New-York tribune., 1901-07-28

A decree known as the Lerdo law was passed
In June, 1856, providing that no corporation
could hold real estate IN Mexico. AS the Church
was the only corporation then existing, it
compelled by the decree to sell all real estate to
the tenants occupying it at a price fixed by
capitazing the rent basis Of per cent
year rate of interest. The Church retained
mortgage equal 20 the price fixed This law was
the cause OF two subsequent instructions which
the Church promoted. and which President
Comonfort subdued. In a short time the Con-
servatives came again into power but the Lib
erals. under the masterful leadership of Juarez
succeeded in conQuering them, and bringing the
war to a close in December, 1860
During this last struggle of the Church for
supremacy Juarez issued from Vera Cruz in
July, 1903, the famous reform laws which were
calculated to destroy effectually the political
power of the clergy. All Church property was
declared to be national. 1t sold by the
JuareZ government to the occupants, the price
being nominal Payments were partially made
IN national bonds, then worth about Per cent
or their face value The Church was disqualified
from owning real estate in the future. The
clergy were deprived of the right to hold office.
Converts were suppressed and the number of
churches was reduced. The clergy
PEELED to relinquish the right of interference in
marriages. births and deaths. and civil regis
try established The ringing of bells was
prohibited, and no religious ceremonies pro-
cessions were permitted outside of the churches
The list of feast days, amounting to one-fourth
OF al me DAYS IN the year ana Keeping the peo-
pie in idleness, was reduced to three or four for
IIle year trleStS were not permitted 10 wear
their robes of office in the streets. In short. the
Church shorn of her power and the infu-
ence Of the Conservative, Clerical, party was
practically destroyed.
CHURCH ACCEPTS CONDITIONS.
The ascendency of the Liberals has been un-
questioned since the restoration of the Juarez
government. in 1867, following the overthrow of
Macmillan. The Church party since that time
has accepted the changed condition of things
In dc pf Oted
Catholics. who realize the danger and disaster
in any reactionary movement. They among
the warmest supporters Of the wise and able ad-
ministration Of President Diaz. Peace under
Diaz has been so complete that the people have
grown away from their former habits of revo-
luton. The material development of the coun-
try, which has been so great, has furnished the
best security for the maintenance of peace. The
contest, waged for years. one for supremacy
between Liberals and Conservatives-between
old and ideas The Church party has
no organiZation-no power II cannot and will
not attempt to regain control of the affairs of
the country. The recent demonstrations,
ported, appear to be on the part of students
who Liberals, and in the columns of extreme
Liberal papers. In fact, it is nothing more nor
less than public dsapproval of the moral den-
quencies of two individual priests In the case
OF Icaza some of the persons most interested in
his prosecution ultra Clercals
The aristocratic elements in Mexico are Con
serVatives, or Church party people, but they are
vastly in the minority: Besides, they are pros
porous, and they love the prosperity of peace
better than the disaster that would follow the
futile attempt at overthrowing the government
and re-establishng the Church in power.
There will be revolution in Mexico Diaz
is President.