A correspondent, who informs us that the Spectator is read
in Germany, and that weight is attached there to our notice of foreign matters, is de- sirens that we should modify an opinion expressed in a recent allusion to the position held by the two contending religious parties in Switzerland. He reminds us that the Protestant population in none of the Cantons vo- lunteered uncalled-for attack upon their Catholic neighbours or coun- trymen; asserting that any aggression—even the wholesale confiscation of the monastic establishments in Argovia—has been a compulsory measure of self-defence, against the attempt to obtain the exclusive management of the schools by the Jesuit party, and against their intrigues in private fami- lies. The activity displayed of late years by the Romish Church in making proselytes and courting political influence, can be traced to a point of time, of recent date, previously to which the best understanding reigned between Catholics and Protestants. Since that time, a most remarkable exertion has been made in the countries on the North side of the Alps, simulta- neously in all, and carried on by the Catholics with a degree of energy and
a command of means that were both an enigma and a source of appre- hension for Protestants. Such facts, however, ought to be fully substan- tiated before they can be taken as an excuse for an attack on the liberties- or on the property of any class of citizens: they never can warrant it.
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