The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-05-10
LEO TO THE CARDINALS.
HIS vIEws ON PoLITICAL PARTIES.
The Holy Fathers New Brief Considered a
Fatal Blow to the Roy slists-Deem-
ing's Execution Fixed.

PARIS, May 9.-In explicitness and directness
the new brief Of Leo XIII. to tho French car
dinals leaves nothing to be desired In it the
Pope suggests that his brief published in
February has not been understood exactly in
all quarters. and then proceeds to reiterate the
fundamental principles then enunciated. He
declares that any form Of legally established
government which furthers the common veal
is good and should be obeyed by its subjects.
Efforts 10 overthrow such government. more
over, are reprehensible. These doctrines
then receive at his hand such special applca-
tion that ROyalists of the Correspondence
National party are left without ground OH
whiYh they may even bubble. After recalling
20 mind the import of the last brief the Pope
says:
THE POPE ON POLITICS.
There have been some men of different
political parties. even sincere Christians. who
have not understood accurately our former
words on this subject Political changes are
far from being always legitimate at first. 1t
is even difficult that they should be
legitimate. yet the supreme crl-
terion for the common welfare and
public tranquility should impress upon all
the acceptance Of new governments. Ii has
been alleged that in teaching these doctrines
we adopt toward France conCuct other than
that which we pursue towards Italy. snd that
therefore We are inconsistent. his ls not
80. Our aim in telling French Catho-
lies 10 accept the constituted Govern
ment was and still is. merely TO safe
guard the same interests which in Italy
impose on US the duty of demanding inces-
sanity the full liberty required for our sublime
function of visible head of the Church ap-
pointed for the government OF souls-a lib
erty which does not exist where tho vicar OF
Jesus Christ IS not IN his own home true
sovereign. independent OK all human SOW
ereignty.
THE ONE GREAT AIN.
What is the conclusion from this if it is
not that the question that concerns us in
Italy is also an eminently religious one. es
il is connected with the fundamental princi-
pie of liberty of the Church Hence IN our
conduct towards nations we constantly make
all things converge 10 the same end OF rell-
gion and through religion 20 the dellyerance
of society and the welfare OF the people
we contde in you thus, dear sons. In
order that we may relieve our own heart and
comfort yours. Our sorrows, far from over
whelming us, stimulate rs 20 put on the
armor Of still greater courage in order that
he may face the difficulties of the present
hour"
FATAL BLOW TO RoYALTsTs.
This brief IS regarded IS fatal blow 70 the
Royalists. Since the sending oi.the preceding
brief of similar import they have not ceased
TO talk in their press about finding some
basis on which the monarchial aud Catholic
organizations may come for mutual help and
70 maintain that the Pope had laid no obliga-
tions upon the Catholic clergy to alter their
attitude toward the republic.
Tho clergy. they said, were still bound to
serve the monarchy and any other course
would cross diametricaily the spirit Of the
Pope's brief TO such quibbllng the
Pope's brief is considered final
answer. as well az TO the subyerslye doctrines
of the Bishop of Mendone and his fellow ec-
cesiastics. who have declared practically that
nobody is bound to use laws Of which he does
not cOnscentiOusly approve.
Among the inferior clergy.who are the con
fessors of the people, the repetition OF the
Pope's ayowal of approval Of the republic IS
received. 1t is said with rejoicing They
naturally are inclined towards the republic
despite the opposition of the church Dig
nitaries IN France and they welcome the
last brief as a final settlement Of the matter.