The Vatican has disapproved the conduct of the Bishop of
Treves. He has, therefore, ordered all priests in the city to read from their pulpits a declaration that his recent manifesto refusing absolution to the parents of girls sent to the made- nominational high school "shall be regarded as not having been issued." This is considered a victory for the Govern- ment; but there is a suspicion in Liberal circles that it has been purchased by some concessions made to Rome. This is denied by the Minister of Education, and it is more probable that the leaders of the Centre, who are laymen, have urged the Vatican not to injure the splendid position of that party in the Reichstag, as holders of the balance of power, by in- judicious provocations to the Protestant mind. The " pre- occupation " of the Bishop of Treves has always been education.
