Note and Comment

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 20, 1906

ONE of the most significant events of the present time is the practical declaration of war between the French government and the Catholic Church. The whole world is wondering at the resolute stand taken by the French government in spite of the fact that France is overwhelmingly Catholic. Catholicism is in evidence everywhere. The majority of her soldiers, her naval men, and her police are Catholic. Some have felt that because of this fact the government officials would not dare to carry out their purpose. But there has been no hesitancy. A dispatch from Paris, dated December 11, says:—

The war between church and state has come at last. As yet there has been no outbreak of violence, but overt acts have begun by the government, and Prime Minister Clemenceau has flung the gage of battle before the churchmen. Moreover, far from being embarrassed by the precipitation of a parliamentary discussion, the government courted its immediate development, and the result, so far as known to-day, disclosed that the government was well supported among the deputies in its attitude of firmness, even to the point of defiance.

The government has arrested and expelled from the country Mgr. Montagnini, secretary of the papal nunciature, and has searched his residence in Paris. Quantities of documents were seized and taken to police headquarters. It is also stated that the pope’s special messenger, bearing secret instructions to the French clergy, was arrested at the border, his papers confiscated, and his escort sent back to the frontier. In reply to a question in the Chamber of Deputies on December 11, M. Clemenceau stated that “interference by foreigners on orders from Rome in the politics of France would not be permitted.” In summing up the situation, M. Clemenceau said:—

I believe I had the right to end this international correspondence. Our intentions were moderate. You responded with refractory words, as if you alone had the right to strike blows, never to receive them. We will combat Roman politics. There have been also other acts. Three Paris curés received orders to violate the law of 1905. We will assure the supremacy of the civil law. You sought war. You will have it, and we begin to-day. (Applause from the Left.) This is only the first gunshot. I appeal for public peace before there is war to a finish. With this good counsel I think well of the future of the ideas you represent. If the church wishes, there is still time to avoid a battle. The law of 1881 was not made with any idea of separation. We offer it to you. Take it. If not, it is war, and you have willed it.

Concerning the situation, the pope says:—

Perhaps the present tribulations are intended only to quicken and emphasize the ultimate and inevitable triumph of the church. Neither persecution nor martyrdom will stop us in protecting religion. Our cause is God’s cause.

The higher officials of the French church are advocating “passive resistance to the unjust law,” while their followers are preparing to assume the rôle of martyrs, abandon the churches, and organize private worship. Because of the refusal of the ecclesiastics to come into harmony with the law regulating the holding of church property, the state will assume ownership, and will call all priests of military age to the colors to serve their time in the army with other Frenchmen liable to military duty. What the outcome of this matter will be seems very problematical.