The Catholic Church in France
By Editor
The condition of the Catholic Church in France is looked at in various ways by the prelates of that church. It would seem as tho there would be almost a division in the church itself. Many of the Roman Catholic bishops and clergy are disposed to favor the French law, some of them in this country are defending it, and while they feel that France has not used the church justly, yet contend that the church is very much freer than before. Notwithstanding the pope has condemned the French Government in its action, and Archbishop Farley of this country tells us that he looks upon the condition of things there with sorrow and despair, and "if the state does not show a more conciliatory policy toward the church, and if it drives the church to drastic measures, perhaps there will be scenes in France that have never been witnessed in the world." Really it would seem to an outsider that it would be well for the church in France to decide the question, rather than a board of cardinals in Italy only one of whom is French. This is the substance of the appeal made to the pope by many bishops and priests. They feel that trial ought to be made of the law before such measures are taken, as has been pointed out by our European correspondent.