CATHOLIC CONGRESS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6625, 15 September 1908, Page 5

CATHOLIC CONGRESS

PROCESSION IN LONDON THE CHANGES MADE IN THE PROGRAMME. GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, September 13. Catholics were intensely disappointed at the alteration made in connection with tho procession of tho Host. Many .special trains had been aiv ranged from all parts of tho country. Archbishop Bourne announced tin* alterations in tho procession at a. mass meeting in tho Albert Hall. Tho announcement was made amid a storm of howls and hissing. The Archbishop added that though it would bo impossible to carry with them their Divinai Master, ho trusted that tho Catholics would ma,ko not onlj' the Cathedral, but tile whole of "Westminster, ona great sanctuary of tlie Blessed Sacrament, Fifteen thousand children met oa Victoria Embankment, and marched to tho Cathedral to receive Cardinal Vanmitolli’s blessing. “ STUPIDLY -MISHANDLED.'’ CRITIC ISMS 0F THE PREMIER’S NEGOTIATIONS. (Received September. 14, 11.45 p.m.) LONDON, September 14. . Sir Asquith, Prime Minister, sent t®. Dr Bourne, Archbishop of Westminster, a confidential expression of opinion that tho procession, which ha' deprecated, ought to bo abandoned. Tho “Daily Chronicle” remarks that! Mi- Asquith evidently wished to giv« an opportunity for tho organisers of tlie procession to withdraw from tlioin position as if acting'spontaneously. Tho “ Chronicle ” is unconvinced that any Government action is necessary, and upholds tho principles of liberty and toleration. Tho “Daily Mail,” “Daily Nows,” and “ Standard” think a possible iih suit to tho Host may bo averted. Tho “ Daily Telegraph " condemns "the weakness, irresolution, susceptibility to pressure, and readiness Ixt : make concessions to a fow extremists’ clamour. The result must be needlessly to excite animosities. Mr Asquith endeavoured to induce Dr Bourne to not as if ho had changed his mind and quailed before tho Protestant Alliance. Mr Asquith would have saved his face if ho had divcrtc<f thoCatholics’ disappointment to his own hierarchy's timid surrender. Tho affair has been stupidly mishandled.'’ PERTINENT QUESTIONS. TERGIVERSATION AND EMOTION ' POSSIBILITIES. (Received September 15, 0.10 n.m.) LONDON, September 14. “ The Times ” congratulates tho prometers of tho procession on tho good sense they have shown in changing tho programme. " The Government has blundered conspicuously,” the paper says, "and ought to have interfered earlier, or not at all. Why attempt tq stipulate now for secrecy?; Tho imminence of tho Newcastle election explains much, but not the tactlessness and tardiness of the intoryen-. lion.”

" Tho Times,” with several othei> newspapers, holds that it is high time to put all religions on an equality if they conform to the police regulations. Tho “Daily Telegraph’s" Nowcastlm correspondent says that 4000 . 4r;sir, electors are deeply incensed at ‘ Mlf Asquith’s interference. .MARQUIS OF RIPON UNABLE TO’ ATTEND. (Received September 14, 11.4-5 p,m.) LONDON, September 14. It is announced that a slight attach of rheumatism has the Mar. quis of Ripen at his county seat, Stud-, ley Royal, Ripon, and he is unable t® attend the Eucharistic Congress.