The Pope went on to assert that Cardinal Mercier had
never been arrested, and was able to move freely in his diocese. Challenged to declare his views on the sinking of the Lug- tania,' the Pope said he knew no more horrible crime. But "do you believe that a blockade which presses on two Empires, and which condemns millions of innocent people to famine, is also inspired by very humane sentiments" P He frankly admitted that he was a "neutralist" as regards Italy's intervention, and had issued instructions to that effect to "our friends and newspapers," on the triple ground that, as the representative of God, the Pope could only desire and preach peace, that he wished to opera the country which he loved the sufferings of war, and that war placed the interests of the Holy See in danger. While he trusted the Italian Government, things were not altogether satisfactory. The freedom of his correspondence had not been respected, and his communications with the countries at war were inter- rupted. "Rome was in a perpetual ferment. How would the people accept defeat or victory P Every movement of the Italians had its effect in Rome, and the Vatican felt itself less protected than hitherto." It is impossible not to be struck by the resemblance of the Pope'a attitude to that of Mr. Bryan as set forth in his recent Manifesto, which in many respects would qualify him for the post of Pontifical -Secretary of State.
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