The correspondent of the Times in Paris telegraphs to Friday's
paper some interesting comments upon the way in which the action of the Vatican is emphasising the difference between the Liberal French Catholics and the Ultramontanes,, the latter of whom, he declares, are in a very small minority. Though the Bishops and clergy submit to the Papacy and obey its orders, however personally distasteful and however ruinous to the work of the Roman Church in France, many of them scarcely conceal the fact that they are doing so reluctantly and under protest. Indeed, the Times corre- spondent goes on to say that if only a leader existed in the liberal and moderate section of the Episcopate, the conflict between France and Rome "might possibly have taken a decisive turn, and the first step might gave been made towards the foundation of a National Church." Whether this expres- sion of opinion is well founded we cannot profess to say ; but it is evident that the Church in France has moved unwillingly to the orders from the Vatican. It is to be hoped that the French Government will have the wisdom to persist in their determination not to close the churches, and, however much they may be provoked to do so, will refrain from any action, savouring of personal persecution. We trust that the Bill which has been introduced to abolish preliminary notification for all forms of public meeting, including ceremonies in churches, will be passed into law, and that in this way no excuse will be given to the Vatican for depriving the people of France of public religious worship.
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