New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-07-15
FRANCE, ITALY AND THE VATICAN.

The French Chamber Of Deputies has passed
by a strong majority a bill abolishing the Con-
cordat and separat ting church and state. Stimuli
taneOusly there are observed In several direc-
ions some novel and impressive indications of a
growing approachment between the Vatican and
the QuirinaL Whether there is any direct con-
nection Of cause and effect between the two
incidents is fair subject Of speculation. 1t is
quite possible that such a connection exists. 1t
would be in accord with precedent. and with
that political discretion in which the Roman
Church has not often been lacking. If such is
the case, It is to be regarded with qualification
as a good result proceeding from a good cause.
The principle of free church in free state Is
unhesitatngly to be commended, and the eStab-
Ishment OF friendly relations between the Ro-
man Church and the Italian government is, for
the sake Of both Of them to be desired.
1t is too soon, Of course to regard the French
bill in question as a law. IT has been passed
by the Deputies, but it is still to be acted upon
by the Senate and what the latter body will do
with It is not to be foretold. 1t is said by some
that, If the Senate makes any changes in II, they
will not be In the direction of liberalism. The
fact is that the bin as IT now stands is much
more liberal and much more favorable to the
church than 1t was when first conceived by Dr.
Combes. The men in charge of 1t have recog-
nized the fact that, however strongly they may
oppose and resent clerical meddling In political
affairs. the mass of French people are after all,
attached pretty strongly to the Roman Catholic
Church, and would not be pleased to see it suffer
anything savOrlng of persecution. They have,
therefore, confessedly drafted this bill with a
view to making ii acceptable to French Catho-
lies, In that 1t may be that they have succeeded.
clerical representative said In the Chamber
upon the passage Of the bill that the church had
no need Of the state, but wanted only liberty
The bill in its present form gives 1t liberty.
Nevertheless, as we have said, it Is impossible
to tell what the Senate will do
Whatever France may do, however good DUR
poses would be served by an Impeachment be-
tween the Vatican and the QuirinaI By that is
not meant any erection Of the church into a
semi-political establishment but merely the
elimination Of antagonism between church and
state and the realization of Cavour's already
quoted ideal. Such a change would probably be
beneficial to the church. It almost certainly
would be to the state, for then the church ban
upon political activity would be removed, and
multitude of intelligent and patriotic Cath
olics would openly and actively take part in po-
litical affairs. The influence Of that element IN
Italian public life would be sautary, especially
IN resisting the growth Of the wilder phases of
socialism and communism, not to say anarchy
Such an influence is needed in Italy. and there
is no apparent source from which it can come
save that substantial Catholic element of the
| population which has long been nominaIIv for
bldden even to vote. and which has taken mart
IN politics only in a furtive manner or under a
practical transgression Of the orders Of tba
church The two movements. in France and in
Italy. are swingings Of pendulums from oppo-
site extremes toward a common centre fba
reaching Of which should be for the good of all
| concerned.