We have stated elsewhere at some length the provisions of
the new Bill by which Prince Bismarck hopes to obtain abso- lute power to persecute the Roman Catholic priesthood, or favour them, at his discretion. It is in principle an intolerable Bill, which declares religious liberty a matter of no moral im- portance, a municipal privilege which Government may treat like a tariff, and make matter of bargain and sale. Prince Bismarck declares that absolute power to persecute is necessary, because the present Pope may be succeeded by a fanatic, who will declare war upon the State; but in that case, the Legisla- ture, if it chooses, can renew the Falk Laws. Even from his own point of view, he might as well keep up a state of war because an enemy whom he fears may attack him again. It is believed, however, that the Bill will pass, the Right and the National Liberals voting for it, and many Catholics, the latter because they believe that it is only an imperious way of getting rid of the Falk Laws.
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