Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-12-11
READY FOR WURS1
France Prepared to En-
force Laws On Church.
Pope Ready to Give Up Church
and Resort to Private Worship.
Government Regards Affair as a
Political Move.

Paris, Dec. 10.-The press today
unanimously recognized the extreme
gravity of the religious issue precipi-
tated by the Popes intransigcant atti-
tude and many papers predict Il veri-
table religious warfare. The govern
ment's calculations have clearly been
upset and new legislative authority
may be necessary to cope with the sit
uation. 1t having been decided that re-
lieious service cannot be held after to-
morrow without preliminary dccla-
ration under the law of 1881, the Porc's
orders entail the immediate initiation
of prosecutions in $4,000 communes
and logically the invasion of churches
by the police for the purpose of pro-
nouncing their dissolution and eXpell-
ing the parish priests.
The militant Catholics seemingly hail
with joy the prospect of violence, which
will compel the closing of the churche;
with the attendant excitement of rcli-
eious passions. NJ. Jaures, the Social
ist leader, processes to believe that the
Vatican has deliberately determined
to test the strength of the party OF re-
action in an effort to overthrow the re-
| public.
| The Socialist organs generally how
ever. regard the Popc's instructions as
being the result of the government 5
weakness in Offering any concession be-
yond the formation of the cultural as
sociations contemplated under the law
Of 1905 and declare that the government
now has no alternative except to in
sist on declarations being made t
show the eccleSiastics the door.
The conservative papers advise tht
government to remain true to it's liber'
al principles contending that the more
the church is intOlerant and panic
stricken. the more authority it vii
need, provided the government Goe:
not lose its head. The government ha
made preparations to cope with the sit
uation. but is keeping them secret. CIV
identity awaiting to soc whether an
considerable proportion Of the clcrg.
will revolt. The cabinet, however
maintains a resclute front. Instruc
tons to the public prosecutors Wef
telcgraphcd broadcast today. Prenic
Clemenceau is quoted as saying:
"If the church elects to have war,
will have ii. but the world will bea
witness that the Vatican is like for
cicn power. trying to dispute the au
thority Of the French government.
NJ. BRAND. minister Of public wor
ship. says he thinks the Pope yielded I
the uncertainties Of the tlramon
taines. who are possessed with tn
mad idea that ont Of disorder an
civil war. they will emerge triumphant
The government now does not face
revolt Of the conscionccs Of the Frcnc
Catholics, but purely political enter
prise"
Cardinal Richard. archbishop CT PARIS
Announced today that he would Lave HI
ecclesiastical residence Dec. l. and tina
the clergy here Were preparing to leav
their prcshytcricS, etc, upon demand
adding that if they We're driven from III
churches they will olgarize private rellg
ious services.
NJ Meuncr, Radical Republican. intro
duced q bill in the Chamber OF Dcputic
today providing that all buildings occr
ped by ecclesiastics shall definitely r.
vert t. the state the departments an
the commures upon the enactment of til
law.