The New York herald., 1872-12-29
gorges.
Rome and switxerla md.

1t is now some weeks since we called the
which had arisen in Switzerland between
Rome and the Cantonal authorities. The
trouble was of twofold character. According
to the laws Of the Helvetian Confederation no
new diocese can be created or bishop ap-
pointed without the consent Of the civil
authorities. 1t is also contrary to Swiss law
for the bishop to depose priests without the
consent Of the State In both those particu-
lars the laws of the Swiss Confederation have
been violated by the Church. Some time
since NJ. Merwillod, Cure of Geneva, was ap-
pointed by the Pope Bishop of Hebron, aux
ever, in Switzerland The State, Of course,
refused to recognize his authority; and the
Bishop rebeling, he was forbidden the exer-
else Of his episcopal functions in Swiss terri
tory. The matter was referred to the Pope,
and the Pope stood by the Bishop. Such is
the one case. The other case is that of the
Bishop Of Basle, who, without consent of the
State authorities, dismissed two anti-infallibil-
ist priests. The State authorities, after some
patient consultation, denied the right of the
Bishop SO to excommunicate, enjoined him to
rescind the accommodation he had pro-
nounced, summoned him to appear before
them to explain his conduct and finally de-
manded the immediate removal Of the Vicar
General. The matter has at last been ended by
the breaking up Of all relations between the
Swiss government and the Vatican. The Papal
Charge d dAffaires and attaches have been re-
called. and the presumption is that the Papal
Legation at Lucerne will be abolished. This
must be fresh source of anxiety to the Holy
Father. 1t must, however, be admitted that
in misfortune he fights well
Snow AND THE CRY RAILROADS. The late
storm has shown the inadequacy of our city
railways Some Of them have suspended their
trips entirely Others doubling their teams
have kept at work, though running irregularly.
The Third Avenue Company, in particular,
showed great energy in clearing its tracks
But, at the best, they only suggest how much
better the service could be done by steam 1t
is to be hoped the experience of the last week
may hasten the realization of some efficient
rapid transit scheme. From various parts of
the city we receive complaints that the compa-
nies, with their ploughs and patent sweepers,
throw the snow from their tracks upon the
sengers and householders. In consideration
of their valuable franchises the companies
should be required by city ordinance to clear
their lines by removing the encumbrance from
the street altogether This they could do, with
their large force Of men and teams, at small
expense, and it would be but simple justice to
the residents along the lines, who are incom-
moded and put to expense by the present prac-
tice
The LONDON TELEGRAPH expects from
President Grants second term fresh additions
to our galaxy of republican stars. 1t says the
Cuban patriots have maintained their war of
independence for four years. and concludes that
the Spanish government is unable to put down
the insurrection. If the insurgents are rscog-
nized as belligerents it thinks arms and am
munition from this city, and volunteers from
our Southern ports would soon turn the tide
of the rebellion against Spain. II does not
undertake to prophecy whether Cuban inde-
pendence would lead to her Incorporation into
our Union. We take the liberty to say that
the people of the United States will hail the
independence of Cuba or of Canada, though
they do not desire their annexation, and would
prefer the formation Of confederacy of inde-
pendent American republics which would
enforce the Monroe doctrine against any
European Power intermeddling in American
affairs.