The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1878-02-17
Plus TX.
From the Times.

From the Times.
The mcst conspicuous figure upon the
worlds stage has Disappeared. The man who
flor more than q third of century has enjoy.
led more absolute homage than any temporal
monarch the world has known, who governed
not only the outward but the internal man in
leyery nation on the globc, Eho has been the
lsollctude and the dread, the hope and the mem
lace of all the courts and ceblnets on earth,
whose lightest breath was felt as strongly
nere as in the shadow of the Vatican, who
nas set at defiance the traditions of his prede'
tcessors and almost overridden the laws OF ma
1ture herself-this wonderful man is dead. His
Lifetime includes the most tremendous epi-
sodes of modern times, his Pontlt1oste was
contemporary with the greatest spiritual
Coming upon the scene at time when the
gPapal establishment was tottering beneath
1.-The rude hand of Napoleon l. he has lived to
,see that peerless soldier perish in helpless ex
lie, and the growth of new things hide
lfrom sight and memory the proudest OF his
works. Plus TX. found the monarchy of the
church imperiled, and, though he has seen its
shred until naught remains, his death marks
the period of the churoh's widest and most
osolute authority over The faith, the rever'
8ence and the obedience of mankind. Defeated
! by Italy, betrayed by France and oppressed by
sGermany, the Pope has nevertheless solidih sd
and strengthened apd perpetnated an influence
z W hich no temporal ruler can ever WELD and
wbioh he Transmits to his successor unim'
pared in the present and, so far as human
foresight can discern, uuthreathened in the
future. ..
With the struggles of the Papsl govern
ment against the enoroaohments OF Italy, we
need have nothing to do. They have enter
ed into history and form chapter whlcf
men will judge according to their lights: II
4lS71, Victor Emmanuel entered Rome and the
Popes temporal power came to an end
whether that consumnation be good OF
sotherwise for the progress and development
land the happiness of mankind, it Is too BooI
Ito determine There will always be more
than one opinion on that point, however
q while the love of the Church rematua in lt
Hpresent place among mems sentiments an(
passions. One fact, however, ie conspicuou
now that through all the bitterness and ami
mosities which have fourished upon the grea
conhict, Plus TX. has retained the respect anf
yeueration of his most determined opponents
mo honest voice can be raised to-day in an.
auarter of the globe to reproach him will
aselhsbness or insipcerity. Not one Will with
hold from his memory the tribute which hi
gentleness and goodness have so richly AM
sbundsntly earned.
Pins TX passes from the trials and cares o
this world to his reward in eternity with tn
respect and love of all who knew him or hi
history, without 9 stain upon his integrity o
die shadoW of q doubt against his kind an
honorable heart An imposing and ct th
lsame time gentle figure, full of TINE chaFit
and immeasurHble good will, he has earned tn
euloRy his Affectionate historian has pssse
upon him;
"WhHt would golden throne be for Piu
dix, throninR, Is he does, on the devote
hearts of these milliousR or who would nt
Dut aside the title of great for that OF beloved
III. indeed, any title were wanting to the ded
and glorious name of Pho NOnof'