The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1906-12-29

Paris, Dec. 28-The Senate took up the
religious bill to-day, and from the pre-
lminary votes, it looks as though the
measure viii be adopted by majority
as substantial as that given it in the
Chamber of Deputies, although the Senate
was not disposed to hurry it through al
a single session, as did the chamber.
Minister BRAND and N, Lecomte, the
reporter Of the bill, were the only speak
ers Tor the government. Several sena-
tors spoke in opposition. NJ. BRAND made
a forcible speech, speaking as one with
abundant confidence in his cause and his
position strong demand was immedi-
ately made that his address be printed
and placarded throughout the country.
This was opposed. but it was finally de-
clded by vote Of 1S3 10 S6 to have the
speech posted throughout France.
Speaking for the church, Count de la
Cases said that it had demanded only
a common right. To this N. BRAND re-
Piled.
we have offered yo{ a common right
improved. We have modified the re-
quirements Of the law OF 1881 IN your
favor, but the church will have none of
1t, although many of the clergy and
parlshioners ere willing to act under It."
VIII Not Accept Law.
Senator he Ia Marsene another oppo-
nent of the measure, said that the Cath
olics would not accept it unless it was
made to conform with the United States
laws IN respect to the acceptance Of the
bishops word as to the regularity Of
priests. He also objected 90 VI. Brands
circular replacing a law. NJ. BRAND, re-
plying to these objections, said.
we have made You a better offer than
my circular. We have offered you a new
Law and you reject it in advance
N. BRAND voiced some vivid and direct
sentences in the course Of his speech.
which was received with applause by the
left and mUrmurs from the right We
are giving you liberties" he said Lib
erty is the worst enemy the church can
meet II public religion cease in France
II VIII cease only by order OF the Vatican,
and the country viii not deceive itself on
that point. I am not entirely satifed
that the papacy is not as much occupied
in protecting itself from the French clergy
IS from other French citizens"
Does Not Give Catholics Liberty.
Count de las Cases opened the debate
on behalf Of the right. lie claimed that
the bin did not give Catholics liberty
under their common right. The proposed
law was a mockery. He did not ask for
a centime in the budget, and did not ask
a single privilege. He only demanded the
liberty Of common right. Leave the
church TO the church and the state to the
state,
NJ Lec0mte replied, after affirming that
the government would not renounce its
prerogative. 1t could not bend before
the Will of the Catholics. Parliament
ought TO supply the government with the
arms il demanded
n. de LamarzeUe repToached the gov
eminent for ignoring the Pope. whom
alone. as regards religion. Catholics re-
Cognlzed- The government had expected
the Catholics 20 yield rather than be
despolled of their property, but il found
itself deceived. Hence arose the impasse
where it found itself to-day The speaker
especially criticised the provisions Of the
measure under which projects and mayors
are 10 give authorizations to the clergy
for conducting services I'm churches. II
was asked how il is these authorities de-
termine if priests demanding the lease ~
a church were suitable men. To this II
was replied that if there were doubt the
tribunals could settle the matter
The opponents Of the bill refused to ac-
cept such decision, except, as they de-
clared, ION condition that your law allows
the Catholic hierarchy to be respected. as
IN the United States. where the tribunals
suspend making an enactment until the
bishop has designated "a priest who alone
has the qualifications for claiming the
use of a church"