The San Francisco call., 1904-03-20
Cardinals IndOrSe
the Arrangement
Of COmbeS.
Believe That 1t May Re-
suit in Downfall Of
the Premier.
II Is Not Unlikely That the French
EmbaSSador 10 the Vatican Will
Be Recalled From Italy,
Special Dispatch to The Call.

ROME, March 19.-According to one
OF the Cardinals, the Pope's violent
anti French allocutiOn yesterday was
carefully considered beforehand at a
meeting Of the Cardinals. The reli-
gious situation in France is intolerable
and previous remissness on the
part of the Vatican has encouraged
Premier Combes TO attempt utterly TO
demolish Catholicism and has discour-
aged resistance on the part of French
Catholics.
II is probable that the French En-
bassadOr TO the Vatican viii be re-
called and the concordat abolished, but
this viii assuredly provoke great dis
satisfaction and possibly bring about
the fail Of Combes. At all events, the
church viii thrive in France as in
other countries without ambassadors
or concordats. The unexpected energy
Pope Plus Is displaying. regardless of
temporal benefits. where the religious
interests OF the church are concerned,
is universally admired.
PARIS, March l9.-The Pope's caus-
tic criticism Of French policy in the
course Of his address 10 the Cardinals
yesterday is receiving serious attention
ia the highest quarters here, It has
been regarded as suffcfenfisy Important
10 call for an Official report, which is
TOW in the possession of the authori-
ties. Il was at first thought that the
unofficial reports Of the Popes utter
snces might be overstated, but the Of
fetal report confirms the gravity re-
ported. They referred to the past and
present laws in relation TO teaching by
religious orders. The Pope character
lied some of the steps as contrary TO
liberty and civilization, and he also
criticized the arraignment Of three
French Cardinals before the Council of
state for writing letters TO President
Loubet against the proposed extension
OF the law.
The remarks Of the Pope give ad.
ditional certainty that N. Loubet will
not make a call at the Vatican during
his coming visit TO Rome The plans
for the Presidential trip are now prac-
ticany made up. They include a mil
itary review in Rome, a naval review
al Naples and d number of brilliant
lesser functions, but there is no men-
ton Of the Vatican. This is being com
pared with Emperor Williams con-
spicuOus attentions TO the Vatican au-
thOrities during his visit TO Rome and
his snowy call on Pope Leo, escorted
by cuirassiers. on May 2, 1903.
A prominent parsonage says Presi-
dent Loubet win go to Rome more like
Charlemagne, a representative of au-
thOrity instead Of dependence. The
visit viii also be notable in breaking
the long standing custom that the visit
Of the ruler Of a Catholic country to
Rome required a visit to the Vatican
l. is 2 recognized fact among the dip
lOnats that Emperor Francis Joseph
has not returned the visit Of the King
OF Italy because he would be expected
o. call ct the Vatican. The Kings OF
Spain and Portugal have refralned
from going TO Rome for similar rea-
sons. n. Loubet's visit viii emphasize
q departure from this accepted usage
But the tension between France and
the Vatican promises to be offset by a
strengthening Of the bonds between
France and Italy, particularly concern
ing the Mediterranean interests. The
visit viii follow the conclusion Of tbs
F'rancO-Italian arbitration treaty
which is another link in the interna-
tiCnal understanding which France re-
Gently has been establishing
The situation of Premier Combes
Ministry is gradually becoming preca-
rious as a result Of its recent parlia-
nentary reverses. II is not considered
that an imminent crisis will occur but
even the best informed Government
quarters describe the Ministry as grad.
ually crumbling away. The gradual
sapping Of NJ. Combes' strength is not
due TO the pending law suppressing al
forms OF congregational teaching, az
his majorities have been steadily main.
tained on that question, but the diff
culties are mainly due to socialist
measures for workingmen's pensions
and employment agencies. There is lit
tie doubt that Foreign Minister Del
casse viii remain in Office, as he is con-
sidered TO be the strong man of the
party and his recent treaty acquire
ments are regarded as placing him
among the first statesmen Of contem-
porary France.