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New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 244, 4 January 1878, Page 9

ni V ? Col ' am S to one o£ the Italian papers, as soon as the death of M. a hiers was known here, some prelates hastened to carry the news to the Holy. Father, who merely remarked, " Let us respect the decrees of Providence !" The next day His Holiness, talking of the sudden death with varioas persons around him, said, " It is assuredly an event of great importance for France, and which may have serious consequences ; but I do not share the opinion of those who rejoice at that loss, as if it would be an embarrassment the less for the men in power. That idea is, in my opinion, an error. Ido not desire to specify the qualities and the defects of M. Thiers, but I say that his presence might have been more useful than injurious to the cause of order. What will happen ? Parties will be more ardent than ever, and I should not be surprised if that unfortunate country should yet have to pass through some terrible trials. May God grant that my previsions are erroneous !" The persons present looked at each other, and a long silence followed those words of the Pope.