Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-13

Manager Montagnini the expelled secre-
tary of the papal nunciature here, show
that the majority of the French bishops
favored observance of the law of 1881 and
bowed with reluctance to the papal decree.
The. official statement adds that the invi-
olablity of the diplomatic correspondence
of the nunciature was scrupulously respect
ed before the rupture between the vatican
and France.
Made Lengthy Report.
ROME, December 13.-Immediatey aiter
his arrival here today, Mgr. Montagnlnl'
the expelled secretary of the papal nuncla-
ture at Paris went to the vatican ana con-
ferred with Papal Secretary of State Merry
Del Val, and Mgr. Della Chiesa and Mgr.
Gasparri. the assistant secretaries. ana
made them a long report on the sltuatloh
in France, especially in regard to the docu-
ments seized at the Paris nunciature, sew
eral hundreds of which deal entirety WIN
the F'ranco-vatican conflict, and VIII pe
especially interesting to the F'rench gov
eminent as showing. it is asserted here, the
differences of opinion among the members
of the French episcopacy.
The report Of Mgr Montagnini VIII pc
used for a protest to the foreign powers
against the action of the French govern
ment. 80,
Immediately after his conference with
Cardinal Merry Del Val, Mgr. Monta gnini
went to the pope, who asked for minute
details of the secretarys expulsion and
of the documents seized Mgr. Montagnlni
expressed the distress which he felt as a
result of his expulsion, and presented TO
the pontiff a rather dark picture Of the
situa ton. saying he believed the present
French government will not be induced to
change the attitude which it has assumed
toward the vatican.
Overwhelmed With Sorrow.
BOSTON, December 13.-The French gov
eminent was vigorously denounced last
night for its action against the Roman
Catholic Church By Archbishop Coadjutor
William H. OConnell of the diocese OF
Boston. in a brief address before the Cath
Ollie union. The occasion was lecture by
Monsignor John S. Vaughan OF London,
and In introducing the lecturer. Archbishop
O'Connell said in part:
1--WE Catholics in America. Wnere rens-
ious federation is so common and SO WIDE
spread, cannot sat be overwhelmed with
sorrow 4
at the conditions which exist today in an
other nation whose name l need not men.
ton and whose position in church ai1a1rs
is attracting so much attention from think
ing people all over the world. The fact that
this nation is and has been for SO many
centuries such a stronghold of the church
only adds to the sadness which Catholics
feel when they consider the extent to which
the enemies of the church have gone to ac-
complish their evil designs.
Principles Laid Aside.
Every principle of justice. fair play and
common decency has been laid aside by
this most barefaced tyranny, which de-
prives the citizens of republic of the
privilege of worshiping as they see fit. It
is an oppression of the weak, done in so
evil a manner that the hearts of right
thinking men of all countries and all creeds
must be outraged by the actions of the
men who control the destinies of that ma
ton.
THANK God there are thousands of fam
lilies in poor France who will give up all,
even their lives if necessary. to keep alive
the faith in spite of all opposition and OPP
preston and 1t is in them that Catholics
the world over hope for the successful solu-:
ton of the present difficulties. ssss
A Complicated Situation.
An effort was made today to secure state
ments bearing upon the situation in France
from priests prominent in the Catholic
Church in the District, but the prevailing
sentiment appeared to be unwillingness to
enter into discussion while matters are
still in so unsettled a state in Paris and
the surrounding country. Probably the gen.
eral attitude was best illustrated in the
words of Monsignor O'Connell rector of the
Catholic University, Brookland, d. c., when
in answer to a query from Star reporter
he declared he did not fully understand
the situation in France. 1T is all SO COM
plicated that fear could not make COM
ment intelligently," he continued. Il was
in Rome last year. but l went to Italy d.
rect and neither passed through france
nor entered into study of the situation In
that country" and Monsignor O'Connell in
sisted that he be excused from making
statement at this time.