It is at last admitted semi-officially that the Austrian Government
claimed and exercised its ancient right of veto, inherited from the days when there was but one Emperor in Europe, to prohibit the election of Cardinal Rampolla. Count Goluchowski believed him to be bitterly hostile to Austria in consequence of its Italian alliance, and therefore faced the risk involved in a peremptory interference. That risk was serious, as if the Conclave had disregarded the Veto, and proceeded to elect Cardinal Rampolla, Count Goluchowski could have done nothing, and would have looked a little ridiculous. Even as it is, he has aroused much Clerical hostility, the idea being that he has interfered almost by force with the freedom of election which Churchmen are now doubly anxious to preserve.
The Clerical papers in Austria strongly censure the Govern- ment, and it is probable that sincere Roman Catholics everywhere wince a little at this intrusion of the secular arm into a strictly spiritual election. What the Veto was used of old the Pope was also a Prince, whose policy as such might justly irritate or please all States with Italian interests. At present the Emperor of Austria might almost as well, in theory, forbid- the consecration of the elements in St. Peter's to be effectual.
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