Nothing is more remarkable in the recently-published "Acts -of the
Holy See relating to the affairs of Ireland," than the -confidence which the Pope, as a statesman, expresses in the justice of the present Administration. In Leo XIII.'s letters, this confidence is expressly declared more than once. In the letter of January 3rd, 1881, the Pope declares, "We have con- fidence in the justice of those who rule the country, and whose great experience is generally tempered with judgment. Ireland will far more safely and easily obtain what she wants, if she will adopt only the means sanctioned by law, and avoid causes of -offence." Again, in the letter of August 1st, 1882, the Pope says, "As we signified to you on another occasion, we are con- fident that the statesmen who preside over the administration of public affairs will give satisfaction to the Irish when they de- mand what is just. It is not only reason advises, but their well-known political prudence." Expressions of this kind used -towards an Administration at the head of which stands the author of the treatise on " Vaticanism," show that Leo XIII. harbours no grudges, and is statesman at least as mach as Pope.
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