The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-05-26

The Church. On the contrary. TO display
activity and to use influence to Induce
legislatures TO change for tho better un-
wise laws. Is TO give proof OF devo-
ton to ones country at once intelli-
gent and courageous. without evinc-
ing shadow OF hostility to the
authorities deputed to govern public affairs.
To render. however. influence on legislation
effective. 1t is indispensable TO begin with
honestly acquiescing In the existing pollti-
cal system. Tho Pope does not hesitate to
assert that the men who would subordinate
legislative activity to the previous triumph
OF their party, arc thereby convicted OF
placing by u pernicious reversion OF ideas
the politics which divide before the religion
which unites. 1t would be their fault. he
tells them, II the enemies OF the Church In
France. profitlng by tho divisions OF the
Catholics. should succeed finally In crush
ing them oil.
Notwithstanding tho unmistakable tenor
OF this Brief the dominant element In the
recent Congress OF French Catholics
evincod disposition to set tho interests OF
the morarchical party above tho exhorta-
lions of tho Pope. This inclination was dis
closed by tho failure to return thanks for
the Papal bcnediction which had been sent
on tho explicit understanding that tho rs
scmbled Catholics would recognize the ne
ccssity OF abandoning their opposition to tho
republic. Tho same spirit OF resistance was
indicated III the refusal Of the leaders to
ofrcr tho usual toast In honor OF the Pope.
which was ultimately proposed by IN OBJ
scure member OF the Congress. It Is. OF
AlsA al. ,,,t,,N
thus showed themselves intractablo to
Papal influence. were lnymen. no ecclcsias-
tic being willing to openly side with them
in Wow OF tho clear and emphatic language
OF the Pope's Brief.
The attitude of sullcn resistance taken by
many OF tho most conspicuous laymen at
tho Congress was not initiated at the meet
ing OF Young Catholic societies which took
place few dnye later at Grcnobe. Here
NJ. DE Nun. who has been for many
years ono OF the foremost leaders OF the
clerical and conservative faction In the
Chamber OF Deputies. and who has acquired
reputation for parliamentary oratory.
repudiatod the Catholic party. so far rs 1t
could be considered rs represented Mt the
Congress, because it had refused to obey the
Vatican. He declared that for his own
part he should heartily submit to the
Pope's order. and he urged all young
French Catholics to work with zeal for the
success OF the Papal policy. or. In other
words. for the creation OF a strong Catho-
lie Republican party.
This declaration Of M. DE Nun. viewed In
connection with the audience to which 1t was
addressed. and coupled with the fact that
most OF the parish priests arc known to cor
daily favor tho views Of LEO Kill. por-
tends a political revolution on the part Of
great majority Of the Catholic voters. 1t Is
fortunate for those who wish French Cath
olics to abandon their futile opposition to
the republic. that the issue between
the Vatican and the monarchical cause
should be distinctly Joined thus early. for
the next general election will occur In Oc-
tober. 1893. provided the present French
shall live out its statutory term.