The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-11-12
I Republican POpe.s


For mere tfan quarter Of a century
lie Catholics IN Italy have been dcblrrcd
by order of the Church from taxing any
part IN Parliamentary elections. 10 what
extent these commands OF the Vatican
have been oheycd may De gathered from
tho fact that ia Il country OF practically
universal suffrage, where tho adult male
population numbers according TO the lat
est census considerably over 1900 OJ1. not
more than 10000 have ever yet cast their
votes AT the polls at any general cleo
ton. Time and again IL has been urged
upon the Quirinal TO come 20 some under
standing with the Vatican. in order that
the latent ana wellngh overwhelming
force constituted by the hitherto unused
votes might be placed by the Papacy AT
the disposal OF the Government. and thus
render the latter independent OF the radi-
cal and Republican elements which. as
matters stand now. rule the coast to such
an extent IN Italy as TO compel King
Hunt ert TO purchase their ephomerai
support by permanent concessions dan
ecrOus 10 the dynasty. But the monarch
could never muster up sufficient courage
10 grasp the olive branch rendered by the
Church, and to-day, when Premier Rudini
by every means m his power Is endeavOr-
ing 10 repair the effects OF the persistent
hostility which his predecessors, especial
~ SiCnOr CriSpi have manifested toward
the Church. II is apparently too late. For
Leo. Kill. one OF the most Democratic
and Progressive Pontins who have ever
exercised spiritual sway over the Catholic
world. seems TO have determined NJ
length 10 Withdraw the Papal inhibition
against taking part in general elections.
and 10 let loose upon the polls some two
million or more new voters, whose SUI
fraees viii not Dee in favor OF the mon
archy. but against n.
In one word the Pope having found no
disposition on the part OF the present
Italian dynasty 10 come TO an understand
ing either with regard 10 the temperate
ties of the Papacy. or upon any other sub
ject has wisely decided to throw in his
lot with the republic. as being the form
of the Government OF the future. with
that prcscieuce which sometimes comes
10 men on the border Of the grave. h. APP
parcntly fOrcseos that the days OF the
mOnarchical system not alone IN Italy,
but i'm all other parts Of the world. are
drawing 10 "A close. and accordingly ne -
manoeuvrng the sails of the Church so
as TO adapt themselves 10 the wind OF
Democracy. That Is why be- has Just
astounded the Catholic world by appoint
ing as Nuncio TO Paris a prelate entirely
devoid Of diplomatic experience. whose
only recommendation IL that he Is an ar
dent Republican. that Is why he processes
such unbOunded admiration for Ameri-
ca and American institutions. ana That
also Is the reason why the Catholic cleo
TORS now for the first time sent TO the
polls, are openly recommended by the
Vatican 10 disassocatc themselves from
the cause OF the monarchy and 10 prepare
20 accept another form Of government
that is 10 say. a republic.
In acting thus. Leo Kill Is not prompt
ed by any feeling OF animosity or re-
Vcnge against the Quirinal. but solely and
entirely by the interests Of the Church.
These interests. in his opinion. as In that
OF the majority Of the Sacred College. arr
likely TO be more surely safeguardod by
an alliance with the Republican element,
daily growing In size and strength. than
with the decaying Italian monarchy. At
no time has the latter been 70 unpopular
as now. the people at large holding King
Humbert responsible for the Abysslnian
disasters and for the terrible economic
situation OF the country. They identity
him with the abhorrcd Tri.le Alliance.
which has been the bane Of Italy. polite
ally. financially. industrially. and COM
merciaily. And should one OF these days
the ruined. starving and overtaxcd pop
ulation rise up In It's despair TO overthrow
q dynasty that has transformed Italy
from the faircst and gladdest country IN
Europe into the saddest. II will be found
that the Papacy will have weathered this
az 50 many previous storms. and that
with all sail set 10 the Democratic wind
il is riding safely on the stormy waves
OF the rtyolution.-New York Tribune.