The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-15
LETTERS FROM TIE PEOPLE.
The Massacre of St. Bartholomew.

The Massacre of st. Bartholomew.
To the Editor of the indianapolis Journaa
In reply to Mr. II. L. Stetson. of Logans-
port, who published comment on an interview
had with me by your reporter, and published in
the Journal of Sunday, Nov. g. 1885. promised
to give anything further l might be able to find
bearing on the course pursued by the Pope. in
the matter of the massacre of ST. Bartholomew.
In fulfllment of this promise, beg to send the
following remarks
I must state, first, that Mr.. Stetson is per-
fectly correct in his description of the medal
struck by Gregory XIII, as well as in his state
ment regarding the frescoe in the Vatican,
both Of which record this historical fact. But
said in the reply referred to above 1.-THE
meaning tof all this) is to be interpreted by the
light thrown on the whole question through the
words addressed by Murct to the Pope" which
words quoted. That envoy assured the Pope
that the royal family had escaped from destruc-
ton by putting to death q band of con-
spirators who were plotting against their
lives. The TIE Deum, the medal, and
other signs of exultation and appreciation, ex-
pressed the Popes thankfulness that Providence
had preserved the life of Christian and Cath
Ollie King, and so protected the church. His per-
sonal feelings at the SLAUGHTER of many un-
fortunates are best shown by his own words, as
given by Brantome lvie de de NJ rAdmiral de
Chatillon. TOM viii, p. 100, ed. Hague. 1740
This author relates thata gentleman, as the time
in Rome, and well informed concerning affairs
at the Vatican told him the Pope shed tears on
hearing the details of the slaughter and when
asked why, said: II weep on account of the
Kings very unjust manner tdel modo troppo in
gusto of acting in this punishment, and fear lest
God soon punish him for it. and 1 weep too for
so many innocent people who persisted with the
guilty" This expression with the guilty" leads
me to the remark, that where parties
in mortal strife il is not the habit of
men generally to deplore the number of
killed and wounded provided these met their
fate in open warfare. No such feeling as this
characterized the people of the North in our late
struggle when the heavy lists of casualties on
the Southern side appeared in the daily press.
The Pope believed in disoyal attempt ON the
royal family and the church. and looked upon
the guilty as having been visited with destruction
by divine providence. That he and his legates
should see with pleasure the peace and tranquil
lily of the church in France brought about by
lust means, however severe it seems to us no
one can reasonably find fault with This serves
as answer to quotations cited by Mr.. Stetson
from Lord Acton and others Concluding this
part of my communica ton, may state that
Guizot Popular History of France, pages 383-
quotes the passage from Brantome given above.
To show that the Pope was not
alone in his idea that the mas
sacre of the Huguenots was
political act against traitors and conspirators.
give here fact. with documentary evidence.
The court of Saxony, like all others of protest
ant Germany, was startled at the news of the
slaughter. 1t consulted is two great theologians
and court chapains, Nicholas Selnekker and An
dree, the latter known as the Lutheran Pope"
They answer in their reports '"The Calvinists
who persisted were by means martyrs nor
witnesses to the truth but had clearly drawn this
butchery upon their own heads in just punish
ment of their guilt" lE<arl Adolf Mcneil, New
History of the Germans. Bresau, 1892 Vol v;
p 40 The days of such terrible strife have
zone by, happily let us hope, never to return.
Events have been made use of too often on both
sides to excite feeling. Let us deplore whatever
has been i'll done the side or the other,
leaving the old issues to the past, and working
out those of the present in peace, in mutual re-
spect and consideration.
FRANCIS SILAs CHATARD,
Bishop of Vincennes.
INDIANAPOLIS Aug. 13, 1886.