The New York herald. [volume], June 24, 1878, Image 6

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Till PAPAL POLICY.
Sixth Letter to the Herald from a
Roman Prelate.
m XIII. AND REFORM IN THE CHURCH
The Famous Decree of
Constance
REFORM BY MEANS OF COUNCILS.
Some Evils That Would Have Been Avoided
Through Councils.
[by cabue to tub heuald. ]
Home, Juue 23. 1878.
To the Editob of the Hebald:?
I have mailed you a full refutation of the
IKorid'tf charge of plagiarism.
THE HUMAN PRELATE.
TH* QUESilO.N OP COU*CIiS.
Ron*, May 15, 1878.
To rac Editor of rat 1iekai.d:?
Now dogmas are impossible id tb? Catholic religion
tbo Church having from ibo very ooginnmg received
the complete dopoeit ot Cbrieliau truth. Hor iniaeion
Is to laiihfnllr preserve the deposit confided to her.
Freedom ot opiniou, which leavos dogmas intact, has
always been oarclully guarted by popes and eouncils.
lor a period ol uiuoteeu ceoturiea attempts at defln
log new dogmm have bee* extremely rare ana have
always felled. In the ball L'iuim Sanctum lionifsce VI1L
seemed Iholiued to decide the political supremacy of
the Pontifical See; ibo bull was. however, eliminated
from the official codes ana the official text is now no
where to be (ouud. Every one knows what difflcul
ties beset Pope John XXII. when the question came up
in regard to the beatific vision. Iu previous letters to
the Nsw Yohk Hsrald 1 speko ol the sow articles ol
luub which Pius IX. thought well to deiliie. I deter
mined the legel value and the dogree of authority ol
Ibe Syllabus, ol poutillcal allocutions and encyclicals.
tbs sfiiana or reform.
Kelortn, then, doss not cuncsru dogma nor doctrine.
Independent, however, of matters necessary to he
believed or where freedom ol opluton is allowed, inde
pendent ?> fundamental principles govorning morals
or maintaining sacred the essential constitution ol
the Church?independent ol all this, the discipline
established by puroly human laws oilers a wido held
lor reform. Mauy times during hor career the Church
lias effected important disciplinary rofarmg. Alter
tho era of persecutions, about tho fourth coutury
there was a wouderlul decliuo lu this matter ol dii,
Bipliuc. This evolution received its complement 200
>cars later. In the twelllh and during the two fol
lowing ceutunoi jurisconsults and univsrsliies regu
lated that reform lor which the general counoils of
Lateral), ol Lyons aud Vienna lormulatod rule*. This
turn of reform Is mapped out 10 the three official
coues of cor put juris canonic i, the only ouea now In
possession of (he Cimrcli.
UKTOKM (IV MKAXS OF COUSCILB.
It Is well just bore to observe that at ull times the
work of reform has been brought about only by means
ol Irequont councils. After the great schism ol the
IVest a great cry was raised on all sides for a radical
reform of the head aud the members, tn'apUe el mmt
bris?that ts, ol the Hope uud the ponuttcai court and all
the ranks of tho hierarchy. The Council ol Constauce,
already la session lour yoara, could not oommeoo!
too groat work. Tho Council knew well that dlaordor
could be prevented only by frequent assembling of
councils. In the iblrty-uiiiib session?that is, when
the two separate bodloa came to uu understanding
aud when, by universal consent, the Council was ml
coutoatably considered ecumenical?the following de
eree was issued:
bhCREK OF rns COCJfCIL or OOFSTaXCB.
"The Irtqu.in assembling of councils Is the best
way 10 cultivate the Lord's vineyurd; by this means
weeds aro torn up, thorns are removed, heresy, error
and schism are sxtlrpatod, abuses are corrected.
Ihmgs tbat are defectlvo aro reformed aud tho Lord's
r.ne grows up to the lulno s ol a rich Harvest.
Nc.'looting to ronroks councils is to propagate and
preserve ail the excesses, all ibe vicsswe nave pointed
ouu Remembrance of the past and observation ol
the present render all these things plainly visible to
?ur eyes. O0 tn.s account, by this perpetual decree,
we prescribe, decree and ordain that henceforth
general councils shall oe convoked lu such s way tbat
tbc first shall tsku piacs five years alter the ond ol
Ihls one; the second seven yoara after the closing ot
Ibe preceding, and afterward evory ten years without
Interruption. The I'ope, with tho approval sod consent
?I the Council, shall ha hold to designate, one month
ro ihs close ol each of these, the placo of meeting
?I tbc next Council. Iu ihcabseucc ol the Rope the
Council snail Itself determine the place, so tbat by a
Don interrupted succession a council shall always be
going on, or shall be fixed lor a definite period. The
lime appointed mar, In unforeseen cases, bo anlicl
paled by tbo Pope, with the adnco ol bis brethren
the cardinals of the Holy Woman Cburch ; but in no
way mar he put it off or adjourn It. Let htm not
change, without rigorous necessity, the place agreed
upon lor tbe assembling of tbo future Council. If,
however, somo urgent necessity should reqniro
a change oi place, such as a slego, a war, a peatl
lence, or some similar circumstance, in that case
tho 1 ope, by tbo consent, and having obtained tho
ngnuluru of. Ins brtthron above mentioned, or ol
two-thirds ol them, might designate another suit
able place, wear tbe ono previously fixed upon; tho
Places, however, must belong to the same nation,
unless like obstacle* aro met all over the laud. In
this case tho Council mey be convoked in a place be
longing to a neighboring nation, with suitable con
ditions. Prelates aud oil thoao who oeually are sum
nioned will he held to attend the Council us Iftbe
plsco had been fixed upon from ilio beginning. Tbe
Pope will be bald to publish and legitimately nod
S olemnly mike known, one year in advance of the
lime appointed, tho change ol place or the leeseaing
ol tho tune, so that the above-mentioned persons
may assemble at the time uppoiutod lor tho holding
ol tho Council." Tin* ueoreo or tho Council received
the moat formal upproval nl Popo Mailin V., sinco
tiu put It III execution. Here aro tbe Pope's words:?
