29 MARCH 1890, Page 3

The Pope, it appears, was decidedly in favour of the

Berlin Labour Conference, although he sent no Nuncio. In reply to a letter from the Emperor informing him that the Prince-Bishop of Breslau had been invited to attend, his Holiness remarks that "combined action on the part of the various Governments will greatly contribute to the object so much desired." His view of the method to be pur- sued is, however, definite only as regards the Sunday holiday, and he glides away into the usual argument, that religion alone can teach the employer to treat the employed with equity, and inspire in the labourer the feeling of duty and responsibility. That is quite true, and it is, of course, the special business of the Pope to say it ; but, unfortunately, the problem is how to compel an agnostic employer and an unbelieving labourer to treat each other properly.