Phenix Gazette

Among the items of foreign news in our columns this morning, will be found the annunciation of Mr. O'Connell to the Catholic Association, that the Pope has refused the concordat asked for by the British Government, with some remarks from the pen of an English editor. It strikes us, that the alleged "interference" could have been urged with more plausibility, had the Pope actually consented to the request. By holding himself aloof from the political disputes of the two parties, he certainly cannot be said to "interfere" or interpose his authority. Suppose the Pope had issued the concordat, might not the enemies of Catholic Emancipation have referred to it, as a triumphant confirmation of their assertion, that the Catholics of Ireland are ipso facto subjects of the See of Rome? Might they not have felt, at least, their pride hurt, at a foreign power becoming negotiators with them in settling the affairs of their own kingdom, by offering such terms as he would have offered?

With this view of the subject, we cannot, however, help thinking, that the event may throw some obstacle in the way, or delay, for a time, the success of the cause of Catholic Emancipation. The principles avowed in the extract accompanying Mr. O'Connell's speech, are entertained by a great body of people in England. They are principles founded in the very nature of Englishmen—jealous as they are of their rights and liberties, and enthusiastic admirers of their Church and Government—principles founded, we believe in error, but in an error of the head and not of the heart; and which are too intimately connected with all they so deservedly hold dear, soon to be eradicated. What we most want to see now, is forbearance, moderation, and kindly feelings.—The great work will and must be accomplished. We hope it may be accomplished speedily.