The authority of the Papacy has received a blow from
a very singular source. Two Italians named Monti and Tognetti blew up some Zouaves by a device very similar to that employed to shatter Clerkenwell Prison. They were tried, convicted, sentenced to death, and after great hesitation on the part of the Pope executed. The sentence seems to have horrified not only the Italians, but the Spaniards, the deep dislike of the Southern races to the penalty of death being apparently intensified by the recollec- tion that the Prince who signed the sentence is also Head of the Church. We doubt if Protestants will quite see the argument. The sentence on the men was either just or unjust. If just—and nobody disputes their guilt—surely a Pope is of all men most bound to see justice done. He is the Vicegerent of Heaven, say the Italians. Well, and the laws of Heaven are of all laws those which pay least respect to motive. If a saint puts his finger into the fire, the fire burns the finger.
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