Rome and the French Republic
THE Catholic Review says:— "It is instructive and important for Catholics to know that four millions of Frenchmen voted to retain in power the present government. Three and one-third millions voted to dismiss it. Over two million did not vote at all. These two million are, in all probability, the good Catholics in comfortable districts, who want as little trouble as possible, and are afraid of a change of government. They cannot be the atheistic mob, for one characteristic of that class is that they always vote one ballot, and when it is necessary to get ahead of the Catholics they will vote two with a good conscience. Perhaps it has not yet occurred to the French leaders of the Catholic party to stir up these two millions." So after all Leo XIII. has the power to bring France to terms just as he brought Bismarck to terms some three years ago. Rome could reduce the republic to anarchy merely by stirring up the two million Catholic non-voters, and add in these for a single election to the opposition. She would then say, See what atheism has done. Restore the church to its ancient privileges and all may again be well.