16 JUNE 1894, Page 16

CATHOLIC PRIESTS AND BULL-FIGHTS. [To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]

regret I have only my memory to trust to as to the terms of the decree, and after the letter of Mr. J. Noyes, I suppose I must have made an error in stating that the Papal decree deprived the dying matador of the right of absolution. Yet I know that the words "in articulo mortis" occurred in the decree, and I am much puzzled to imagine in what other connection it could have been. Mr. Moyes can easily set the matter at rest, for he could obtain a copy of the decree which I saw and read placarded in Rome in March, 1894. I cannot do so. As to the attendance of priests at bull-fights, it appears from "B. E. K.'s " letter that the prohibition is an old one, and has been constantly disregarded. Mr. Moyes says it is of binding obligation. Now this is just what I want Mr. Moyes to explain. I presume he will not differ from me as to the facts. I can well understand that a Papal decree might be disregarded by the laity ; but what can a non- Catholic think when he sees priests treating these solemn commands with public disregard P—I am, Sir, (to., A. N. May not the words have been "except in articulo mortis," which would reconcile our correspondent and Mr. Moyes.- En. Spectatorl