The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-08
AN AMERICAN POPE.
CARDINAL GIBBONS WILL PROBABLY
SUCCEED LEO XIII.
This Is the Opinion of Churchmen, and
They Give the Reasons for Believing
That He VIII Be the Monarch of tho
Catholic World.

New York, June The Times this
morning prints the following under date OF
Rome, June 6:
Who will be the next Pope? That is
the question which all Europe is now con-
sidering. There is really no sovereign in
the world whose acts are OF the interna.
tional character of the Popes, and the
death OF Leo NH. tomorrow would create
q stir which would attract the attention of
Americans more than any event that has
occurred within the memory of the pres
ent generation. Why Well, it is more
than possible that European jealousies, no
less than the present situation of the Nat-
can, would indicate the election OF the
American Cardinal, Archbishop Gibbons,
OF Baltimore, to the chair OF Peter. That
is the concensus of opinion here, and the
reasons advanced are lucidly condensed by
Roman prelate, whose position prevents
the publication OF his name, which / send
you in confidence, as n guarantee OF the
authority that brings the United States
into such prominence in the Old Worlds
affairs. The Pope is not very strong, and
reliable reports state that his wiry frame
cannot much longer endure the strain OF
his age and cares,
take n glance at the situation in
Europe today" said my Roman informant,
"and mark II well. Germany is opposed
to all things French; France to all things
German. Under the concordal France has
the privilege to protest against the election
OF certain candidates. The privilege is
rarely exercised aud the cardinals are not
bound to obey ii; but under present cir
cumstances-w every force must be
utilized in the struggle for the restoration
Of the temporal power-it would be
obeyed. Germany's candidates rejected,
policy would compel the cardinals TO ig-
more Frances claims, for Germany cannot
be offended. Cardinal Howard is afflicted
with mental troubles, and the other Engs
lish cardinals are placed beyond consider
alton by thciragcs- Newman being eighty
eight and iniirm, and Manning eighty
one"
"But there are the Italian cardina.s?"
"Of course; but do you not know that
they are old men-at least all cardinals
whose lives aud labors single them out for
consideration. Simconi, Parocchi, Shiai-
fino, Rampolla. san feicc and Nanuteli
are the only Italian candidates whose
names suggest papal honors. But II YOU
review the history OF each Won will find
that rs nunc,os TO Franco or Germany
| they have earned them Us trust of either
country on account of past official rca-
tons, Cardinal san Felice alone excepted.
But he, too, Is out Of the question"
"Would any governmcntobje jet to him?"
asked the 1m0 correspondent, wonder
ing where the difficulties were going 10
end.
"Well to tell you the truth. there never
before was q time when Italian cardinals
were ineligible from political circum.
stances. France has today nine cardinals
in the Sacred College, very unusual
number, caused by the fact that in addi-
ton 10 the prclatos selected by the Pope,
the French Government insisted on the
elevation OF Mgr. Foulon, Archbishop OF
Lyons This gives you an idea OF the i'm.
portance attached TO the next Conclayc
aud a further illustration is 10 b, had In
the official announcement that President
Carnot will receive the bcfcltas from the
Pope and in person present them to the
three new French cardinals"
But what has this 10 do with the oppo
position TO an Italian candidalc" was III,
query.
The prclato smiled, evidently amused
at what ho thought an Americans lack u
perception.
"Well," was the answer, France am
Italy cross. The statements Just mad,
show that the French cardinals will 90 In
TO the conclavc "a Fronchmcn aud to OPP
pose any selection that might be object
ionablc 10 France and consequent,
prcjud!cal 10 the interests OF the lloll
See. Through treaty with the Emperor
OF China, the Vatican enjoys protector
ate In the East. This formerly belonged
to France aud carries with il vast com
mcrcal privileges. IL Is surprising tina
France fears transfer Of this 10 Italy
among other considerations, IN return iol
the restoration Of temporal power. Franc,
still enjoys the privileges, aud this is onl,
one instance where complications nigh
arise"
"And all this leads you to believe tina
the only compromise isan American cardi
nal-Gibbons, for instancc?"
Exactly, and predict that under hi
administration the l,omsh question woull
be settled. Tho European government
are considerably porturbed over the posi-
bililics OF the concayc, and would Ger
J tainly unite In Offering inducements 4
Italy 10 grant certain territory 10 thl
Pope, in which he would be a sovereign
perfectly free aud independent, untram
mclcd by allegiance 10 any one Govern
mcnt There Is none with whom negOtia
tons could be carried on better than will
a.. - d
/ would like 10 see him Pope myself
wouldn't you2"
Certainly" was the newspaper man
. reply. ~ he added that he always wa
anxious TO see the United States come on
ahead no matter In what contest ran thl
candidate who wore the American color
rod white and blue