the papal government, warning it against any steps that might lead to encroachments on the rights of Austria.  The French Government also addressed a note, suggesting that a French bishop should explain to the Council the condition and the rights of France.  To this the papal government replied that a bishop could not reconcile the double duties of an ambassador and a Father of the Council.  Hereupon, the French Government, in a very respectful note, remarked that, to prevent ultra opinions from becoming dogmas, it reckoned on the moderation of the bishops, and the prudence of the Holy Father; and, to defend its civil and political laws against the encroachments of the theocracy, it had counted on public reason and the patriotism of French Catholics.  In these remonstrances the North-German Confederation joined, seriously pressing them on the consideration of the papal government.

On April 23d, Von Arnim, the Prussian embassador, united with Daru, the French minister, in suggesting to the Curia the inexpediency of reviving mediaeval ideas.  The minority bishops, thus encouraged, demanded now that the relations of the spiritual to the secular power should be determined before the pope’s infallibility was discussed, and that it should be settled whether Christ had conferred on St. Peter and his successors a power over kings and emperors.

Infallibility of the pope.  No regard was paid to this, not even delay was consented to.  The Jesuits, who were at the bottom of the movement, carried their measures through the packed assembly with a high hand.  The Council omitted no device to screen itself from popular criticism.  Its proceedings were conducted with the utmost secrecy; all who took part in them were bound by a solemn oath to observe silence.

On July 13th, the votes were taken.  Of 601 votes, 451 were affirmative.  Under the majority rule, the measure was pronounced carried, and, five days subsequently, the pope proclaimed the dogma of his infallibility.  It has often been remarked that this was the day on which the French declared war against Prussia.  Eight days afterward the French troops were withdrawn from Rome.  Perhaps both the statesman and the philosopher will admit that an infallible pope would be a great harmonizing element, if only common-sense could acknowledge him.

Hereupon, the King of Italy addressed an autograph letter to the pope, setting forth in very respectful terms the necessity that his troops should advance and occupy positions “indispensable to the security of his Holiness, and the maintenance of order;” that, while satisfying the national aspirations, the chief of Catholicity, surrounded by the devotion of the Italian populations, “might preserve on the banks of the Tiber a glorious seat, independent of all human sovereignty.”

To this his Holiness replied in a brief and caustic letter:  “I give thanks to God, who has permitted your majesty to fill the last days of my life with bitterness.  For the rest, I cannot grant certain requests, nor conform with certain principles contained in your letter.  Again, I call upon God, and into his hands commit my cause, which is his cause.  I pray God to grant your majesty many graces, to free you from dangers, and to dispense to you his mercy which you so much need.”