An unexpected and severe blow has fallen upon the Parnell-
Res. Archbishop Croke, always a violent defender of the party, recently solicited subscriptions to the Parnell Testimonial Fund, which does not flourish much in Ireland. He was thereupon summoned to Rome to explain himself, and made his submis- sion ; while, on the 11th inst., the Pope issued, through the regular channels, a strong circular to all Catholic Bishops in Ireland. They are informed that, while it is lawful for the Irish to seek redress for their grievances, provided that they observe the divine law, "it being wicked to further any cause, no matter how just, by illegal means," it is the duty of Bishops to curb the excited feelings of the multitdde, so that they may not be led away "to place their hopes of public prosperity in the shame of criminal acts." All collections are forbidden which " are raised in order to inflame popular passions, and to be used as the means for leading men into rebellion against the laws. Above all things, they, the clergy, must hold themselves aloof from such subscriptions when it is plain that hatred and dissensions are aroused by them, that distinguished persons are loaded with insults, that never in any way are censures pro- nounced against the crimes and murders with which wicked men stain themselves; and especially when it is asserted that the tl measure of true patriotism is is proportion .to the amount of mbhey given or refused, so as to bring the people under the pressure of intimidation." Under these circumstances, the Pope absolutely prohibits the clergy from promoting the Parnell Testimonial Fund.
