The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1894-07-13

In the great struggle for religio-po-
litical supremacy, now going on in this
country between Roman Catholicism
and State jurisdiction, very serious
question presents itself in connection
with the same, question, in fact, which
should interest every liberty-loving
man, woman, and child throughout this
broad domain. 1t is not a question to
be settled in one day or two; not
question to be disposed of by the ballot
wholly or by bloodshed, but by educa-
ton.
We are supposed to be living in an
age of reason. Intelligence prevails,
and the policy dictated by the Papal
chair at Rome is no longer considered
infallible by the world, and the Pope,
without the majority to sustain him, is
indeed powerless. The head ossshe
Catholic church claims infallibility by
divine right, and so do kings and ty-
rants also demand the same right to
rule and domineer over their fellow
men. He assumes the attributes of
God, and is looked upon by his devo-
tees with more awe and reverence than
they are wont to regard the Almighty.
Yet this manhood is continually APP
pealing to his dupes for assistance.
Gradually the influence once exerted
at the Vatican is being transferred to
these shores. Every effort is being ex-
erted to accomplish the end in view
to subjugate this country to Catholic
reign and supremacy. Shall it be done?
Present indications are that way, be-
You'd doubt The church of Rome is
aggressive, cruel, and uncompromising.
1t is polite body, and believes ''to
the Victor belongs the spoils." 1t m ives
with deliberation. Its movements are
strategic. Defeated in one direction, it
simply redoubles its efforts in another.
1t knows no such word as fail. Its
methods of warfare are detestable. Its
mode of attack is that of the midnight
assassin. 1t fights in ambush, never
openly. 1t hesitates at nothing. Its
manoeuvres are marvellous Like gig
ante octopus, it holds inits grasp every
thing it lays its tentacles to. Its de-
mands are persistent audacious and ex-
tortionate. Slowly it is attaining its
ends. 1t can afford to bide its time. In
tellectually, the Catholic church is sta
tionary Itneither advances or recedes.
Its motives are actuated by greed and
gain. 1t is stoically Indifferent to the
demands Of the people for better and
higher education of the masses, and
why? Because knowledge is power. =
So is ignorance. 1t is brutal power
Col. Ingersoll has well and truly said
"The Church has already reduced Spair
TO guitar, Italy to a hand-organ, anc
Ireland to exile" Wherever the Cath
Ole Church is predominant ignoranc,
supreme. The Papal allocution con
dennis everything not in harmony will
its way of thinking. 1t even protest
against the Governments occupation o
Rome. 1t curses Free Masonry, pro
nounces our public schools wicked ant
Goddess, and hurls its thunders at tn
heads of those who presume to question
its preposterous claims. 1t regrets tn
adjustment of the thumb-screw an,
rack, and mourns the loss of the att
do te.
| Says CASTELAR,: 'There is not singh
progressive principle which has no
been cursed by the Catholic Church.
| True, every word of it.
| Upon two things depends the success
of Roman Catholicism-numbers an,
| ignorance. Does it look as though Re-
manism is a stupendous failure in thi
country? Catholics are increasing at
rate that in half century, if it con
tinues, will make them more powerful
than all other religious sects put to
gether.
| The question Of supremacy, then, ha
got to be fairly and squarely met. AL
other questions pale before it. do no
believe in exciting unnecessary alarm
but when danger menaces us in tn
| face, as it certainly does, it is time tina
we were seeking some way to avoid il
A monarchial government is far NOR
| preferable than Roman rule, but bet
ter yet is "a Government of the people
by the people, and for the people
Which shall it be? L. A. S.
AS IN YOUTH
m I'M