New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-02
BURST CHURCH DOORS.
POLICE INJURE MANY.
France IN Turmoil OUer Operation
of SeparGtion Bill.

Paris, Feb. 1.-Dverywhere In France the
actual putting into operation of the clause or
the Church and State Separation bill which pro-
vides for the making of inventories of the prop
erty of the churches has aroused a storm or pro-
test In several provincial parishes Catholics
have gathered in the churches and made such
strong resistance that the government commits
sioners were unable to enter the edihce5.
In Paris to-day violent scenes took place In
several churches. notably those OF ST Hoch
and St. Clothilde An inventory of the property
OF the Church of ST. Roch has not yet been
made. owing 10 the opposition of the congrega-
ton. but the defenders of the Church of st.
Clothilde succumbed before the energetic as
sault OF an armed force, which acted the
avowed intention of the government to use
every means at its disposal to compel obedience
to the enactment.
In the Chamber OF Deputies this afternoon
Premier Rouvter's reply to an Interpolation
the subject by 2 Socialist Deputy. NJ. Allard.
was given amid great uproar. The government.
however, received vote OF confidence, after the
Premier had assured the Chamber that the gov
ernment was desirous of using tact and mod
Grafton in carrying out the law. but that it was
fully determined to perform its duty, no matter
what the cost
While the Ministry was being interpellated
in the Chamber scenes of extreme violence
were lrdHSplr1ng at the Cnurch of st. ClOthide,
near the Chamber of Deputies The church
had been filed since early morning, the con-
gregation including many prominent members
of the nobility, Senators and Deputies Before
the Government Commissioner appeared. po-
lice official who attempted to induce the clergy
to permit inventory to be taken received
severe maltreatment. while outside the police
men and mounted municipal guards wers
compelled 10 adopt the sternest measures in5
order 10 dsperse the turbulent crowd. Re-
peated charges occurred leading to fifty ar
rests. Among those taken into custody were
two priests. The crowd eventually became so
violent in the Rue de Grenelle that the police
drew their swords. Many persons. including
some policemen. were injured.
The Prefect of Police NJ Lepine. personally
supeefatended the maintenance of order. but
despite the fact that he repeatedly counseued
canness, the Prefect was unable 10 restore
quiet Eventually two fire engines were ordered
to take up position near the church. so as TO
be able II necessary to drench the crowd which
obstinatey refused to move, the women show
ing the greatest determination. opening UNI
brelIas for their protection, and in the mean
while chanting psalms
BARRICADEs IN CHURCH
NJ Lepfne ordered the municipal guards and
broken chairs the officers broke down the rail-
ines in front os the entrance. while the crowd
rained hea " blows upon thsnl- Then the fire
men burst in the doors and the police and mu-
nictpal quarts entered the building. One OF the
principal officers was severely wounded Inside
the church the congregation had erected barrl-
cades which had TO be- taken by assault, while
men and women tainted After the church had
been cleared the Commissioner proceeded to take
the inventory. the mob outside singing canticles
The energetic measures taken by the police
had the effect of almost completely clearing the
church except at the altar. where few of the
congregation and some young priests stood de-
family brandishng sticks. These were allowed
to remain
The election of the remainder of the crowd
suited in the injuring of many persons both
sides including fifty policemen and guards and
a still higher number of the militant Catholics.
One hundred and fifty members Of the congre-
CATION were arrested.
Several guards had their rifles snatched from
them. and they fought with their hands against
the people, some of whom were armed with
sword sticks One of the barricades erected in
the church was thirty feet high.
After the people had been driven out NJ.
Lepine in order to prevent further interruption
of the inventory. placed a triple rank Of guards
armed with rifles around the choir. The Com
missioner was thus enabled to proceed with his
work which he had about completed tonight.
All the windows in the church were broken.
and every chair smashed Among the wreckage
scattered over the floor tonight are numerous
umbrellas and hats
| dispatch from DiJon says that fresh dis
turbances broke out to-day in front of the
Church Of 81. Michel The square was cleared
only after the free use of fire hose and the
efforts of mounted gendarmes Many arrests
We're made.
OPI ENrEEE'C PIN IIrCK