ARE THE FRENGH CATHOLICS TO BLAME

Naturally amidst the persécution to which catholics are subjected in France, many attempts, says the CatfwUc Times, oî Liverpool, Eng., are made to trace the causes of the bitter hosti-

lity displayed towards the Church. Of critics there is no lack, and as criticism is wholesome it is well to examine it dispassionately. One critic whose remarks hâve excited a great deal of interest in France is M. Léon Cliaine. An earnest catholic, he lias published a book entitled, les Catholiques et leurs difficultés actuelles, which bas bad a very large circulation, and is now appearing in a new édition, tbe publisbers being MM. Storck et C'% 16, rue de Condé, Paris. M. Chaîne is, of course, strongly opposed to the policy pursued by M. Combes, but he does not hesitate to assert that the French Catholics hâve done much to bring the troubles on themselves. If, he observes, the catholics are suffering in France,is it not because they bave committed grave faults, Did they not adopt an unintelligent and culpable attitude in the famous Dreyfus affair ? Is not what is taking place to day the expiation of the conduct of the immense majority of French Catholics in connection with the trial of Captain Dreyfus ? In other countries catholics showed more independence of mind, and greater freedom from préjudice. They denounced the iniquities brought to light during the légal proceedings with as much energy as other citizens, and in England even a distinguished Cardinal gave public expression to his désire for fair play towards the accused. Eloquent pro tests to the same effect were made by catholics in Switzerland, Belgium and the United States of America. French CathoHcs, says M. Chaîne, need not bave been averse to the Company of men of character such as M. Aynard and M. Berenger. If they could not sympathize with Dreyfus, they could at least bave rendered service by raising their voices against certain discreditable proceedings to which they gave their approbation by silence when they did not praise them publicy.