mme of
the powers? Certainly not. The papal government must go the way of all
flesh, and if the Catholics are taxed for an unattainable object, it
is, in my opinion, unjust, to say the least."

The proprietor shook his head thoughtfully. "We consider the question
from very different stand-points," said he. "Pius IX. is the head of
the church--the spiritual father of all Catholics. The revolution has
robbed him of his revenues. Why should not Catholics give their father
assistance?"

"And I ask," said Hamm, "why give the pope alms when the powers are
ready to give him millions?"

"On what conditions, Herr Assessor?"

"Well--on the very natural condition that he will acknowledge
accomplished facts."

"You find this condition so natural!" said Siegwart, somewhat excited.
"Do you forget the position of the pope? Remember that on those very
principles of which the pope is the highest representative, was built
the civilization of the present. The pope condemns robbery, injustice,
violence, and all the principles of modern revolution. How can the pope
acknowledge as accomplished facts, results which have sprung from
injustice, robbery, and violence? The moment the pope does that, he
ceases to be the first teacher of the people and the vicar of Christ on
earth."

"You take a strong religious position, my dear friend," said Hamm,
smiling compassionately.

"I do, most assuredly," said the proprietor with emphasis. "And I am
convinced that my position is the right one."

Hamm smiled more complacently still. Frank observed this smile; and the
contemptuous manner of the official toward the open, kind-hearted
proprietor annoyed him.

"Pius IX. is at any rate a noble man," said he, looking sharply at the
assessor, "There exists a critical state of uncertainty in all
governments. All the courts and principalities look to Paris, and the
greatest want of principle seems to be in the state taxation. The
pope alone does not shrink; he fears neither the anger nor the threats
of the powers. While thrones are tumbling, and Pius IX. is not master
in his own house, that remarkable man does not make the least
concession to the man in power. The powers have broken treaties,
trampled on justice, and there is no longer any right but the right of
revolution--of force. There is nothing any longer certain; all is
confusion. The pope alone holds aloft the banner of right and justice.
In his manifestoes to the world, he condemns error, fals