CONTINENTAL NOTES

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3833, 17 June 1873, Page 3

CONTINENTAL NOTES

The health of tha Pope is now a matter of daily discussion in Europe. The old man is secluded from the outer world, and an atmosphere of mystery encircles his sick chamber. The gravest reports get into circulation, and are then decisively contradicted. The truth appears to be that he is seriously ill, and that it is not convenient to announce the fact. The Ultramontunes nre not dismayed by the reverses they have experienced. Observers in Rome see signs of a coming storm, and some think that a conspiracy is afoot, with extensive ramifications, to restore the temporal power. Any such movement must fail, although for a time it might provoke fanatical strife. We are more ready to believe that the Jesuits are working with the subtle and patient zeal of earlier days, to recover a spiritual ascendancy. Spain has long been the victim of their intrigues, and now the " Westminister Gazette" — an organ of English Roman Catholics — invites subscriptions in behalf of the Carlists. The Spanish Minister recently called attention to the fact, and claimed from our Government theprotection of British law against such a proceeding. Mr Gladstone explained in the House of Commons that the question had been re ferred to the law officers of the Crown, and that, in their opinion, the advertisement being a request for a gift, did not amount to an infraction of the law, though a contract for that purpose would be illegal. This view of the subject has elicited some sharp criticisms, especially after our recent Alabama experience, and published letters show that the lawofficers of other days held a different opinion in relation to such transactions. The "Daily News" of this morning says:— "lf our information is wellfounded, the Carlist sympathisers in this country, increasing in boldness, are entering upon proceedings to which the law officers of the Crown can hardly be indifferent. It is said that a Carlist loan is being brought out, and that agents have arrived in London supplied with means to purchase a steamer, which is to be used by the Carlists for military purposes."

In the meantime, Spain is lapsing into anarchy. The Carlists do not muster in any formidable strength, but continue their mischievous raids. There have been several sharp encounters, in which both sides have indulged their passion for boasting. The permanent committee of the Cortes sits at Madrid, but has not made any way in the consolidation of the Government. Barcelonais assuming a rjla;i m to the capital similar to that of Lyons to Paris.