4 OCTOBER 1873, Page 16

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.") Sin,—Your impartial insertion of

Archbishop Manning's letter on Saturday, 27th ult., favourably contrasts with the refusal of the Tablet to receive a communication of mine on the same sub- ject. Archbishop Manning, however, appears to forget that the contents of his letter have been already fully discussed in the recent "Correspondence." Mere reiteration cannot convert trite fallacies into new and valid arguments. Neither does Dr. Manning improve his position by denouncing his opponents in fair discus- sion, as he did at Salford, under the names of "Scribes and Pharisees." Intemperate rhetoric may betray vexation and per- plexity, but it confutes no one, and proves nothing.

It would be more to the purpose if Archbishop Manning would; even now, address himself to the letters of July 5th and 26th, which contain proofs, still unanswered, that hi a opinions are not only antagonistic to the Catholic Faith, but also to the theology of his Church.

The theory of Infallibility has signally broken down in the case. But if, after the close of the discussion, Archbishop Man- ning chooses Parthian tactics, are there none other shafts remain- ing than obsolete sophisms and futile invectives ?-1 am, Sir, firc.,.