New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-06-22

was asked if this was not favorlng the
plans Of German diplomacy.
al recognize clearly that we are neu-
trail" the Pontif replied. 1--WE have
given instructions along this line. We
wanted peace, first, because ! am the
representative Of God on earth. God
wishes that there be peace among men.
A Pope can want and preach only
peace. Furthermore, because we are IN
Italy we wanted to have this country,
which we love, saved the suffering OF
war" There was a suggestion OF tears
in the Pope's eyes as he said this;
The interviewer then mentioned the
effect of the war on the Holy See
whether the Pope was free and whether
under the law Of guarantees His Holt
ness could exercise freely and com
pletelv his mission in the world.
His Holiness replied that there was
no need of concealing that the interests
of the Holy See had been considered
and added: "The state Of war puts
these interests in danger. We are AT
the present time in an uncertain sltua-
ton. ! must recognize that the ltahdn
government is giving US some proofs OF
its good intentions. Our relations are
innroved, but conditions are not as yet
entirely satisfactory. For example
could they not let me keep my guards
intact? ! need 10 guarantee the ma
terial security of my person and OF me
artistic treasures which surround me;
They took twenty of my guards, several
officers and others whom l cannot read
ilv replace. The Noble Guards were
modified, but that amounted TO very
little besides the grave inconvenience
of not being able TO communicate with
my faithful.
"The government offered the free use
Of cipher 10 the Representatives OF the
powers accredited to us, but under
The control and responsibility OF the
HOLY See. That was too dangerous
We might have been accused Of indis--
cretions touching military matters. |
refused this offer.
~ was promised freedom Of CORE
, snondence uncontrolled by the censor,
| bpt nv Secretary of State brought me
this morning letter from The
| Patriarch Of Venice with the seals
/ broken. At the Tribunal Of Penitence,
which deals only with private affairs
concerning the faithful who submit TO
ms cases Of individual conscience, sew
/ eral letters have been received opened.
eve no longer hear anything save
tho sound of the bell. Reports with ma
lions enemy TO Italy are suppressed.
+ The representatives accredited 70 us
have had 10 leave Rome. Our guaran-
tees and our means are by so much
weakened. We have faith in the pres
ont government, but we tremble 20 see
ourselves exposed TO the uncertainties
of public life in Italy.
"Rome is furnace in perpetual fer
,nent. Would you say IL WAS absurd
in these last days 70 fear a day Of rev
olution? What will tomorrow bring
How would the people receive defeat
How would they behave IN victory?
every movement of this people
tho most impressionsble OF the earth
has us reflex here. And we feel our
Elves less protected to-day. Do you
Cow understand why we opposed with
ali our force the rupture of Italian
neutrality
The Pope closed his eyes and seemed
-, dream nm instant. Then he said, IN
Ioon tones: "The future is dark"
"Does Your Holiness expect TO take
any initiative 20 promote peace? p
3Tbe hour does not seem to me 70
Iva come" the Pope replied. 81
hnnId not act save with the fullest
Inowledge. lest / weaken the moral au-
.bor;tv which hold Of God, and which
must employ TO bring peace again
anone men. But | shall seek the op.
nnrtunity; shall seize the first hand
outstretched.