The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-01-16
FRENCH PRELATES
CONTINUE THEIR
SECRET SESSION

Paris. Jan. l6.-In the Chateau dc la
Muette, the palace where Marie Antol-
nette passed her FIRST happy hours as
queen of France, nearly 50 dignstaries OF
the church yesterday began what Is called
the third plenary council The crowa
had seen the members OF the council as
semble I'm automobiles, carriages and on
foot. sometimes accompanied by their
hosts. but the prelates only were admit
ted, with some secretaries, ana IL 10 an
nounced that until Friday al least the
seal OF secrecy viii not be broken.
Beyond the publication of the order Tor
the council nothing has been permitted
TO transpire, save that the council re-
ferred the chief questions before II 10 tour
committees. The first committee VIII con-
slider projects OF worship, the second the
support OF the clergy and the third ana
fourth general clerical organization.
Cardinal Richard, archbishop OF Paris,
was not present in the morning, but ne
attended In the afternoon.
IL Is rumored that courier VIII de-
part daily by way OF the Belgian from
tier to forward a report TO Rome or each
days doings OF the council. This Is done
rather than 10 trust the telegraph system
OF France which Is under the absolute
control of the government, and all mes
sages are subject TO censorship Even
where censorship is not exercised the gov
ernment may through its control OF tho
liness inform itself OF what Is going on.
In the case OF cipher dispatches IL can
hold them up altogether II IT is unable
to decipher them. Dispatches may be mu-
tilated or stopped at the pleasure of the
government.
The Petit Partisan says IL learns that
Mgr Dadolle read TO the council a papal
letter, which was listened TO standing.
The bishops intend to form diocesan
sub-committees I'm every chief town To as
sist direct and collateral heirs m claiming
the reversion OF funds left TO the church
for specific purposes, like the saying o:
masses.
Count de Franqueville wished 10 allo-
cate a room for use OF journalists during
the assembly but Cardinal Richasd ruled
otherwise.
The Journal. I'm its resume OF the pro-
ceedings says the bishops decided to con-
tinue public worship without using the
guarantees offered by the now law Lay
parish associations. however, can be au-
thorized IL they do not trench In any
way upon the cures absolute rights as
regards worship.
A proposition was made by Deputy
Flandid yesterday looking TO modihca-
tion OF the law OF 1881. i.ld the chamber
a.
proposition fs 10 make all public meet
ings. except those held I'm the streets. in
dependent OF public authorization. thus
rendering II unnecessary 10 make appli-
cation TO the authorities for permission
to hold church meetings.
The question Of the support OF aged
priests also came up In the chamber and
gave rise 10 much discussion. NJ BRAND.
minister OF public instruction. said they
would have pensions. as under the law OF
1905. As side issue to this debate. there
arose discussion OF the question OF pri-
vate or public worship.
Able Jules Lemire. who IL one OF the
representatives. OF the department du
Nord, declared unequlvocally for the con-
tnuance of public worship. He said that
after all the church had lost she could
not now, after her glorious history. con-
sent To replace her magnificent cathedrals
with insignificant chapels.
This legislative discussion is concurren.
with the rumor published by an anti
church organ that the council OF bishops
viii not under any circumstances advo-
cate private worship. lest the nominal
adhcrents OF the church fail to attend SER
vices at all IL they should be held under
private organization thus throwing the
burden OF church support on a lesser
number Of devotees.