RETURN OF BISHOP GRIMES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIII, Issue 44, 21 February 1907, Page 2

RETURN OF BISHOP GRIMES.

THE EDUCATION BILL. STATE OF THINGS IN FRANCE. His Lordship Bishop Grimes, of Christchurch, returned to New Zealand by the Monowai, after ten months' absence in Rome, the Old Country, and tho Holy Land. His visit to Rome, he told a Post reporter, was for the purpose of rendering to the Holy Father an account of his diocese — a duty which has to bo carried out at stated intervals. He had, he says, a most interesting audience with the Pope, who said he felt sure that all the Catholics of Ne.w Zealand were most loyally attached to his person and the Apostolic See. He was greatly interested m the work being carried on by the Church in New Zealand, and sent out his special blessing, which Bishop Grimes is empowered to give. Ho was particularly interested in the building of the Christchurch Cathedral, and was simply astounded when he saw the photographs of the new edifice. He sent his special blessing on the work, and on all those who contributed towards the cost. In regard to the Education Bill, which was before th.c House of Commons last session, his Lordship said tho Catholic authorities at Home were very pleased with the conduct of the Irish members, and expressed unqualified gratitude Jtowards them for the' attitude they took up. "It is a most serious thing lor the Catholic schools," he went on to say. "They went to great expense to build and equip the schools, and now they propose to deprive them entirely of the management. Of course, the Catholics are determined to resist, to fight tooth and nai) to retain the religious teaching in their own schools. If the Chnrch of England had united on the subject with tho Catholic Church I don't think things would have over reached such a stage. If the Catholic Church had proclaimed a policy of passive resistance, there would nave been a hue and cry throughout the country, but because it is tho Non-con-formists there is very litUe said about it." His Lordship also had something to say about the state of affairs in France, and the Law of Associations which has recently been passed there. The French Government, he remarked, was notoriously opposed to religion of any kind, and especially to the Catholic religion. Tho membars of the Government are also the tools of the Frenob Freemasons, who are notorious for their hatved of religion. The Government desired to acquire control of all Church affairs, which, of course, was absolutely contrary to the principles of tho Catholic Church, which could never havo carried out her Divine mission if she had accepted such a principle. The Pope could not yield in such a matter, which he regarded as affecting the Divine right of the Church. The Rev. Spencer Jones, a prominent Anglican clergyman, agreed that the Catholic Church could not make any compromise when it was a question of principle. But the present Govern ment. is composed of men who are noto riously .mpious, and who boast that they have driven Christ from tho courts of justice and the schools, and that now they will drive Him out of Francs. In faat, when M. Coombes was in power one of the Lodges reproached j nim that ho had ' not gone far enough in h.s hostility to the Church." "How is it that such a state of things has arisen in a country which is j ostensibly Catholic ?" was a question asked of his Lordship. "It is a mystery to an outsider," Bishop Grimes replied "and even to those who know the French character. Thoy are a noble people, and have done muchlo spread the'light of the Gospel; as missionaries they are unsurpassed. But they do not consider side issues, and it is by side issues that the present state of things nas been brought about within the last forty years. In 'the first place tho Government has done away with all religious training in State institutions, and the lower classes especially have been brought up in ignorance of God. It is notorious that there is a great lack of faith among the lower classes. Then, again, the priests are prevented from taking any part in polities', and it must also be remembered that undor the condition of things prevailing in Franco Borne eighty or ninety per cent, of the population are in the power of the Government so far as their votes aro concerned. The officials of the railways, post and telegraph department, the telephone department, and others are all in the pay of the Government, and when the Government wants a certain candidate to be returned, pressure is brought to bear and the voters dare not disobey." "Is there any hope for the future ?" "Well," replied his Lordship, "things look very bad indeed, but I see that the Government is willing to accept a modified form of religious associations, because they are evidently afraid that if the movoment is carried too far there will bo a revulsion of feeling. What is wanted is a leader. At present the people are divided on political quesions, and lack union." "Is France still Catholic ?" "They say it is," was the reply. "Certainly I met some excellent people, good Catholic families, and the churches are well filled by tho people of both sexes. Unfortunately, however, there is an antireligious feeling abroad amongst the working classes. The Government has done all in its power to disseminate vile literature againßt the Church, and 1 fear that ifc will go further, and that there will be persecution. Tho Government is feeling its way very gradually. When the Government confiscated the property of the religions, it told the people- that it would have millions of francs for them. That money, however, has not been forthcoming, and the people are beginning to ask questions. I should not have been sorry to see a separation of Chnrch and State, if the State gave the clergy the ordinary rights of citizens and power to manage their own affairs, as they well can." "If," added his Lordship, a Catholic nation were to treat those who do not profess the Catholic religion as tho Government of France is treating the Catholics of Franco at present, all the English-speak-ing peoples would be up in arms against such a state of things. It is a well' known fact in England, for instance, wrat the press is roally most misleading in what it publishes on the subject of affairs in France. I would not be surprised if there was a reaction." His Lordship had a most interesting trip through the Holy Land, and returned to New Zealand in excellent health.