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New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVI, Issue 43, 15 February 1889, Page 19

London, December 31. — The Vienna correspondent of the Timtn says that for tbe first time in years the Emperor of Russia has sent a friendly Christmas greeting to the Pope. Wneu Mr. Gladftone waa at Hirmuißham the other day he slippel across from Sir W. Foster's house to the Oratory to inquire after Cardinal Newman. He could not see the Cardinal, but was received by the Father who habitually attends him. In conversation it came cut tbat the venerable patient was fond of reading in bed. but that the Fathers bad difficulty in rinding him t% safe and suitable light. Mr. Gladstone instantly replied, '• I have the very thing by me," and posting back to Sir. W. Foster's house, returned bearing a candlestick with a reflector attached, which he left as a present for tbe Cardinal. Considering that this happenci on tbe viry afternoon of the Binglej Hall meeting— in the midst of the hurry and excitement of preparation — it is a striking instance, says the London correspondent of the Manchester Guardian, of self-forgetfulDess and tboughtfulnen for c there. Mgr. Tersico's report oa tha Irish questioT is almost complete 1. It h said that he directs attention to tb<; anomalous fact tbat all the governing authorities in Irelanl, from the Lord Lieutenant downw»r), are Protestan's and not well dinpos d towards Catholics. On the other band, he says, the agrarUn struggle engenders outrage and a total violation of the moral law. He himself has improved the state of affiiis, but much remains undone. The Irish people refuse absolutely to admit th,it the Plan of Campaign is orimlnal. They consider it a legitimate retaliation upon the land-owners, who, they siy, must pay for the misdeeds of their class in the past. The Land C urts hometimes sneceed in qaietin? the people by obtaining concessions from the landl rds. but generally they inspire little confidence. The Pope may still do much, provided ha can convince the Irish people that he is not acting in accordance with an agreement with Ihe English G .vernment. The people must be made to comprehend tbe moral importance of their acts ; they must be taught to accustom themselves to a sej aration of political questions from moral questions. They must not serve as tbe instrument of those who, under the pret'xt of nationality, lead them to the commission of acts that are contrary to morality. Mgr. Ptrs-co expresses the moat absolute disapproval of boycotting. He signifies the opinion that Irish political aspirations must be satisfied before peace can be restored.