The standing quarrel between the Papacy and the Govern- ment
of Italy has become accentuated by two incidents. The Duke of Torlonia, Syndic of Rome, requested permission of the Pope to pay his homage on the occasion of the Jubilee, and was summarily dismissed from office. The act seems to Englishmen needlessly violent, as the Duke was an excellent Syndic ; but it must be remembered that he represents not the electors, but the Crown, and all servants of the Crown were expected to abstain from the festivities. The great honours paid to the Pope, also, and the grand spectacle in St. Peter's, where the Pope officiated for the first time since the "captivity," have roused Leo KUL to a reassertion of the argument that he must be an independent Sovereign. He asserted this before a body of Italian " pilgrims," and is understood in Italy to have once more demanded the restoration of the Temporal Power. This is not the case, as the Pope carefully abstained from de-
fining what he meant by " sovereignty ;" but his words indicate that the prospect of any formal reconciliation has become more distant. We regret to notice that the signs of failing health in this moderate and thoughtful Pope are becoming marked, and that in the great ceremonial of the New Year he was overcome to fainting. He finished his task, however.
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