New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-02-12

safely be taken for granted that tho prosecu-
lions which he would institute would DO few
and far between II Is the same thing with
the Bishops
THE QUEENS ATTITUDE
II at the outset OF this letter refer to the
position OF the Queen as Supreme Head OF the
Church It Is because at the present moment she
is exercising all her enormous influence to avert
any appeal TO Parliament for legislation in
connection with these matters OF the Church
She remembers the advice OF that astute and
worldly wise prelate Bishop Wilberforce. Of
Winchester. popularity known as "Soapy Sam"
who was never tired Of urging upon his fellow
bishops the avoidance OF Parliament at all costs
II they wished TO avert disestablishment She
realizes that the spirit Of the people in English
speaking countries at the close OF the nineteenth
century is absolutely opposed to the enactment
OF any secular laws dealing with ecclesiastical
Offences since they constitute, TO all ntents
and purposes. an infraction OF that principle
OF civilized government which Is known as lib
erty OF the conscience" Probably half, not
more Of the members Of both Houses OF Parlia-
ment are either Dissenters or Roman Catholics,
and of the possible 40 per cent who belong TO
the Church Of England half again are in favor
the Church OF England The Disorders, as well
as the Roman Catholics. are strongly in favor
Of the establishment OF the Church Of Eng
land. and OF the placing OF all religious denom-
iratons upon the same basis OF equality. Were
the Exeter Hall element TO secure the legisla-
ton which they demand. or were even the pro-
posal OF the Bench OF Bishops to be put into
execution. IL would ultimately result according
TO the most authorized expressions OF expert
opinion, in the withdrawal OF the greater por-
ton OF the High Church element from the
Church OF England In fact, the latter would
be left in such a hopeless minority as to render
its disestablishmcnt inevitable
The Queen. broad minded. experienced and
sagacious woman that she is. realizes this. She
IS anxious TO avoid the discstablshment OF the
Church Of England. at least during her life
time. and that is why she so strongly deprecates
any legislative action Her influence IS likely
to prevail with the Bench OF Bishops. but II is
doubtful II it will prove effective with the Low
Church contingent who already question her
orthodoxy, and who have several times openly
assailcd her for partaking OF communion accord
ing TO Presbyterian rites at the parish church
OF Crathie when staying In Scotland. AT Bal
moral: who have accused her Of Papist leanlngs
merely because she has manifested certain
amount Of courtesy toward the Pope and Of
liberation and kindly regard for his Catholic
subjects who have likewise called her to &C
count for permitting her grandchildren to play
lawn tennis on Sunday at Osborne who. In
short are not in the lcast disposed to accept
her advice in religious matters II she has any
preferences in connection with the Church OF
England ii is rather in favor OF the High Church
party, her extremely broad and tolerant views
In the matter being shared by the Prince and
Princess OF Wales and by all the members OF
the royal family. we'll as by the present
Premier. Lord Salisbury. EX-ATTACHk