Monsignore Chigi, Nuncio in Paris, has been ordered to eat
humble pie. He had written a letter to the Bishop of Poitiers, Monsignore Pie, commending his disobedience to the law in the matter of the Encyclical, and the worthy Bishop published the note. Thereupon the Moulton,- asked what business a Nuncio had to interfere with the domestic policy of France, and M. de Sartiges asked at Rome unpleasant questions not published. The upshot of the affair was that Alonsignore Chigi tendered his resignation, was ordered to withdraw it and apologize instead, and like an obedient priest and polished Italian gentleman did apologize with a good grace. The net result is that Roman subtlety chose an untenable ground to quarrel upon, lost the quarrel, and when defeated skulked—a new proof of the " astuteness " which guides the Vatican, the silliest Cabinet at this moment in existence.
