THE VATICAN AND IRELAND.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 59, 27 October 1887, Page 2

THE VATICAN AND IRELAND.

Our cable in reference to the result of the mission of the Papal delegate to Ireland will be of great interest to colonial Catholics, and as affecting the state of Ireland the message must have great import attached to it. <

It has been asserted by many strong opponents to Home Rule for Ireland that if the Pope would only assert his influence over the anarchial members of the Church, all disorder and bloodshed would be prevented. It has even been alleged that the Vatican approves of the anarchy. This point need hardly be taken into consideration, further than to stigmatise it a base libel on one who has always shown that he has the interests of his people at heart.

The Vatican has given p oof of this by the despatch of M. Persico to Ireland to enquire into the actual condition of affairs. The result of that mission is perhaps not ve.y satisfactory, and should give cause for grave leflectton. It is not to be expected that the priests

can eradicate the hostile attitude of the people towards those whom they have been taught by violent agitators to look upon as the cruel tyrannisers of heir country. The dislike has been so worked on by mischievous persons is to change the feeling of aversion to >ne of intense hatred, and with all the nfluence of the priests over their people it would take more than human powei to subvert the bitter tide of opinion that has set in,

There is no denying that the Irish have suffered much, and the tyrannous effect of the Coercion Act is a heavy ijurden on those who favor Home Rule, but want to see it attained by peaceable means, The repression of reasonable liberty of speech only attracts sympathy for the true-hearted Irishmen, Th. great majority of the priests ha.e done much towards pacifying the present roubled state of affaiis. If it had not oeen for such good influence how much worse would the state of things be now ?

The report of M. Persico is no doubt an admission that the people aie taking inings more into their own hands, and paying less attention to those who have oecn entrusted with their spiritual guidance. It now remains to be seen whether the proffered mediation of the Pope will meet with the approval which well-wishers for lieland will hope. Things have taken such a gloomy shape that any possible solution of the question will be eagerly looked forward to. Leo Xlll. has always shown his ardent desire to promote the happiness of his subjects, though it is likely that this very desiie would cause his mediaton to be resented by the rabid opponents of Home Kuie.

T he visit to Leland of Mr Chamberlain, Unionist, and Mr Gladstone may also have a good effect, as both will try and place the subject before the people irom their respective points of view, and thus give the people a chance to near both sides of the question from noted English politicians.