New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-08-22


o,, for the last fortv-hve years. And what
has taken place now is an evidence of the eX-
IRENE correctness and respect OF the Italian
government toward the independence OF the
Vatican even in wartime. In spite OF the
great danger that there was in such oonces-
sions. Italy offered TO the Pope more than the
Pope himself deemed advisable to accept.
The Italian government offered the free use
Of cipher to the representatives Of the powers
accredited TO the Holy See. under its control
and responsibility. The Pope refused this be
cause he was afraid that the Vatican might
be accused OF indisoretions touching military
matters. In spite Of this refusal cipher tele-
grams TO the Holy See are passed by the cen
sor undisturbed. The Italian government con-
tnued to secure to the Pope the right OF cor
responding freely with bishops and every
Catholic. Precise instructions were given to
the censors of foreign and internal mails IN
order that all letters Of the Pope or for the
Pope and the Secretary of State Of the Holy
See as well as the correspondence Of the dit
ferent congregations. might be Immediately
transmitted to their addresses. Cardinal Gas
lie 10 the Latapie interview, stated The
Pontif recognizes that the Italian government
has done everything possible to alternate any
difficulties that might arise between 1t ana
the Holy See The Vaticans correspondence
has not been touched. The Holy See does not
intend ~ create embarrassment for the gov
eminent
But what about q revolution-that IS, an
anti Catholic outburst in Rome? Theoretical
" a revolution is possible everywhere, IN
Rome Just as well as in Madrid or IN Vienna.
But in this special instance an anti-Cathohc
revolution in Rome or elsewhere IN Italy IS
impossible unless it be provoked purposely
by an anti-Itaan attitude OF the Vatican.
Those who are so eager to quote some rare
and exaggerated cases in which a very small
part OF the population of Rome has lost its
balance and has uttered bad woodworking
else than words-against the Vatican or some
priests do not consider what has been up 10
the last few days the crucial point OF the rela-
tons between the Vatican and Italy
1t has been very unfortunate that not only II
responsible foreigners but even the Vatican IN
past years has violently protested against Italy
and has gone as far as 10 invite foreign inter
ference in the relations between the Vatican
itself and Italy. While the majority OF the
Italian Catholics knew that those utterances
were not expressing feeling OF hostility
toward Italy on the part of the Vatican, never
theess the offensive manner in which they
were worded and delivered made the most
painful impression on them. They feared that
the gigantic moral power of the Vatican was
used against the independence and unity OF
Italy and that the whole Catholic Church rep
resented nothing else than a tremendous hos
tile army living within the country and which
in case of war would pass to the side OF the
enemy
When the European war broke out and the
Italians felt that sooner or later Italy would
be dragged into it the dreadful question pre-
sented itself over and over again: What will
the Vatican prove to be, a friend or an en-
emyF For some time the latter hypothesis
seemed TO be true. While all the nation was
leaning toward war the Catholic press and or
CARNATIONS sternly advocated the continuation
OF neutrality. Many asked themselves whether