New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1929-02-11

had fled in disguise the Republic Of
| Rome was proclaimed and the AS
sembly decreed an end to the
temporal power of the Pope. The
treaty with Austria in lS49 brought
the Pope back to Rome 10 resume
nominal temporal power under the
protection of Austria.
In 1884 rebellion again broke out
in Italy and Victor Emmanuel en-
listed the aid of Napoleon III against
Austria. After notable victories the
French and Italian kings entered
Milan. Just then Napoleon conclud-
ed a separate peace with Emperor
Franz Joseph. being rewarded with
the departments of Savoy and Nice.
which still are part of France.
Victor Emmanuel also made
peace. But followed more years of
war when Giuseppe Garibaldi and
his red shirts came upon the
scene. Italian statesmen vainly tried
to settle the Roman question. but the
Vatican was guarded by $4,000
French troops. These were subse-
quently Withdrawn during the
Franco German war of 1870, where
upon General Cardorna entered
Rome. A law of guarantees was
passed which assured the Pope the
full prcrogativcs of a sovereign. cX-
empted his property from taxation
and he was to receive an income of
3.225, 900 Ira. The Pope refused to
accept the income or acknowledge
the law. This policy has endured for
50 years-until today.
Canon law, such as is now rccog-
nized in Italy, is restricted TO
religious matters. But many state
luUCllOllS tIicT ClOSt " lIlS uOIlIdlIi
Of canon law. and vice versa. Mar
riages in Italy will be valid when
performed by heretofore a
civil marriage also had been neces-
sary. Religious instruction in the
schools is provided, according to dis
patches. Fear is expressed among
some American Catholics that the
agreement smacks of a union Of
church and state, a union that does
not conform 70 American standards
But no definite conclusion can be at
tempted Until the details of the
agreement are published.
Canon law has had an important
influence upon civil law in the past
its tenets became embodied in the
English common law aud remain
there. 1t was abroGated in France in
1880. but its importance in Germany
remained great until the republic
was formed.
The concordat signed today brings
| forward new questions of national
and international policy. VIII the
Vatican as an Independent power
now claim a seat in the League Of
! Nations? 1t is agreed that it is en-
titled to DO so. If granted, will there
be opportunities to strengthen the
diplomacy OF the Vatican and make
its influence felt to better effect in
! ternationally 1t would seem that
the League. being an organization to
guard the peace of the world, would
gain with the accession of church
membership that is unalterably OPP
posed to war.
And how about American recogni-
ton OF the new papal state? If the
L. S. State Depart ment refuses recog-
milton 19.000,0 900 American Catholics
may be justified in being offended. If
recognition is forthcoming in Wash
ngton some Protcstants in the
United States might object on the
ground such action recognizes the
Pope's temporal power. Whatever it
does, the State Department faces the
possibility of criticism.
1t is possible if not proba BILE that
the Holy See took these questions
into consideration before coming to
an agreement with Italy. 1t is the
desire Of Pope Plus ri to be an in
fluence for peace in the world. not
dissension. The new problems will be
solved in a spirit OF peace and tolcr-
ance.
!