Cashing to To the Rev. Bishop of——, September 14, 1875
No. 542. Mr. Cushing to Mr. Fish.
No. 520.]
Sir: I hasten to send to you a document of great importance in itself, which already produces much emotion and commotion, and which is calculated to have serious effects on the present fortunes of Spain.
It is a circular addressed to the bishops of Spain by the papal nuncio, in the name of the Pope, and of his mere authority, denouncing the clause of the proposed constitution in reference to religious toleration, and insisting not only on absolute religious unity in matters of faith, but also on the prohibition of any instruction, public or private, other than in conformity with the dogmas of the Roman Catholic Church.
Its premises purport to be the stipulations of the last Concordat between the Papal See and the Spanish government.
It is the more odious to the public sense in that it is an act of intromission in the domestic affairs of the country, unauthorized by the government, and such as would not have been endured by Charles III, or even Philip II.
It will complicate the relations of parties within the circle of the adherents of D. Alfonso, encourage the Carlists, animate the republicans, and add fuel to the smoldering discontent which already inflames the Spaniards.
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I am, &c.,