The Bishop of Ermeland, Dr. Krementz, who was commanded by
the Minister of Public Worship to retract the excommunication passed upon two Old-Catholic professors, has formally refused to comply with the order. If the law of the land and the law of God clash, he must, he says, obey the law of God, which can only be interpreted by the Roman Church. It was expected that this reply would be followed by immediate proceedings against the Bishop, but it is announced that no action will be taken for a fort- night, as it will be necessary to hold some Cabinet Councils first. This is interpreted to mean that Prince Bismarck will try some last measure of conciliation, but it probably means that the Emperor, who does not wish for a religious conflict with half his subjects, disapproves of the measures hitherto proposed.
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