ve. Whilst they were preparing a law by
which it should be called into existence and its liberty secured and
regulated, Pius IX., in anticipation of their labors, authorized the
publication of several journals. First, came the "Contemporaneo," which
was followed in due time by the "Bilancia," the "Italico," the "Alba."
These publications were in sympathy, at first, with the Pontiff and his
reforming ministry. They advocated only rational reform, real improvement,
such changes as were both practicable and useful. They had not yet
discovered the excellence of the Socialist utopia. Their enthusiasm and
their _vivats_ were all for the reformer Pope.

It is far from being matter of surprise to Catholic people, at least, that
the See of Rome should be the first to practice the virtues--the high
morality which it teaches. In regard to their treatment of the Jewish
people, the Christian nations generally stood in need of such an example
as Papal Rome has always shown in her consideration for the race of
Israel. The nations, although professing Christianity, have been anything
but Christian in their conduct towards these people. It was their idea,
one would say, that they were called of heaven to execute justice on an
offending race. The Popes never believed that they or any other Christians
were entrusted with such a mission. Accordingly, the Jews, when cruelly
persecuted in other countries, always found protection and safety at Rome
under the wing of the Pope. Even such restrictions as they were subject
to, contributed to maintain them in security and peace. The Holy Father,
although it was his sublime mission to preach the Gospel, could not always
cause its precepts to be obeyed. If prejudice was against living on terms
of charity with the Jews, was it not kind, as well as wise and politic, to
assign to them a quarter of the city where only they should dwell, free
from all interference on the part of the rest of the inhabitants? Pius IX.
believed that the time had come when a more liberal arrangement might be
advantageously adopted. In pursuance of this conviction, he regulated that
the Jews should enjoy the privilege of establishing their habitations
wherever they should deem it most suitable, that they should be governed
by the same laws as the other citizens, and in no way be treated as a
foreign people. Such of them as stood in need of assistance Pius IX.
admitted to a share in his benefactions, and without occasioning the