s,[5162] and, first
in rank, the Lazarists and the Fathers of foreign missions.[5163] "These
monks," he says,[5164] will be of great service in Asia, in Africa, and
in America. I will send them to procure information on the state of the
country. Their robe protects them, while it is a cover to political
and commercial designs.... I will allow them a capital to start with
of 15,000 francs rental.... They cost little, are respected by savages,
and, having no official character, can not compromise the government."
Moreover, "religious zeal leads them to undertake work and to face
perils which are beyond the strength of a civil agent."--Of course, as
they are "secret diplomatic agents," the government must keep them
in hand and direct them. Consequently, "their superior must no longer
reside in Rome, but at Paris." The same precaution is taken with
reference to other congregations, which, in teaching or in charity,
become regular auxiliaries of the lay power. "The general-superior of
the Sisters of Charity will live in Paris[5165]; the entire body will
then be in the hands of the government." As to the brethren of the
Christian schools, Napoleon absorbs these in his university.[5166] "They
must be licensed by the grand-master,[5167] who will certify to their
internal regulations, accept their oaths, prescribe a special costume,
and superintend their schools." Observe the exigencies of the government
at this point, its measures for controlling the religious orders
authorized by it. Abbe Hanon,[5168] the common superior of the Sisters
of Saint-Vincent de Paul, having refused to place Madame Laetitia
(Napoleon's mother) at the head of the council of the order, is carried
off at night and shut up at Fenestrelles,[5169] while the Sisters,
who, following the instructions of their founder, refuse to recognize a
superior appointed by the civil power, are treated in the same manner as
formerly the nuns of Port-Royal.[5170]

"It is time to put an end to this scandal of the Sisters of Charity in
rebellion against their superiors. It is my intention to suppress all
the houses which, in twenty-four hours after the notice you give them,
do not return to subordination. You will replace the houses suppressed,
not by Sisters of the same order, but by those of another order of
charity. The Sisters at Paris will lose their influence, which will be a
good thing."

Whatever the communities may be, the authorization by which they
organize is m