THE ENCYCLICAL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 38, 26 June 1891, Page 31

THE ENCYCLICAL.

(By associated Press Cable from Rome to New York.) The Pope's enclycical on the labour question, just given out, is probably the most important document that has emanated from the Vatican in lecent years. The treatise in its Latin form consists o! 57 quarto pages. After • short introduction, in which the importance and difficulty of the laby^Kjbestion is referred to and the imperative demand for i s speedy solution noted, the Socialist position is stated and carefully reviewed, the conclusion being that the solution implied in the abolition of private property and the substitution of common ownership therefore is delusive and unteaable. The reasoning of His Holiness does not differ n.uch from that employed by the recognised authorities on the anti-Socialistic side. He has evidently studied the subject thoroughly and has consulted the leading writers of all countries. Hia Holiness then presents the alternative solution held out by the Church, its doctrioe and teachings. He admits that according to these teachings various principles and elements not strictly religious iv essence must contribute to the solution. First, however, and above all, is the Church, without which all else is ineffectual. At this point his Holiness recalls the Gospel teaching in regard to the relations to be observed among workmen toward each other and by workmen and employers toward one another. He points out the fact that, all that is necessary for the maintenance of harmonious relations between masters and men is the carrying out of the simple injunctions of Scripture. The observance of the Christian spirit as insisted upon in the inspired writings is the true solution. The fulfilment of the mutnal obligations of justice, resulting in friendly and even brotherly uniono n between employer and employed is not only practicable, but in a worldly sense beneficial to both interests. It is the teaching of Christ that all men must live together in nnity as members of one family. The Church not only keeps thie teaching in mind, but earnestly strives to bring it into actual practice, and does its utmost to give the working classes all the moral and material help which can be provided for their advantage. The activity of the Church in charitable performance is dwelt upon a« oie instance of the practical carrying out of tie Christian spirit of mutual aid. Christ is declared to be ever living in th P Church. The encyclical then dißcussoa the province of the State in the treatment of the labour question. Broadly it is laid down that it is necessary for the State to do its part toward befitting the workingmen. The treatment of this theme shows a leaning toward the famous dictum of Cardinal Manning, that the State stands in the position of guaranteeing to the citizen either a living or the opportunity to make a living. There is also evidence that his Holiness is in sympathy, to a marked degree, with the position taken by Cardinal Gibbons in regard to the rights of labour. Descending to particulars, the document miintains that the St«te not only has the right, but it is imposed with the duty to interfere between parties whenever us intervention becomes necessary in order to Cirry out its function of protecting the common rights of all and the equitable general welfare. In elucidating this point the encyclical declares that one of the chief objects for which the protective action of the State is needed is the protection of private property, the preservation of public tranquility, and the securing of the advantige of workmen whether mental or physical. The encyclical passes on to the (consideration of the various questions bearing on the necessity of Sibbath rest, recreation in the shape of festivals, the utility of strikes, the proper adjuatment of wages, etc. The question of the hours of labour is considered, with reference to the nature of the work, the age and set of the worker, and last, but not least, with relation to the effect of longer or shorter stints upon the welfare of the worker*. The importance of a proper use of leisure time is dwelt upon, and the greatest stress is laid upon the benefits to be derived from the establishment among the workingmen of institutes, societies for mutual aid, funds for the succour of those who meet with misfortune or sickness, thoi^ksabled by accident, etc. Various kir^Hf patronage in the interest of charity are sugRested, and the^^fction and welfare of children and youth is eojoined, The fie^Jbenefit offered by the possibility of syndicates, aud^Bve all, of co-operation amon? the workingmen is treated of, and such cooperative |effort [is spoken of as preeminently suited to tbe altered conditions of these times. Tbe State, while leaving due freedom to all, ought to favour and encourage such developments and sustain the association so formed. A good deal of space is devoted to tbese unions, upan which His Holiness seems to build bis great hopes of good results. Suggestions are made as to the best method of forming them, and the fundamental principles which ought to govern them are enunciated. They should above all be animated by the spirit of Christ, the spirit of brotherly loye and unity. MiwU good hat already beea done by

aach organisations, and his Holiness urges the enlargement and extension of the principle as the most hopeful step toward the oplifting of the labourer. The encyclical concludes with words of earnest exhortation to all interested in the labour question to observe tha dtvin: law as announced in the Scriptures, each determined to fulfil reaiily and without delay the duty lying npon him as employer or as w Klcnoan, Cardinal Manning and Archbishop Walsh are co-laboratiag in the preparation of the English translation.