We are informed that the extraordinary order recently issued by
the Pope commanding Roman ladies to cover their necks and put off their chignons, and so on, when they went to church, was issued under circumstances which suggest that the Pope, who has humour, intended a satire. The Emperor of the French, who never can see that advice is lost on an infallible being, has renewed the old worry for reforms. M. de Sartiges pesters the Pope almost every day to grant the Romans a better administration, urging that the good of his subjects ought to be a Sovereign's first con- sideration. The Pope, who quite agrees, but thinks that good should be interpreted in a spiritual sense, has, therefore, issued this decree, on which the Vicar-General is acting, and which will, he thinks, or at least says, tend greatly to the furtherance of morality and religion. What can a Sovereign do more for his people than help them on to heaven? and besides, would not the Roman regeneration be a good example for Paris? People say sumptuary laws are required there also.
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