It is difficult to keep pace with the progress of
the new policy in Rome. Pius the Ninth is said to have declared that he takes for his guide the New Testament ; and thus far his policy seems to be animated by the highest spirit of that volume. He has not
r--,only released all political prisoners and pardoned refugees, but lie-Eas furnished the latter with public money to return home, and has received the more able and earnest of the pardoned revo- lutionists into favour—examining their claims and suggestions, applauding some, and even putting. his approval in the substan- tial form of a medal. With all this, there is a moderation, an absence of ostentatious display in the thorough overturnincrb of all past policy, that helps to remove doubts as to the reality of the Pontiff's liberal intentions. The extreme popularity- that he has attained, on the instant, appears to have provoked no serious counteraction among the Conservative party in Rome, which might have been presumed to be at once bigoted and powerful. There is a strong sense not only of the Pontiff's honesty and benevolence but also of his ability and courage. It seems that if any party entertains a secret wish to resist him, none dares to do so. Unflinching courage is an essential quality in all great states- manship.
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