THE EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 15 September 1908, Page 3

TH E EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS.

{Pares Association. — Copibioht.) ■THE ALTERATION IN THE PROCESSION. GOVERNMENT WEAKNESS AND VACILLATION. LONDON, Monday. Mr Asquith, Premier,- sent to Archbishop Bourne, through a confidential expression, tbat the procession in connection with the _ Eucharistie Congress, which he deprecated, ought to be abandoned. The "Chronicle" remarks that Mr Asquith wished to give Archbishop Bourne an opportunity, as if he were actmg spontaneously. The "Chronicle" is not convinced that any Government aotion was necessary, and upholds the principle of liberty and toleration. The "MaU," the "Daily News," and the "Standard" think a possible insult to the Host was averted. The "Telegraph" condemns the weakness, iresolntion, susceptibility to pressure, and readiness to make concessions to a few extremists' clamour. The result will be to heedlessly excite animosities. Mr Asquith endeavoured to induce Archbishop Bourne to' act as if he had changed his mind, and quailed before the Protestant Alliance. Mr Asquith would have.' saved his face and diverted the , Catholics' disappointment to their own hierarchy. It was a timid surrender, and the affair was stupidly mishandled. The "Times" congratulates the promoters of the procession on their good sense in changing the programme. The Government blundered conspicuously, and ought to have interfered earlier or not at all. Why should it attempt to stipulate for secrecy. The imminence ot the Newcastle election explains much, but not the tactlessness and tardiness of ' the intervention. The "Times," with several other newspapers, holds that it is . high time to put all religions ou an equal- . ity if they conform with the police regu- .' Jations. ' /■ ..The "Telegraph's" Newcastle corres- . pondent says .4000 Irish electors are deep- - Iy incensed. at Mr Asquith's interference.