FRANCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8311, 14 December 1906, Page 5

FRANCE.

CHURCH AND STATE. SPEECH BY THE PREMIER. Received December 13, 8.37 a.m. PARIS, December 12. M. Olemenoeau, Premier, replying to a question ia the Chamber of Deputies, said Monaignor Moutagni, tho late Nunoio's Auditor, would not have been disturbed if he had restricted himself to the duties of chstodian ot the nuuoiatuie's doouments; but he had transmitted Cardinal Merty del Val's instructions to the bishops to violate the law. It was the duty of the Government not to tolerate suah things. "M. Brlaud," continued the Premier, "had offered the Catholics the uommou law modified to suit them, and tunny bishops and priests had been instructed to confurm thereto; tut seeing peace ahead, and not wauting law, they sought strife." Tho Premier added: "If they make war against the law the Government will make war against them. The Government has fired the first gun. Thero is still time to avoid a battle if the enemy desire. Tha Government is inexorable on the question of the independence of civil society. Toe Government's acta were legal but energetic. Catholics should think of the future of their faith. The Government has offered liberty of publio meetings. If they wish peace, it is possible; it they want war thgy oan have it; and if they are looking for the Government they will fiud it befcre them." Before ho spoke two-thirds of the I Chamber cheered M. Clemenoeau | heartily.

DECLARATION BY THE POPE. Received December 13, 9 a.m. PARIS, December 12. The Vatican contends that the proposed regime offers no security for the future. The Popo exclaimed —"Nothing will atop us—neither persecution oor martyrdom—from protecting our religion. Our cause is God's." THE PARIS CHURCHES CONFORM. COMPROMISING CORRESPONDENCE SEIZKD. Received December 13, 9.20 a.m. PARIS, December 12. Ail the Paris churches have made a declaration under the Public Meoting Aot, whiah legalises religions worship. 'the police seized a mass of diplomatic correspondence in Mousignor Montagui's residence, compromising some of the Deputies; and also sympathising letters from English and Irish bishops. Received December 13, 10.3 p m.

PARI?, December 13. Two thousand documents seized at the nunciature, conclusively prove that the Bishops were almost unanimous in aaoepting the separation law. They ofcoyed not without deep regret the Pope's instructions, whioh were communicated through Munsignor Montagni. The secrecy of all dooumeuts of a diplomatic nature is scrupulously respected by the Government. It is stated at Rome that up to the last momeut the Vatioan hoped that Franca would renew negotiations. Rece'ved December 13, 11.38 p.m. PARIS, December 13. Several laymen authorised a collective notification on behalf of all the Paris Churches, but the Archbishop repudiates their action. Masses wore announced as usual today, when the Government proseouted every priest officiating without notification. Several notified tbe authorities. Others are determined on a passive resistance. Many bishops and priests are cyaitting their residences.