Catholic Centrists and Germany’s Naval Bill
The following illustrates the great political power of the “centrist” party (Catholic) in Germany. Those desiring to pass the naval bill find themselves opposed by this party, and unable to secure the needed legislation without bringing “the centrist party to terms by hook or by crook.” At present there exists a law forbidding Jesuits, Lazarists, and the Order of the Holy Heart of Jesus, to settle in Germany. This law was favored and brought about by the influence of the late Prince Bismarck. Now it is stated that the federal council will shortly take into consideration a resolution allowing the Lazarists and Order of the Holy Heart to settle in the country, thus “yielding with respect to two of the three religious orders whose reinstatement has been demanded almost every year by the centrists, which action it is supposed will induce the clericals to give up their opposition to the naval bill.”