The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1878-10-18
The EeelesIaslIeaI Lawa OF Ciermany


On tho 10th OF December, 1871, a law
was passed. by the Empire which threat
ened with imprisonment for period
not exceeding two years any Of tho
ciorgy who, in tho public exercise of
their Office or ia the church, spoke of
political questions IN such way ~ to
endanger the public peace. A second
law, dated the 9th OF July, 1872, dis
solved all the institutions of the Jesuiis,
with tho orders and fraternities asso-
ciatod with them, within tho German
Empire, forbade all action on the part
OF the members, and expelled all for
eign Jesuita. A third law, passed on
the 4th Of May, 1874, threatens all cler-
gymen who continue to exercise their
functions nfter being deprived of their
Office by judicial sentence with contis-
cation in certain districts or places, and
eventually with tho loss of German ma
tionality and baniahment from Ger
many. In the years from 1872 10 1876
Prussia passed number Of laws the
object Of which was 10 protect the rights
Of the State against tho churches
especially tho Romish Church. Tho
scope Of them mny be thus summed
up. The oversight Of all public and
private schools is accorded TO the State
tho institution Of elergymen. whether
permanent or temporary. can only DO
made after notice has first been given
to the government, which has the right,
on legal grounda. 10 protest; clergymen
must possess the rights Of German cit
izenship, have attended German gym
nasium, studied theology for three
years at q German university, sad
passed an examination In history aud
German literature before State com.
mission. All ccelosiastical seminaries
are TO bo under the overnight Of tho
State. Otherwise lhey must be closed.
New schools for boys or for students
arc not to DO built. nor youths received
into those already existing. A clergy
man who Is punished for nny crime or
misdemeanor for which the penalty is
imprisonment with hard labor in a
house of correction, or with the loss of
municipal rights or public Offices, IL
not to bo Reconstructed. The same is 20
be the case with the clergyman from
whose conduct il may be promised that
ne will oppose tho laws and regulations
Of the State and endanger tho public
peace. Actual discipline is only 20 be
exercised by the German ecclesiastical
authorities. Tho accused must be
heard. nn ordinary trial must bc hold, a
written judgment given, with the
grounds on which II rests. Corporal
punishments are forbidden and fines
arc not allowed 10 exceed 90 marks.
imprisonment in a dOmns dcneYikoram
not 20 be for longer than three months,
and these institutions 10 be under gov
ernment surveillance; the appeal TO be
made TO the State when the sentence is
Illegal. II aclergyman has so seriously
violated the laws OF the State relating
10 the clerical Office and It's functions
that his remaining in Office seems in
compatible with public order, then on
the proposition of tho State authorities
he shall be dismissed from his Office.
No penalties are permitted except for
ecclesiastical offenses or those concern
ing religion. They cannot be inflicted
because political or civil rights arc not
exercisod. or 10 enforce their exercise
in particular way. The public an.
nouncement. performance, or procla-
nation Of them to the congregation in
an injurious way is punishable. A
royal court of ecclesiastical affairs de-
cides concerning appeals, dismissea
from Office, and so forth. Bishoprics
which are unlawfully occupied, as well
as other places, are TO be administered
as to their temporalities by State COM
mission. Revenues provided by the
State for the clergy Tor arising from
funds administered by the STATED are
withheld If the receivers do not de.
clare, either by word or deed, that they
submit 10 the laws. Benefices thai
have been vacant longer than year
may be filled by the patron Of the com,
munity. The property Of benefices ii
administered, under State laws, by 9
ste ward chosen by tho community
The State exercises an oversight OF the
administration of the diocesan property
All orders and fraternities, except those
devoted to the care Of the sick, are tc
be dissolved at the latest by the Sd oil
June, 1879, and those which remain are
to be under the supervision of tlit
State. This summary will be suiiicien
to show the great Importance of these
laws.-COnteH4p0rary Rerietp.