Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-12
CHURCH OF FRANCE
STRIVES FOR PLACE
AGAINST THE STATE
Catholic Services in Paris Are
Permitted on Thursday.
POLICE GUARD CHAMBERS
Fear of Achievement Demonstra.
tions on Part of Clericals.
EXCITEMENT ON THE INCREASE
Expulsion of Mgr. Montagnini Has
Caused Much Bitter FEELING
Prosecutions Begun.
Fear of achievement Demonstra.
tons on Part of Clericals.
EXCITEMENT ON THE INCREASE

The excitement in France over
the law providing for the separa-
ton of church and state is increas-
ing rather than abating, the expul-
sion of Mgr Montagnini having in
creased the bitterness of the Catho-
lies. The project of police this after
noon announced the legalization of
the Catholic services in the churches
of Paris tomorrow. Cardinal Merry
del Val is out in an interview at
Rome today in which he states that
the whole Christian world is sup
porting the pope. Prosecutions have
been begun against some of the I'LL
tramontaine abbes, where the resist
ance to the taking of inventories was
greatest. The reception of Clemen-
ceaus speech is interpreted to mean
that parliament is supporting him.
Three of the Catholic seminaries
HdNC DGGll cVdCudleQ.
PARIS. December 1.-THE project of DO
lice, during the afternoon announced that
the government had accepted the applica-
ton of NJ. Martinez. editor of the Renais-
sance. and Felix Robin for permission. un-
der the public meetings law of 1884, to
hold religious meetings in all the churches,
as being in compliance with the law In
other words the step taken provides tor
the legaliZation of Catholic services in the
churches of Paris tomorrow.
Police Gordon About Chambers.
A detachment of police this afternoon
surrounded the buildings occupied by the
chamber of deputies and the senate, in Or
der to prevent possible anti-government
demonstrations on the part of the clericals
Appeal to Powers.
Special Cablegram to The Star.
ROME. December 12.-The vatican's an
nounced decision not to publish here the
documents containing the instructions to
the French episcopate possibly will be
changed owing to the seizure of the Vati-
can correspondence and communications,
which it was intended to have published in
France. They may be published here, with
view to their transmission to France
through the newspapers.
The Star correspondent is informed that
the pope intended to complain to the Catho-
lie powers against the search of the papal
nunciature in Paris, on the ground that 1t
was still covered by the extra territorial
privilege. But the protest would have
to include the expulsion of Mgr. Montah-
mini, who is covered by diplomatic privi-
lege, and is simply an Italian subject whom
the Italian government ought to have pro-
tected, the idea of lodging a protest was
abandoned lest Franco-Italan complications
might be created.
The Pope Supported.
In an interview today Cardinal Merry del
Val said that the accord among the bishops
and clergy of France in carrying out the
plans of the Vatican was guarantee of
the inevitable triumph of the church. He
declared that the pope had the support of
the whole Christian world.
Excitement Increases.
PARIS. December 12.-The day of grace
granted to the churches of Paris in the
execution of the law providing for the
separation of church and state postpohes
until tomorrow the measures for it's en-
forcement. The delay, however, has only
served to increase the excitement caused
by the expulsion from France yesterday
of Mgr. Montaginin, secretary of the papal
nunclature at Paris.
Prosecutions have been begun against
the ultramontane abbes of the churches
of St Pierre du Gros Gallon, St Angus
Tin and st. Roch, where the greatest re-
sstance to the taking of the inventories
occurred. and 1t has been decided to i'm
mediately take over the buildings be-
longing to the eccleSiastics, stop the PEN
sions of the clergy. compel aspirants to
the priesthood to fulfill their military
obligations. and if necessary, treat the
clergy as subjects of foreign power
This constitutes sufficient demonstra.
ton of the spirit with which the govern
ment intends TO meet resistance.
Clemenceau's Speech.
The reception Of Premier Clemenceau'.
speech in the chamber of deputies las
night also shows that he has parliament a
his back. Nevertheless. NJ Clemeneeau wa.
careful to say that there was still time fo
Catholics to conform to the law. That IN,
rank and file of the liberal Catholics disap
prove of the intransigent attitude of tn,
authorities at Rome is evidenced by tn,
fact that the editor of the Renaissance
Felix Robin has, of his own initiative
filed with Project of Police Lepne an ap
plication under the public meetings Law
of 1881 for permission 10 hold religion.
meetings in all the churches. This afford:
the single ray of hope in the situation
The Figaro today says that Cardinal Rich
ard. archbishop of Paris, at first declined
TO approve of NJ. Robins action, but tina
later he changed his mind.
This application, IL accepted, no matter
whether 1t is approved or disapproved b,
the clergy, will legalize the holding OF re
hgious services and render unnecessary