The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-10-12
CATHOLIC HOLLAND

| uS NdlHOtiS MONSUnStlt- III
ParIiament-Their Number and In
Observation-Disclosures of Catholic
Hierarchy - Catholic Societies
Catholic Literature.
| The glorious political victory
achieved some months ago by their
been source of great rejoicing to the
Catholics of Holland, for it was well
known that phenomenal efforts were
being made for some time past in or
der to defeat the party pledged to
Christian education-even the aid of
the Atheistic Continental Press
agency with it's English correspond
ents, was invoked in the struggle
which has enhanced the glory of the
Catholic victory.
The increasing power and exten-
sion of the Catholic movement in Hol-
land and the political Importance to
which it has attained is cause of
great anxiety to the Liberal-Atheistic
and Socialist groups both in England
and the Continent, writes r. De Lor-
raine IN the Irish Catholic. 1t is, in
deed, difficult to realize even for one
who is not an Orangeman that in the
land of Dutch William, ''of glorious,
pious, and immortal memory" that
country which for centuries has been
held up for our admiration by so
many English writer's as the highest
type of sturdy, Independent Protest
antism, popular Government and vir-
lie manhood, to find today in it's Up
per Chamber Catholic party of 8
and Protestant party of members.
When we know that this first Cham.
Der is elected by the II Provincial
States from the highest functionaries
and the wealthiest Inhabitants in the
whole of Holland, the position of
Catholicism today in the Netherlands
may be readily understood.
Catholics in Parliament
The other political parties in the
Upper Chamber are the Anti-Revolu~
tionists (old allies of the Catholics),
10; Old Liberals, 3, and Liberal
Unionists, Is. In the Second Chamber
the Catholic Party holds the same pre-
eminent position, where it numbers
26, the Protestant party II, Anti
Revolutionists 21, Liberal Unionists
| 21, Old Liberals 4, Democrats 9, and
Socialists Z. Out of the Cabinet
Ministers three are Catholics, for
there are no disabilities in the land of
Orange, such as Catholics are sub
jected to in this boasted land of free
dom. The Second Chamber consists
of 100 Deputies, who must be at least
80 years of age. They are elected for
four years, and receive an annual al
lowance' of G166, and travelling ex-
penses. The First Chamber consists
of so members, elected for nine years,
retiring by rotation of one-third every
three years. They receive no allow
ance, but those not residing at The
Hague are allowed a small sum (16s.
Sd. per diem) during the sessions of
the States-General as travelling ex-
penses. In addition to the two
Chambers there is also a State Coun-
Gil of Ia, of which the Sovereign is
President. All communications be-
tween the Sovereign and States
General must pass through this Coun-
cil-including all subjects relating to
foreign and internal administration.
There was Catholic and Anti-Revo-
lutionary Ministry in Office under
Baron Mackay from 1888 to 1891, and
they succeeded in passing many use
full measures favorable to religion and
education. OUT of a population of
: 100000 there are nearly 100000
electors, but unlike their neighbors,
the Belgians, voting here is not COM
pulsory. The Dutchman, however, in
variably exercises his political power
when eligible. In order to possess
the age of at least 25 years, and
produce proof of having paid rent as a
householder or tenant in lodgings for
certain period, or be the owner or
hirer of boat of not less than "a
tons, or have been employed during a
certain time at an annual salary of at
least e22 18s 4d, or possess. Ger
L1hCdIC Ol 0CdLC 1AICl O0L Ol 1L least 1UU
forms, or legal qualification for any
profession or employment, or bank
deposit of at least SO forms, or have
paid any State taxes. New bills can
J only be introduced by the Govern
} ment and Second Chamber. The First
Chamber can approve or reject, but
| it cannot amend bills. The alliance
of the Catholic and Protestant Ma
tional Parties effected the removal of
many long-standing grievances, such
, as the obligatory military service of
the clergy and theological students
and interference in the government of
the Church by the civil authorities,
! and they also succeeded in obtaining
Government subsidies for private ele-
! mentary schools.
= ~& A.