The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-07-04
BILL IS PASSED
BY THE DEPUTIES
Provides Separation of Church
and State
WAS BITTERLY CONTESTED
Opponents of PLEASURE Moved No Less
Than $50 Amendments, All of
Which Were Rejected
After Debate.
WAS BITTERLY CONTESTED

Paris, July 3.--The bill for the separation
of church and state passed the Chamber
of Deputies late tonight by the decisive
vote of sf to 2ss The result was greeted
by governmental cheering and opposition
Kisses and there was intense excitement.
When the fcssdS was officially given
out there was renewed clanlor, partici-
pated in by those in the crowded galleries
and lobbies, as well as by those on the
floor of the chamber.
This most important legislation becomes
an accomplished fact so far as the Cham
Der of Deputies is concerned. Supporters of
the government congratulate themselves
on concluding before the long vacation the
heavy task which has occupied the entro
time of the house since March % The
opponents of the measure utilized every
means to prevent the bill becoming a law
before the approaching general election,
moving no fewer than 250 amendments.
which We're rejected. The discussion of one
of these amendments sometimes occupied
whole sitting.
Showed Reasonable Spirit.
The committee charged with seeing the
enactment of the bill through the house
showed very reasonable spirit by accept
ing suggestions from all sides in order
to render the bill as liberal as possible
at the same time taking every precaution
to avoid leaving loopholes for intrigue.
The text of the bill has been almost COM
pletely revised by the committee with the
consent of the house since its introduc.
tion.
The broad principle of reform, however.
Is permitted to stand, fulfilling the long
expressed desire of advanced republicans
to see the state entirely untrammelled
by connection with any religion or sect.
The system swept away by this bill dates
from 1907, when the famous concordat was
signed by Plus VII. and Napoleon.
This gave religion governmental status.
the churches being government property
with the clergy paid by the state and the
entire church administration being under
the direction Of a member of the presi-
dents cabinet The new system abol-
ishes all laws and regulations under the
concordat and terminates the authority
of the concordat itself. The general prin-
ciple of the measure as finally adopted
by the chamber Of deputies is as follows:
lnsures Liberty of Conscience.
1.-THE republic assures liberty of con-
science and guarantees the free exercise
of religion subjects to the restrictions of
public order. The republic neither recog-
nizes, pays stipends to, nor subsidies
any sect. but provides funds for colleges,
hospital and asylum chaplains. Otherwise
the public worship budget is abolished
and public establishments connected with
religion are suppressed"
The most active contest took place over
the proposition whereby the priceless
riches of the church, consisting of col
lections made during many centuries Of
paintings, tapestries and statuary were
to be passed to the state. This was final
ly modified so that civil organizations
retain control Of the goods Of the church.
One of the last amendments adopted pro-
hibits members of the clergy becoming
members or holding other municipal Of
fees during the eight years during the
adoption of the law. This was bitterly
contested on the ground that 1t created
class distinction. which 1t was the theory
of the bill to terminate. Rigorous pro-
visions are made against clergymen taxi
ing any active part in politics.