The French are not hypocrites, but when they are, there
are no hypocrites so impudent. M. Raspail on Monday made his annual motion for the abolition of the Embassy to the Vatican, and the Premier actually rose to say that he must oppose the proposal, because France "had religions interests in the East, which she could not abandon without sacrificing her noblest traditions." If Christianity is a lie in Paris, why is it true in Syria and Tonquin P The Chamber accepted the Minister's view, either because they were convinced by his argument, or— as is more probable—because they were sensible of a certain re- action in France, by 339 votes to 147. The Embassy is there- fore to be maintained. We have not a doubt that if France conquers Tonquin, she will announce to the world with a serene face that she has done it to advance the interests of Catholicism, and to protect thousands of Christian converts persecuted by the heathen. And next day, the Chamber will vote that Christianity being an illusion, no recognised Cleric can be permitted to teach it in State schools, even at the parents' request. The British are often accused of Tartufferie, but, at least, they do not announce that they have occupied Egypt in the interest of civilisation—and the Copts.
