The Oskaloosa herald., 1906-08-16
ENCYCL|CAL
ST|RS UP FRANCE
PoNTIFF's DECISION MAY CAUSE
RELIGIOUS STRIFE.
SEEKING TO MODIFY LAW
Opinion Prevails That Vatican Wishes
to Create a Situation Compelling
the Government to compro-
mise with Church.

Paris, Aug. 15.-The pope's ency.
clical to the archbishops and bishops
Of France prescribing their attitude
with regard to the church and state
separation law attracts widespread at
tention here and its probable effects
are the subject Of animated discussion
by the press and public and particu-
larly by the clerical and official classes
responsible for the execution of the
law.
A pontifical messenger arrived here
Tuesday morning bearing the docu-
ment to Archbishop Richard, who
soon afterward gave out the document
for publication. The encourage Of
the archbishop summarized their
views in the following words: "The
pope has spoken, and we bow with
submission and Joy to his instruc-
tions."
Fear Religious Strife.
While this reflects the general at.
titude of the hierarchy, yet consid-
cradle element among the clergy re-
ceives the decision by the pontiff with
disappointment and regret as being
likely to inaugurate an era of religious
strife.
At the archbishopric it was stated
that no steps have yet been taken to
insure the continued operations of
churches. 1t is understood that the
encyclical was accompanied by in
structions concerning the means the
hierarchy should adopt.
The view generally prevails that
the vatican seeks to create situa'
ton compelling the government to
enter into negotiations for some form
of church organization that will be
acceptable both to the church and to
the state. However, there is no in
dication OF the governments willing.
ness in that direction.
Opinions of the Press.
The government journals strongly
disapprove of the encyclical. The
Tempts says: 'The resolution to
afiict all friends of religious peace is
very apparent UncompromsingnesH
dominates pontifcal circles. An i'm
mense majority of reasonable French
Catholics desired the benefit of the
liberal provisions Of the separation
law. 1t goes without saying that the
pontiflcal decision will not change the
sentiment of liberal-minded French
men who, above all, wish for religious
peace. The separation law contains
broad and tolerant dispositions and
Is accepted as such by unprejudiced
men. The anti-clericals even raised
objections to the liberality of the law
One wonders to what hopes or chin
era the pope is now clinging. Has the
lesson of the Inventories taught Rome
nothing? The only outcome of pom
tifical resistance is that the church
| herself, deprives her devotees of the
worship to which they are attaches
by old customs. The strange para
dox occurs that the religious authori'
ties refuse the churches the powers
offered them by the law. This sensi-
BILE and clear-minded nation, desirous
of peace before everything, never will
admit the decision to be the fruit OF
truly Christian or logical and sensible
inspiration"
La Croix, representing the clericals
says: THE pope's wish will be re
| allied Catholics are about to unite
in obedience under the direction of the
| bishops. Despite possible trials, the
church will emerge finally victorious.
L