THE POPE AND THE WAR.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 752, 12 November 1870, Page 4

THE POPE AND THE WAR.

"The following letter has been ad dressed by his Holiness the Pope to the King of Prussia : — " Your Majesty — In the present grave circumstances it may appear an unusual thing to receive a letter from me, but as the vicar on earth of God and peace, I cannot do less than offer my mediation. It is my desire to witness the cessation of warlike preparations and stop the evils of their inevitable consequences. My mediation is of a sovereign whose small domain excites no jealousy, but who inspires confidence by the moral and religious influence he personifies. May God lend an ear to my wishes, and listen also to those I form for your ..Majesty, to whom I would be united in bonds of charity. Given at the Vatican, July 22, 1870. "PictslX." The Postscript adds : "I have written identically to the Emperor." The King of Prussia's reply was as follows : — "Most August Pontiff— l am not surprised, but profoundly moved at the touching words traced by your hand. They cause the voice of God — ' Peace' — to be heard. How could my heart refuse to listen to so powerful an appeal ! God witnesses that neither I or my people desired or provoked war. Obeying the sacred duties which God imposes on sovereigns aud nations, we take up the sword to defend the independence and honor of our country, ready to lay it down when these treasures are secured. If your Holiness could offer me from him who so unexpectedly declared war, assurances of sincerity of pacific disposition, and a guarantee against a similar attempt upon the peace andtranquility of Europe, it certainly will not be I that refuse to receive them from your venerable hands. United I am with you in bonds of friendship. William."