Italian Catholics or Ultramontane party. To understand this distinction, it is necessary to consider the change that has been gradually made in the constitution and administration of the Catholic Church in Ireland. When the struggle for Emancipation was going on, several of the leading prelates of that Church were examined before a committee of the House of Commons. Dr. Doyle was the principal witness, then the most distinguished and most representative man among Irish Catholics. Being asked as to the authority of the Pope, Dr. Doyle said it was purely spiritual, and that "his power was limited by decrees of council and also by usage." Being asked as to the mode of electing bishops in Ireland, Dr. Doyle said, "The Pope does not at present, and he could scarcely presume to, nominate any one except such person as we recommend." In fact, the usage was for the bishops to send to Rome a list of three, dignus, dignior, dignissimus, and the Pope invariably appointed the person thus recommended as the worthiest and fittest.

But all this is changed now. In the conspiracy for increasing the Papal power in Ireland, the first step

was to disregard the recommendation of the bishops in filling a vacancy. It was first done in the case of Dr. Cullen, known to be a trusty agent of the Vatican, who had lived many years in Rome, and is far more an Italian than an Irishman in spirit. Ever since, the appointments have been made of men who would be subservient to the same policy, and now the whole of the bishops, with, I believe, two exceptions, are Ultramontanes. The appointment of parish priests and of curates is in the hands of the bishops, and they take care to appoint men who will be most under their control. If any parish priest shows symptoms of independence, a curate coadjutor is planted beside him. The well-organized power of the hierarchy prevents outspoken protest, or effectual resistance to the crafty power by which the liberties of the Irish Church are being crushed. The new doctrine of Papal Infallibility has removed the former limits to the Pope's power, imposed by "decrees of council, and also by usage." His authority is now supreme, not only as the head of the Church, but it extends to every diocese and to every parish. The independence of the Irish Catholic Church is thus destroyed; and, not content

with this, the Ultramontane power is attempting to limit the civil rights of the Irish clergy. The wellknown O'Keeffe case, now before the Courts, will show the extent and direction of the attack on the laws and constitution of the nation. It is the restless and aggressive policy of this faction which causes the most serious difficulties in Irish affairs, and most retards the peaceful progress of the country.

In affirming that Popery is the main cause of the troubles and woes of Ireland, the statement is made on grounds of history and experience, without touching on theological controversies. I give the result of my own observation, in many countries besides Ireland. In confirmation of my statements, I have quoted the opinions of men like Sydney Smith and Charles Dickens, of Sismondi and De Tocqueville, as being free from suspicion of religious bigotry or prejudice. The social results of the system may be examined, without any unkind or uncharitable feeling towards its adherents. I bear testimony to the exemplary character of many of the Irish Catholic clergy, and I so admire John Banim's ballad, "Soggarth Aroon," that I wish every "priest dear" had a wife,

as St. Peter had, and so double his happiness and usefulness. Of the natural piety and devoutness of the poor Irish Catholics, no one can speak without respect. To them may be applied the complimentary epithet which St. Paul used to the men of Athens, that they are full of reverence, or as we mistranslate it, "too superstitious." The Irish Catholic Church in early ages gained for Ireland the name of "the Isle of Saints," and it may yet regain the brightness it had in the days of St. Patrick and St. Columba. It has not lost the ancient truths, although they are now overlaid with Romish errors and innovations.