THE CARDINAL'S ARREST.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15172, 9 January 1915, Page 9

THE CARDINAL'S ARREST.

VATICAN WITHOUT INFORMATION.

NEUTRALITY

MAY BE

ABANDONED

ROME, January 7

Th« Vatican is without official information regarding Cardinal Mercier, and it is believed that communications have been censored. The Pope, who bas instituted enquiries. remarked, "The Germans cannot adduce the same pretext as they did in the case of the bombardment of Rhcims Cathedral."

Vatican circles express tbe opinion that his Holiness cannot adhere to neutrality unkvs, Cardinal Mercier is released.

("Times"and sydney sun" service.)

LONDON, January 7

Cardinal Mercier is detcribed as a distinguished member of tbe Sacred College, a churchman of the broadminded type, sagacious and of moderate political opinions. The Amsterdam correspondent of ".The Times' says that -wic Germans searched tho parishes throughout i.elgium in an endeavour to destroy the pastoral. Numbers of jiricots weie arrested.

Monsiguor de Wachtcr, auxiliary Bishop to Cardinal Meicicr, who is staying at fcouthwark, said that the arrest would cause deep indignation throughout the world. Tho Germans had assured his Eminence that ho would be allowed tbo fullest freedom in the administration of the affairs ot the Church, which ho had tried to rebuild on tho ruins of Belgium. Ho had re-opened colleges, and recalled priests, but tho task was too £rcat and difficulties had been thrown in his way. His feelings in the,terrible situation had found vent in his pastoral, which had caused his arrest.

"The Times" says that the arrest, will undoubtedly create a profound sensation in tho Roman Catholic Church throughout tho civilised world. The arrest of a Prince of the Church for the discharge of his ecclesiastical functions in his own Archdioceso can scarcely fail to give deep offence.