NO INCONSISTENCY OR CONTRADICTION?
By T.
“INNOMINATO,” in the New York Sun of February 14, tells us quite a good deal about the plans of the Vatican for the purpose of restoring the civil power of Italy to the Papacy. Among other things, he quotes from a recent article by Father Brandi, entitled “The Way of Just Reparations.” Brandi “proposes to Catholics as a watchword and a manifesto, ‘the federal republic.’” Concerning this article of Brandi, “Innominato” says: “After analyzing the holy father’s last speech on the independence of the Papacy; after showing that Italy has established mathematical unity, with Rome for the capital, instead of copying the federalist model of the United States, of Switzerland and of Germany; after demonstrating finally that there is no inconsistency or contradiction in supporting the republic in France and opposing the monarchy in Italy, Father Brandi, the author, uses these words: ‘The people have above all things a feeling for realities; they understand the venerable pontiff when he says: “Italians, my children, I, too, am an Italian and I love our great country. But I love my country for its own self; I love the soul of the fatherland, which never dies, and which is neither sectarian, nor liberal, nor dynastic, but Catholic. I warn you paternally, nevertheless, to think first of all of reconciling Italy with Catholicism by suppressing the dissensions between her heart and her head, a dissension that can only bring ruin. Remember that organisms, constitutions, forms of government, may be changed; the republic may succeed the monarchy, confederation may succeed the unity of the Constitution, but when all has been changed, there always remains immutable Italy; there always remains the Italian people and the nation, to which you owe above all your devotion and your services. In putting aside what is transitory, do not condemn to failure what should be permanent. Enter upon the path of just reparations, and, even tho you should be obliged to sacrifice something, you will have the glory of having saved the fatherland.’”’” Forms of government are of no consequence, provided only that the Papacy may rule. In one nation it can support a monarchy; in another it overthrows the monarchy in favor of a republic, but it is all that the Papacy may govern. And such desires of ruling are by no means confined to the Papacy. Protestant supremacy has manifested itself in just as despotic decrees, dogmas, and acts, as were ever shown in the Papacy. But all the world should know that both have gone wrong before they manifest themselves in any of these dictatorial or persecuting methods. Catholics and Protestants alike should all learn to be true Christians in every respect. And then, like their divine Master, they will say, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36. Political intrigue so as to change forms of government will constitute no part of their work. Their whole mind and heart will be absorbed in seeking to win people for the eternal kingdom to come, and not in wrangling with them over the forms of government that are now. T.