THE POPE AND THE LABOR QUESTION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2052, 29 May 1890, Page 3

THE POPE AND THE LABOR QUESTION.

The New York Herald of April 20th publishes a cablegram from Borne, detailing what purports to be an interview with Pope Leo XIII,, in which he said:—These are times of social unrests and impending disorder. There is no power which can deal with anarchism, socialism, and discontent, but organised religion. . The result of the efforts which have been made to throw aside Christianity and live without it cab. be seen in the present condition of society, discontent, disorder, hatred, and profound unhappiness. The social question can only be solved by increasing morality in the world. While Christian morals governed there was no such condition of affairs as we see to-day. With the efforts to destroy religion began the evils which are agitating society. Social trouble cannot cease unless mankind, comes back to the same principle ; but they continue to attack and revile the religion which teaches conect morals and has civilised the world; these disorders will increase and overwhelm them. The Governments of the various nations must do their work if I do mine. Their work is local and particular, such as the enforcement of the laws of labour or such measures as seem wise ; but my work, as the head of Christendom must be universal, and op a different plan. It is for the Church to Christianise the world and teach morality and charity. The moral condition of both the working-man and the employer must be raised. I intend to* have committees formed in every diocese, and . which committees shall have bishops at their head, and shall consist of either working-men, or those who sympathise and associate with them. On fast days, and whenever there is rest from labour, - these committees will call the toilers together and discuss , their duties . and teach and inspire them with true morality ; and that soiind aim of life must be founded on religisn,” His Holiness spoke with emotion about his desire for the disarmament of Europe.’ “ These great military establishments have another depressing effect. They set one people against another, : intensify national, policy, and the result is a growth of the spirit of, anger and vengefulnesa. The huge armies 'confronting each other in such times as these cannot leave a good spirit behind them ; they are anti-Christian.” In regard to these.utterances of the Pope, Herr Windthorst, the , German Catholic leader, says The Holy Bather’s sentiments in this regard are shared by the whole world, and I intend to give the moat energetic support to. the Kaiser’s policy on the Socialist question.”