The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-09-18

has been increased since last December
by nearly three million pounds sterhns'
and yet a deficit for the next year Is
already certain by nearly two million
pounds.
While the Triple Alliance continues,
there can be no possible decrease In the
taxation. but a constant Increase.
The circular continues:
Leo XIII. is full of sagacity, know
ing how to speak ana how to be silent.
lie sees his course clearly before him,
and steadily ~bursues the policy which.
has been dictated by the needs OF the
Papacy and the circumstances of the
hour. The kingdom is stifed under the
double incubus OF her financial diihcul-
ties and the ever-threatenng Roman
question. Rome demands certain tenn
poral guarantees as essential TO the life
and action of her unique religious insu-
tuition. whose influence and authority are
recognized from Berlin to Washington,
from Lisbon 10 Japan and Egypt.
What If a scheme could be devised
by means Of which each should supply
to the other what is lacking in such an
hypothesis? Ii may at first sight APP
pear extravagant and impossible. but
as a matter of fact it is under serious
consideration. Nothing less is proposed
IMAM that the 'dAilOAiI AOuhAA TO anu
peoples Of the world should combine TO
ransom Rome. To those familiar with the
organization and the working Of the
Roman Catholic communion. and with
the intensity OF desire which animates
the Catholic Church TO secure the per-
feet independence of Its spiritual head,
1t would not be difficult to believe
that II the scheme is once set on foot
large sum of money may be collected
and placed in the hands Of Leo Nj.
The POntiff, with f10,op0,eo at his dls-
pOsal. would have IL IN his power 10
deal with the distracted and bankrupt
Government Of the Italian King. Il
would rest with the Pope TO meet the
Government with proposals that might
save the Italian Kingdom, reinstate us
exchequer and thereby restore peace
unity. and prosperity TO Italy
"The claim which the Roman Catn-
Ollie Church would make upon ltaly IN
return for the benefits referred 10
would be the independence of Rome
and of Roman port guaranteed by
Italy and by the powers Of Europe TO
the Roman Ponun that the Italian
post-ofiice telegraphs. railways, and GER
tan other services might run throush
Rome.
1T would also be a matter for arrange
ment and mutual advantage that interest
on the floating debt should be reduced
from 57ie0OopO 10 3i9.Oc00O0 OF lire-in
other words. that the permanent relief 81
2-J.0oO0) of lire which should be effected
would bring substantial relief to the
whole population Of Italy. II would mean
a lowering Of taxation, the relief Of ag-
ricultural industry. The peace that would
ensue from a reconciliation of the Coy
eminent with the Papacy is a motive
strong enough 10 sway the minds OF
statesmen who are capable of measuring
the needs OF nations and "A realization OF
the possibilities of Italy. Sustained by
the undivided patriotism of her children
and practically supported by the active
sympath.es of Catholics throughout the
world. Italy would rise 10 take her place
among foremost nations of the earth
strong in unity and in material pros
perity."
After a further discussion OF the in
ternational questions involved. the cir
cular continues:
These views have been preached in
more than one Catholic country. The
idea Of raising the large sum Of money
needed has been carefully considered by
eminent inanciers and men of business
and il has been pronounced as practica-
be"
As / said in my original dispatch, the
scheme would seem chimercal enough
except that ltaly's practical bankruptcy
and more than threatened anarchy, is
perhaps lost in other vital political ques-
tons before Europe.
But the most widely-circulated news
paper I'm England. by the Importance II
has given to the circular. testifies to the
gravity of the situation and TO the real
weight Of this extraordinary proposition
Ballard Smith. In New York World.