One hundred years ago
THE Circular of the Roman Congrega- tion of the Propaganda on the subject of the 'Plan of Campaign' and Boycotting, signed by Cardinal Monaco, and dated April 20th last, has been published in various translations, more or less differ- ing from each other; but we have seen the Latin text itself, and the drift is not in the least questionable. The Con- gregation of the Propaganda decided by a unanimous vote, after long and ma- ture deliberation (re diu ac mature perpensit), that in contests between landowners and tenants in Ireland, it is not lawful to have recourse to the means known as the 'Plan of Campaign' and 'Boycotting', the Pope himself hav- ing confirmed and approved the deci- sion. It is added as a reason for the decision, that it is obvious that where a rent has been fixed by mutual consent, it ought not to be reduced at the will of the tenant alone; and that it cannot be lawful to extort rent from the tenants not to be paid to the landlord, but to be deposited with unknown persons. Further, it is altogether foreign to natural justice and to Christian charity that a new form of persecution and of proscription should recklessly be put in force against persons who are satisfied With and are prepared to pay the rent agreed on with their landlord, or against persons who in the exercise of their right take vacant farms'. The Archbishops and Bishops of Ireland are therefore exhorted, 'prudently but effectively', to admonish the clergy and the people in reference to this matter', and `to observe Christian charity and not to overstep the bounds of justice Whilst seeking relief from the evils which afflicet them'.
The Spectator, 5 May 1888
Previous page
