The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-16
THE VATICAN AND CHINA.
Rights Conceded According to an
Agreement mt Pekin.

(From the New York Tribune)
1t can easily be understood that con-
ceSsiors such as are contained In the fol-
lowing would stir up resentment ON fhe
part of a people so conservative as the
Chinese. Here are the exact terms Of the
agreement entered into between the Chi
nese Government at Pekin and the Papal
Secretary OF State. Cardinal Rampolla del
Tiudaro. acting through the Vicar Apos-
tolic of Pekin. Monsignor Favier. The
date Of the instruments Is twenty months
ago. and the instrument begins with this
preamble:
THE Imperial Government having for
long time authorized the propagation of
the Catholic religion. and Catholic church
es having in consequence been established
In all the provinces OF China. we are de-
sirous to see our people and Christians live
In harmony. To insure reader protec-
ton. it has been agreed that the local au-
thorities shall exchange visits with mis-
sionaries according to the conditions speci-
fed in the following articles:
First. In the ecclesiastical hierarchy
Bishops shall be entitled to the same rank
and dignity as Vicer0ys and Governors,
and shall be privileged to interview Vice.
roys and Governors.
I'm case a Bishop is called away or dies.
the priest in charge shall be privileged to
interview Viceroys and Governors. Wears
General and Archpriests shall be pfivi-
legged to interview treasurers and judges
as well as intendents. Other priests shall
be privileged to interview projects OF the
first and second class, projects indepeI-
dent, ub-p-efects. and other functio5aries.
all OF whom shall return courtesies. ac-
ccrding to rank.
Second. Bishops shall make list Of the
priests appointed to take charge o. affairs
and interview the authorities. giving mans
and locations of missions. This list shall
be sent to the Viceroy or Governor, VITO
will direct under officials to receive them
according to this regulation.
priests requesting en- interview, or
those specially appointed to take charge OF
affairs. should be Europeans. II, however,
a European priest be not conversant with
the language of China. he may be accom-
panied by Chinese priest acting as an in
terpreter.
Third. 1t would be useless for Bishops
living away from cities to visit the pso-
vincial capital for the purpose Of being re-
ceived by the Vieeroys Or the Goysrnor, u
they have no business in hand. AT the in-
stallation of a new yiceroy or Governor.
upon the arrival of new Bishop. or upon
any occasion or ceremony as New Years
Day and the principal feasts. Bishops shalt
be privileged to write private letters to the
enclosing their cards Viceroys and Gov
ernor shall return the courtesy. Before
leaving or upon their arrival Other prie Is
shall, provided they have letter from
their Bishop be privileged to interview.
etc.. according to their rank.
Fourth II any grave or important mat
ter concerning any mission in any province
should arise the Bishop ard missionaries in
office shall go to the minister or members
Of the council which the Pope has appoint-
ed as religious protectorate- The lat
ter shall have the right Of deciding. to-
gether with the Tsung-li-Yamen. or the
local authorities. II mandarin is con-
suited on an official question by either q
Bishop or a missionary he must give the
matter immediate and polite attention. and
Institute an investigation.
Fifth AS occasions arise the local au-
thorities shall counsel the people. exnort-
ing them to unite with the Christians. They
shall never encourage hatred or counte-
nance dissensioE. Bishops and priests
shall likewise exhort all Christians to
strive earnestly toward maintaining the
good repute of the Catholic religion, so
that the people may be content and appre-
ciative. In any suit between the people
and the Christians the local authorities
shall judge and rule with equity: that the
shall neither interfere nor
give their protection with partiality.''
The purpose of the concerdat was to give
Catholic prelates official standing to ena-
BILE them to overcome curious Chinese eti-
quette and to deal personally with officials
rather than. as in the past. with the Con-
:us. 1t was step in the direction of good
government. and net OF necessity a relig-
cus propaganda. Ald yet it could easily
be misunderstood by the people. as it
doubtless was. and so have played its part
N bringing on the present trouble.
The Roman Catholic Church has no mis-
scenarios from America in China. Almost
III Of its missionaries there go from France,
few from Italy and Belgium, and very
ew from Holland. All priests are regular,
'ince it is found that the orders can act
Is missionary societies. raise funds and
maintain discipline far better than could
he Propaganda Eide acting direct and
iealing with seculars.
The latest figures from the ''Missiones
-atholicae" issued by the Propaganda
Eide at Rome and covering the Chinese
Empire, are nearly Twenty months old.
They estimate the population of all China
o be 4i9 155. 900. giving their figures by
districts. and claim the Catholic popula-
ion as 1924 This is the result OF 400
Tears OF work In that country, or since ST.
francis Xavier opened the door. The num-
yer of Catholics in the districts now over
un by the Boxers or where trouble is fear
ID is given as follows: Manchuria, 81 900:
forth Pe-chi-li, $4,000; Southeast Pe-chi-
|. $4,000: Southwest Pe-chi-li. % 900:
North Shantung $4,000; East Shantuug,
eco, and South Shantung. 1000.
Over the Line to Reno.