The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-08-12

gence." We take pleasure in repeating these
words, because, considering the source from
which they come, they embody a compliment
than which no higher was ever paid to repub-
lican America. They are well fitted to make
us proud-proud of our achievements and
proud Of our national history. They
reflect credit on our civil and re-
around our public schools. They are words
of encouragement, but they ought not to
make us vain. We have done well, but we
ought to have done better. We have accom-
plished much, but our achievements have not
been equal to our great advantages and our
high opportunities. A vast and unconquered
territory in art, science and literature still lies
before us. Rest is not yet our privilege; work is
our duty. Nobler efforts will be rewarded by
nobler results, and, if true to our mission,
American freedom will yet conquer the world.
Another opportunity is close at hand, and it
will be to our shame and lasting disgrace
if the Centennial Exposition of 1876 is not
worthy of great country and a great people.
Defence OF tho Rights or tho Church.
The Allocution which was delivered by the
Sovereign Pontiff, Pope Plus the Ninth, to the
Cardinals of the Church in the hall of the
Vatican on the 25th of July is published in
ertenso in our columns. The Holy Father re-
mains singularly vigorous in his apostolic ex-
preston Of the many misfortunes which have
fallen on the fold Of late years, and is equally
animated in his denunciation of the influences,
agencies and powers which he regards as
the works which cause grief and promote
scandal in the universal congregation. He
exhibits no disposition to temporize with
or arrange-as it is termed in the fashion,
able parlance of crude philosophy
with the lay power of Italy which finds itself
on the contrary, denounces the Ecclesiastical
Properties Confiscation bill Of the italian Par
lament in plain language, and concludes by
pronouncing all action which may be taken
under its provisions as null and void, besides
issuing the fiat of major communication
against all who approve or sanction the enact
ment-commissioners promoters, counsellors,
adherents or purchasers.
The words of the Pope will exercise vast
moral influence over the minds of millions of
people in every quarter of the globe. That
they shall be made known urbi ct orbis he has
the body Of the Allocution of direct appeal
or command to the vast and disciplined HER
archal cohorts of the Church, from the most
elevated dignitaries to the most humble priest
of the sanctuary, directing them to take means
for its PRONUNCIATION, to see to it that the seed
shall not perish by the wayside.
Then comes from the lips of the Holy
Father a solemn and, under the circum-
stances, significant acknowledgment of his
personal mortal fallibility. He refers to the
approach Of the moment when the chair of
Peter will be again vacant We do not recol-
lect to have read in any of his previous apos-
tolic announcements direct reference to
this eventful contingency; none, at least, SO
pithy and affecting as the present. The SUM-
set of life may have afforded him the power
of mystical lore and in this spirit he an
nounces that the prosecutors of the Church
here lin Italy, and abroad seem to be con-
certing their plots and joining their forces
for the utter smothering of the exercise of
ecclesiastical jurisdiction and, to give a spec
ial instance, perhaps to interfere with the free
election of him who is to sit as the Vicar
of Christ in this Chair Of Peter" The
enemies of the Holy See are thus warned that
the principle, at least, Of their strategy is
known to the members of the Sacred Con-
sistory, and that the Head of the Church is
not by any means intimidated, however he
may be grieved, at the prospect Of its APP
pliance. A Consistory Council has already
been held in Rome, from which it is expected
will come many important appointments of
prelates Of the Church.