The Berlin correspondent of the Times says that the cultivated
classes of Germany would greatly like to see the Pope appoint more German Cardinals, as they might influence the Curia when disputes arise between the Vatican and the Government of Germany. The compliment might easily be paid, but we suspect it would prove to be no more than a compliment. The steady policy of the Papacy is to keep predomi- nance in the Curia in Italian hands, even the Spaniards, whose numbers in South America are becoming so great, having no adequate representation. The Papacy has a certain inner dread of the Northern peoples, not unjustified by history, which has certainly not been removed by the result of its American appointments. We fancy that this dread is just now peculiarly strong, few Roman Catholics who are not Southern by origin being able to feel the " true " enthusiasm for the temporal power. They wish the Pope to have the rank of a Sovereign, but they are unable to perceive, even when they accept the assurances of the Vatican, why the sanctity or impartiality of the head of the Church is in- creased by an earthly dominion. They admit the necessity of his independence ; but say that independence is only diminished by making him care for the politics and interests of a petty State which always has been, and always must be, an enclave.
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