26 OCTOBER 1901, Page 2

• The Austrian and Hungarian Liberals are greatly disturbed by

apprehension of an avalanche of monks and nuns, expelled from France by the Associations Act, settling down among them. They are especially annoyed at the arrival of Jesuits, who, they say, require even in Austria rigid supervision lest with their wealth and their ability they should embarrass the free action of the State. France, it is urged, though Catholic, has been unable to endure them. The Minister of Public Worship, influenced doubtless by the Bishops, who, though they pity the expelled "congregations," are not altogether pleased by the arrival of so many "congregations "outside their authority, is not indisposed to consider these fears, and hinted on Wednesday in the Austrian Parliament that he had the means of preventing their realisation. No foreigner can hold ecclesiastical office in Austria, or open a public school; and as it rests with the Ministry to refuse letters of naturalisation, the immigrants can be reduced to powerlessness. It is possible that the Governments of several Catholic States may adopt the same device, and if they do the majority of the expelled friars and nuns will be compelled to seek an asylum in Great Britain. They will not do much harm. They will not convert the Protestants, and they have hitherto failed in persuading English Catholics to be unlike the rest of the community. A French Jesuit and an English " Boman" squire have not a great deal in common.