnIcn
practically condemnlng the audaclty OF 'priyate
Doctors In meeting Tor any such purpose without
having first received authority from Headquarters.
Moreover, very distinct definition was given OF all
that was implied In the subJccion OF science to &C.
clcsiastcal authority. alt mean: that science was
not to be nmiGed merely 10y defined dogmas, but
that the subJectlon extended also 10 the Papal
stliuions, the DEGREES Of tue Index, and great
many things OF that kind.'' Tins was probably
more than Dr. Dollingcr had looked for. For the
moment, his disappointment must nave been ex-
tory OF this remarkable mans life that he
rose apparently more resoluie than ever from
this IA. In his struggle with the Roman
Cuna. Years passed on, and then came the
Vatican Council with its great scheme or infalll-
side, ana ms influence greatly strengthened the
show OF opposition offered BY tho .oppor;upists.
Among this party was his own bishop-the Same
who mas now communicated him. Non-oppor
tunsm soon melted away. Que by one the prelates
who had raised their voices against the ''ln-
some OF them ike the Archbishop .; Munich,
are now hutling tie cures cf the Church agans,
those who nave stood steadfas: TO the principles
which they themselves protested to uphold.
Amid the storm wnich lei owed upon The definition
OF tic new article OF lxn great was tie Anxiety as
to the altitude of Dollinges Liberal Catholics re-
membercd some CT the incidents of HIS past lie.
would he stand niln, OF Was there capituiaiion IN
prospects Inc professors OF theology at luaicn
were called upon ~ tie Archbishop 10 cay ais
tinctly on wnai SIDE tney ranged thcmsclses-for or
agaius. the DEGREES OF the Council of last year. An,
with two exceptions bowed to the decisions OF the
Council. Tne two iccalcitrants were DoIl,ngcr and
Friedrich. The latter less slow Than the 1orlner
In making up nj, mind 10 challenge the ecumcn.ci.y
OF the Council which, OF course, involved all else.
poliiaser asked ior fsspe n was grsned ii,s
handed In his non place. ~ this he abidcs, aud he
Is now under sentence OF excomniancation.
The narrative OF "A hawaiian Cdthcncr assists MS
TO understand DR.. D5llingcr's couEscls OF 'nodera
tion.n We have de-cripcd 10 Us n maa VINO pos
sesses few OF the qualities oil the Leader of
formation He Is perhaps the most learned tleo-
Logan OF his Church but al his bcst--he Is now an
old mamie must have been wanting IN the force
OF character and the contagious enthusiasm which
go so far towards the compete cauipiieni OF cef
In war Of principles. Caution Is Cne OF his most
marked characteristics HIS reason and his hsiorc
knowledge have forced hun 10 rcpudatc tue dogma
of iDfahbiity; but. as "A Bavarian Cath0icp POINTS
out, he wishes only To fight the Vatican Council aud
the new definition, "icaymg all other things In the
Catholic Churcn untouched" lie desires to ''avold
the fight fer principles, 10 connnc hts opposition
10 one point TO Isolate or so 10 speak, 10 localize
the war; and entirely To MAINTAIN the Catholic
pany with many liberals VINO have been encouraged
by his rcs0utc refusal 10 make hs submissi0n. They
are ready 10 60 long way beyond what he con.