The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-07-25
The Vatican and tho Triple Alliance.


No authentic copy Of the treaty lately con-
cluded between Italy, Germany. and Austria
has been published, but according to a tele-
gram from Rome the agreement differs in
an interesting particular from the drauRht
proposed by Signor CR1sPI. King Hum
BERTs former Premier believed 1t to be OF
the utmost Importance to the stability OF
the Savoyard dynasty that the next Pope
should be a man OF moderate and concilia-
tory ideas, disposed to acquiesce in the occu-
patton OF the Eternal City by the royal Gov
ernment or, at all events. to enter into some
practicable compromise. To that end he had
urged upon the diplomatsts representing
the other parties to the treaty. the insertion
OF a clause In the compact assuring to the
Triple Alliance preponderant influence
over the next conc.ave. Had Signor ChIsPI
remained in Office. and had his firm friend.
BISMARCK. continued to exercise the func-
tions OF German Chancellor. it is highly
probable that such an arrangement would
have been made. As 1t is, We are told that
the Vaticans representatives were able to
prevent the insertion OF the clause referred
to, and we may. therefore, assume that the
next conclave will meet and vote in entire
independence.
The Illustration. however, OF Signor
CR1sPI's project does not alter the fact that
the existence OF the Triple Alliance is bar
to the attainment OF the political indepen-
dence desired by the Vatican. In such cir
cumstances it seems expedient to look for
support In different quarter, to wit, in
France, but until recently tho traditional
relations OF tho French Catholic hierarchy
IN hn NM rohicta II ivun pti To- hi
to obtain the friendship OF the French re-
public. But those relations are now likely
to DO sundered. We drew attention some
time ago to the speech In which Cardinal
LAv1aER1E advised his co-religionists to cor
daily recognize that republican institutions
were firmly rooted In France, and We ad-
vsrted also to the failure OF the at
tempt made by Bishop FREPPEL and other
upholders OF the monarchical cause to elicit
disapproval OF the Cardinals declarations
from the head OF the Church. There is now
additional evidence that the Cardinal knew
himself to be ex pressing the convictions Of
LEO KILL, and that the age-long league OF
the Papacy and absolutism is drawing to a
close. There was. 1t seems q deliberate pur-
pose and u definite programme behind the
assurance given to President CARNoT by
Mgr. FERRATA. the new Papal Nuncio ut
Paris. that he hoped to draw closer the ties
existing between the Vatican and the
French republic. The reply made by the
President showed that he at all events has
abandoned the notion current In GAMBETTA's
time that in clericalism republicans should
recognize their enemy. There was, OF
course. some ground for the assertion 30
long as the whole influence OF French
Bishops and priests was exerted at every
election on behalf OF monarchical candidates !;
but there will be no point or sense In 1t from
the moment that French ecclesiastlcs arc
instructed by tho Holy Father to rally to
the cause OF the republic.
II va may trust a telegram from Rome,
the French clergy Will presently receive
distinct instructions to that purport. The
programme which Mgr. FERRATA hus been
directed to carry out comprises. it Is said.
the following features: That section Of tho
Right In tho Chamber OF Deputies which is
led by NJ. PIoU. and which has already sig
nifled willingness to accept the republic as
definitely established, is to receive the
steadfast and outspoken support OF the Vat
lean. Moreover every one OF the French
Bishops and priests Is to be urged by the
hesion to tho existing republican regime.
II this plan is executed-and how will
1t DO possible for the French HER
aFchy to resist the persistent pressure
Of the Vatican ?--there will DO organized In
Franco for the first time great political
party. at once constitutional and conserve
tive. With such party, men like M. LEON
SAY. who. as 1t Is. sit In the Centre. and the
more sober-minded Opportunis.s like NJ.
JULES FERRY, could easily coalesce. A new
combination OF this kind would have q fair
chance OF obtaining majority even In the
present Chamber. and 1t would face tho next
general election with bright prospects Of
success.
Whether Catholics. however, having once
been frankly converted TO tho republic. can
obtain control OF the French Government. Is
subordinate question. They will certainly
exercise great influence over the foreign