30 DECEMBER 1922, Page 2

The timid Papal policy in regard to Ireland, has done

greater injury to the influence of the Vatican than any- thing that has happened within living memory. Not only was the policy bad in itself, but it came at the worst possible time, that is, at an epoch when men are looking for a lead, and a strong lead, in regard to public morals from the man -who - regards himself, and is regarded by millions of other men, as the ultimate exponent of Christian ethics. The Papal attitude has caused a sense of utter bewilderment. It is of derelictions of duty like these that the Hebrew Prophet and Philosopher speaks when he tells us " Where there is no vision the people perish." There seems, alas ! to be little vision at the Vatican.