Sir G. Bowyer on Friday night raised a discussion as
to the use of a British Consul at Rome, and other members wanted to know why Mr. Odo Russell, member of the Italian Legation, but resident at Rome, should not be Consul also. Lord Palmerston in reply explained the state of our relations with the Pope, on which subject a popular delusion exists. The Government is not for- bidden by Act to send an envoy to Rome, but only forbidden to receive an ecclesiastic as Roman Nuncio. The Pope therefore will not receive a British Envoy, so Mr. Odo Russell does all the work, and does it most admirably on half the pay, while Cardinal Wiseman really acts as Nuncio in England. The arrangement involves a good deal of formal absurdity, but works well enough, and when Victor Emanuel enters Rome as master the anomaly will be at an end. Is it in his anxiety for that consummation that Sir George Bowyer desires to see the present system abolished ?
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