MR,. PURCELL AND CARDINAL MANNING. [To THE EDITOR OF THE
"Srscrwroe."] Si,—In justice to the memory of the late Mr. Purcell, might I be allowed to correct a misapprehension under which your correspondent, "Cleric," seems to labour in his letter in the Spectator of October 18th? It was not Mr. Purcell who stated that the clergy were lax in their morals, or that the Jesuit education was defective, but Cardinal Manning. Besides stating the Pope's opinion, the Cardinal recorded, Vol I., pp. " 386 87 The Abbate' told me there was much im- morality among women. That discipline was very Ir. Bracb Eveni,
some priests were very lax." He also records that speaking of the "Curate," said : "He believed they were open to the charge of incontinence; that some treated it very lightly ; that the regulars, especially the Dominicans were open to the same charge." Other portions of the Cardinal's diary are to the same effect. Surely Mr. Purcell is not to blame for recording the above. I do not gather in the whole book that he has given his own opinion on the subject. Why, then, in this instance should "Cleric" charge him with playing fast and loose with reputations, and being untrustworthy, &c. ?—I am, Sir, &c.,
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