New-York tribune., 1908-09-14
4RCHRISHOP,S PROTEST.
Bourne Makes Public Correspond
ence 5cith Government.

London Sept 14.-Archbishop Bourne has
sent to the newspapers a copy Of the corre-
spondence which preceded the change in the
plans fer the Catholic procession. from which
1t appears that Premier Asquith sent TO the
Archbishop through the Marquis of Ripon, Lord
of Privv Seal on Thursday morning the first
intinaation of his wish that the ceremony of
carrying the Host through the streets Of Lon
don should be abandoned
Archbishop Bourne, in reply, sent TO the Pre-
rnier a long statement of his views, protesting
against changing the plans at the last moment
when all the elaborate arrangements had been
completed in the belief that objection to the
holding Of the procession would be offered. In
his communication the Archbishop declined to
accede TO the PreTnier's request unless the lat
ter accepted full responsibility. He pointed out,
at the same time that similar procession had
taken place in many parts of England without
nindrance of any kind, and he would under no
circumstances agree to an arrangement that
would place Catholics in the position of being
tolerated under certain conditions The Arch
bishop, in conclusion, said:
Are YOU prepared at this last moment. when
special trains have been ordered from the prov
inces, thousands OF poor people having paid their
fares to come London; when the press Of the
nhole island is watching this congress, TO put
dshonor, not only myself, but the Catholic
shops Of the whole empire. ana MAKE US aVow
reafore colleag CUES Of the United states ana
OF the giObe tfal the hospitality OF
the capital OF the empire is not what they sup
posed IT TO be, and that your Ministry is unable
to face the threats OF a few fanatical persons?
Mr. Gladstone, the Home Secretary, wrote on
Friday from Scotland TO Archbishop Bourne.
supporting Premier Asquiths request, but at
the same time admitting that he did not think
any reasonable person could object to such
procession.
From that time on the negotiations were con-
tinued through an official of the Home Secre-
tary's Office, and when the matter was settled
both Mr. Asquith and Mr.. Gladstone, whose
communications all were couched in most
courteous terms. expressed their personal thanks
10 Archbishop Bourne, assuring him that every
precautien would be taken to protect the pro-
cession from insult or annoyance, and TO insure
respect and courtesy TO the distinguished guests.
1t is evident. however, that the Catholics con-
slider that they have been badly treated Father
Sprankling administrator of St Georges Catho
lie Cathedral in this city. in all the masses yes
terday referred to Premier Asquith's action as
one that would go down to posterity as an in
suit 10 millions of Catholics
Cardinal Vannutelli, in interview after the
procession. said:
II has been an admirable affirmation Of faith
and sympathy which viii not easily be forgotten
hv those who witnessed il The demonstra-
tions Of sympathy came spontaneously and were
z1-eu accepted by all non Catholics who by their
5er1eanor protested against the attempts. aru-
fciallv conducted to foment hostility against
cur pacific reunion. II those who solicited and
obtained the prohibition to the carrying of the
sacrament intended TO inspire the faithful with
greater enthusiasm they can boast that they
succeeded even beyond their expectations.
The London morning papers in their editorials
take the line in most cases. Of careful avoidance
of anything calculated TO fan the flame OF,
hsixIs controversy, and consider that 'all's well
ehat ends we'll" There is no attempt to make
xclitical capital of the incident, beyond some
eTpressions of regret at the delay in making
the governments views known. Several of the
papers frankly call for the repeal of the obso-
lete laws which caused the trouble, and strongly
deprecate the fanatical attitude of the Protes-
tant societies
THE Daily Telegraph" strongly denounces the
weakness of the government. its irresolution and
tremists II congrstulates the Catholics on the
calmness and dignity with which they bore the
exceedingly bitter disappointment.
Some of the government organs greatly
gret that the Premier yielded 10 fanatics instead
OF boldly declining 10 interfere
.srrhe Times I'm editorial says that the
government bIundered conspicuously. and that
seldom has there been correspondence in which
the British Prime Minister TO such
disadvantage.
A recurrence of these difficulties. says The