The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1877-11-18

Germany, in return for a German guarantee of
Belgium's independence in all other respects
aud for territorial compensation. Germany
argues that Belgium, in the event of another
Franco German war, would probably be tn q
battle. ground, and be absorbed by the victor.
military convention with Belgium now
would render Germany unassailable. The
Gazette believes that these arguments have
already made great way in very high quarters.
The WAR.-In Asia bere has been no fight
ing this week Leyond an attempt by compare
| lively small forces of Russians to capture
| some of the works around Erzeroum by IS.
sault. They were easily repulsed. The Rus
| slams have now invested the town which Is
defended by Mcukbtar Pasha with the re-
mains Of his once splendid army. The sur
render of kars has been demanded but the
commandant having called IL Council COM
posed of all officers, as low down as major, it
was decided to hold ont to the last
In Europe the Turkish cause is daily grow
ing worse. The Monteregrins have captured
several important positions, aud Servia is con-
ceutratiDg all it's forces on the frontier pre-
paratory, it is thought, to going into the war
against the Turks, TO make snch capital with
the Russians as will secure consideration
when the Car shall havo IL in his power to
dictate terms of peace.
The celebrated youpg Russian general,
Skobelof, has also captured, by surprise, two
important positions around Plevna. The
Turks tried to retake them, but were repuised
TIE Turks have made another change in
commanders, Mehemit Ali having been sent to
command the army of Orcharie, in the neigh.
borhood of Pievna, superseding Chefket
Pssha who has been given command at Shipka
Pass.
The Sultan believing that a conspiracy was
being organized against him, has had forty Of
ex-Sultan Murad's servants strangled.
UNITED sTATEs.
WANHiNGroN.-TheH House finally passed the
Army bill fixing the maximum strength of the
army at 10000, aud maintaining four compa
MES of cavalry of one hnIdreu men each
5ae Texas frontier. the bill then went TO the
Senate wnere it was amended by Increasing
the maximum to % 900, and striking out the
provision about keeping this four companies
the Texas ntier. Tue Honse is now copsid-
eIing the Navy deficiency bill. Other business
of no general interest.
The Republican Senators have held q cancus
wherein the fact wss developed that the Presi-
dent can count on ouly Dawes, Hoar, Christi
.ncy, Booth and Stanley Matthews s as friendly
action on the Louisiana Senatorial question,
Christisncy left the caucns and the project was
abandoned.
Eftgbam Lawrence has been nominated for
the coIlectorship of the port of New Orleans.
ECCLESIASTICAL VS.. CIvII. LAw.-Uilliams-
port. Pa, Norember 14.-The case of Father
Stack against Bishop OHars in litigation for
six years. was decided in favor of the priest.
Judge Gamble, acting chancellor in the
Court of Common Pleas, filed an elaborate
opinion, in whioh be maintains that the
power exercised in the by Bishop O'Hara
WAS nnwarranted by canon law, and that
even if the declpline Of the church allowed it,
such power must nevert heiess be condemned
as contrary to the Law of the land, and pre-
jndiclEl 10 the rights of citizenship. The
superiority of the civil over ecclesiastical law
is expressly asserted. The decree of the court
accordingly declares that the removal of Father
Stack by Bishop O'Hsra, as punish;Dent for a
supposed offense, WAS unlawful that the pro !
hibitior directed to Father Stack, forhiddiug |
him to exercise any priestly functions In
was unlawful, bot a decree of
restoration is not granted, asked for, on the !
ground Lnat 1t MlUlt be lpjQuICiCu6 TO CjstuI b !
the present state of things in the oorgvegI-
lion. This point, however, is an opeu ques-
ton, if the Bishop should appeal frorl the
PIE ien5 decision to the Supreme Court.