The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-09-03
PAPAL MISSION AT ST. PETERSBURG
Monsignor Tarnassi Will BE the vatican's
Representative.

hoprehenthtlNe.
ROME. Aug. 21.-The Russian Governm emit
has decided to establish an extraordinary dip
lomatic mission Of the Vatican at st. Peters
burg. This lie historical event OF which THE
Sun gave hints some months ago. Last year a
high placed parsonage submitted to the Gar a
detailed report on the i'm Importance Of a Nunci-
ature In Russia. General politics. social ques-
tions. the appeasement Of Poland, the benefits
OF close collaboration with the Papacy. the
prestige and influence OF Russia; all this was
pointed out to bring out the value OF such a
diplomatic observatory.
The document produced vivid and satstac-
tory impression upon Nicholas II. conf
Dental person was sent to ROM to examine the
ground and study the feelings Of the Holy See
Leo XIII received him with marked favor but
the Italian government scented the danger.
Moved by this increase Of the Pope's prestige
and by this new mark Of intimacy between
Rome and st. Petersburg 1t was guilty OF indis-
cretions. The news OF the establishment Of a
Nunciaturo naturally caused deep emotion in
Russia. The Procurator OF the Holy Synod. NJ.
Pobedonostzef made use OF every objection
against this plan. 1T would be-" he said. "a
hot-bed for Poles and for intrigues." The
Council Of State was ordered to inquire into
the matter and to render decision.
The idea OF q Nuncature was given mp for
the time being. But the Gear and the Govern
ment did not give UP their long planned
scheme They determined to prepare the
ground by presenting the idea and scheme OF a
confidential mission. the person entrusted with
which should be charged with the task OF es-
tablshing future Nunciature. As soon as the
suspicious Russians should see the good re-
suits OF diplomatic representation with the
Pope they would give up their prejudices.
Last December an intimate friend OF the
Car returned to the Vatican to discuss the
main question and likewise the question OF
persons. After some exchanges OF views II was
decided that Mgr. Tarnassi. internuncio at the
Hague. should be sent on an extraordinary
mission to the Court OF st. Petersburg. Very
discreet and very shrewd. OF independent mind
and character. a man OF diplomatic experience.
Mgr. Tarnassi was clearly designated for the
place because In 1895 he had accompanied
Cardinal Agliardi to the festivals for the coro-
nation OF Nicholas H. While his chief went
back to Rome. Mgr Tarnassi proceeded from
Moscow to st. Petersburg. whore he settled
matters to the satisfaction OF both
parties. His gentle character and his conolliat.
ing spirit won over to him the sympathiss Of
political men at the Russian capital. especially
| that OF M. Mossolof. the director OF foreign
religions whose superior intelligence and ex.
| quisite tact have had an excellent influence or
| the relations between the Pope and the Gear
Some time ago. in June. N. Mossolof and his
| Secretary NJ. Manueloi. who will be accredited
| In October as Russla's representative In eccles
astical matters to the Vatican. arrived In Pari:
and let the Holy See know that they wished
to have an interview with Mgr. Tarnass
| on the subject Of the establishment. a
| st. Petersburg. OF an extraordinary mission
| Soon after NJ Derevitsky. who will take thu
| place Of M. Tcharknow as Russian Minister Il
the Pope. put In his appearance. In July thu
Vatican sent Mgr. Tarnassi to Paris. whore h
| had orders to communicate only with the thre
| Russians. 1t seems that tho negotiations wer
completely successful. since i'm IN sdiately after
Rome and st. Petersburg decided that Mgr
Tarnassi should enter on his mission In au
tumn next
Such Is the beginning OF this diplomat
| representation. viii 1t be the prelude to
Nunciature or permanent Apostolic delega
tionp 1t Is believed so In st. Petersburg an
hoped so at the Vatican. 1t will depend OF
| men and circumstances. Mgr. Tarnassi is tn
! man to win the game. He will take with hin
very precise instructions to do away wit
prejndices and to make the m ost hostile under
stand that this diplomatic post will render t
Russia services Of the first order.
Itseems needless. too. to point out the sign
| fcance OF this new success OF Papal policy
| Under present circumstances, at the momeE
whom Russia Is completing her work OF aSsim
lation and conquest In Asia, this intimate com
bination OF the two courts will not fail to excl
on general Affairs an influence that cannot b
measured.
The role OF the Vatican will increase with tn
role OF Russia and vice versa. may add. how
over. that this diplomatic event will dra
closer the bond OF tho Franco Russian allianc
and that the Russo Pontihcal intimacy will nc
fail to still further improve the relations
tho Pope with the French Republic. At tn
, Quirinal. where troubled consciences tremb
at the slightest success on the part OF the Vat
can. all sorts Of results are foreboded from tn
improvement. Men there no longer believe
the eficacious character OF tho Triple Allianc
all the more because they are net ignorant
the Kaissr's fixed idea about having an unde
standing with France In extra Continent
matters.
This event is a triumph and a source OF col
: ISOLATION for Leo KILL. whose health viii in
prove on account Of it. INNoMINATo.
| ----
Captured Big Turtle.
! From ne AiUord tAast.) NslOJ