21 OCTOBER 1871, Page 2

The Bavarian Government has explained itself fully with rela- tion

to the " Old Catholics." It declares that it will protect them and recognize them as Catholics, and that the dogma of the Pope's infallibility is a danger to the State which has altered its relations to the Roman Church. Moreover, it will ward off all attacks of the Church on the State by every constitutional means in its power. But will the King personally attend mass with the " Old Catho- lics," confess to an " Old Catholic" priest, and in fact, identify him- self heartily with the schism ? If he does, he will do more to sup- port it than all the Government protection in the world. Indeed, Governmeut protection, without the adhesion of persons of power and consideration, is rather likely to hasten the extinction of a feeble movement which a little martyrdom might stimulate.