?'Ileing Ueolrtous and wishing to execute tbo deoree
Ol tbe present General Council, which, among other
Clause*, ordain* tbe holding or general councils in
lbs place appointed by the Sovereign Pontiff, by lbs
consent and with tho approval of tho Holv Council
nee nooto belore the end of tho Council, by tho
present letters and with tbo approval ol Hie Council,
wc designate the City el Part* as the place ol the
next Council." Kugeuius IV. held the Council con
voiced by Martin V., aud bv the holding of such Coun
cil gave a fresh approval to the decree frtqum,.
Ib'i decree, issued by s General Council, promulgated,
sanctioned aud executed by two popes, wue invested
with ail the authority, all tbo authenticity on ecclesi
astical law can obtain. It is deserving ol the must pro.
fbauu rtspcct and the closest intention of thcCathoiia
world, it contains tho whole reformatory sod pro
gressivc policy that tbe Church ouunsivod and made
? nowo in one oi the most important periods ol hor
history.
?tcutimi run nxcNRR.
We may, therefore, stuur this uecrto wills becoming
respect, and eodeavor. as Isr as possible, to under
ili.nl us disciplinary import at the nniu it app. a red
sou in import to-day. Periodicity sail the regularity
of holding council* every len years we find established
huueo.IfrVv" " hT P"PC? "I""" V. and
r.ed mrli h n.'m lll?,r rt'8,'l'?niy was consul
? ted u.oet ho luting cull lire lor the Vmsyard ol the Lord:
Was cou.idcred, too, ? most efficacious nieamol cow
bating error aud vioe, ol correcting sbu-.-s and ol ne
OcauM?* 'a'.iu lulnoss ol siranglh a00
A disciplinary rub. of mis kind, to .irougly
recommended by t.,e highest .uu hol.oot iuiboruy .i
Use Luurcb, ot Once leipe.t* while dtloriuining Hie
fo# tu .? *' ""rn, ,:,n" ""?rd*ample means
fur the tnoro'sgh accomplishment ol m? openollc mis
51 .... J"1' l'1* ?utdBUCC ol till* Well ordered
discipline tbe Pope maintains all his riguia uud tho
ordinary government ol tbe Church. He teaches ih#
fhe.herd! and the WllCul. watches over i t. deposit
of truth- he 1' slwsys cbiel uud supreme Judge, >nd
? ueVe.ury-.upa inr lh. geod o.
? be world. A i ouuoil I. always Deal ul Uaud, away*
deemed advisable by impending event*, and questions
o. i?Pensue. are n^pn, reserved by
wisdom Ol tl.e V pe lor d.oi.ion by Ihe ConBOU.
WOIL0 TttK PSSlUMCAl. COHVoCATIUS OP MCIM**^
I'OCXCfLB CHANGS TUI OOSSTITCTIOH OF TH* CHUMCH?
TU Council ol Conetauce did not tdioll so. siu<5
DUhi.sb.d ibe decree fVequtne *1 . lime when ell the
wund admitted the cosnoii *?.!?? ''La|oUr
loriy-lourtb .e.eloo, held the l#lh ol April, 141e.
moiithe .Iter the election of ?bu uew Hope. Hertlu V
Is.tied lbo hull appointing tbe noldmg of the
? i I'avin c.rryiug out tne decree Vrequetu (cu/
,1 vo'mtrs decrrto hujus o-nrrali* conaU" ttUuJucrre,
inter ,Uiat iuponmie. quod ommmodo genet aha con
cilia in '"CO i/urm Suihimuj fonitjex per m???** ""?
fin-m hujui conctlti appro ante efconinfonfrconct/o
drUMtare et denguare tenratur). Merlin V. csusedbis
authority with regard to the people ol Poland to be
re.neeled He here decree be act. ol hi. own free
wiH Mv what right can It be alleged that thia bull was
forced trom bin.? He newer prote.t.d aga.n.t the
v aUmcp il any wrm aliompwd against min. On too
contra" mauyyVA alter the council be Issued
sovera'bude reliling lo the aecree iV'^ .n^
FuL'cntus IV. followed bis example. All those
tact, would be Inexplicable it tbe.e two pope.i ew
ibou-ht mat i enodicity in tbe matter ol
V..nbI rfleet u change in tbe constitution of the
church Cardinal JscobUius and his ecbool spenk ul
COurc . as a valid decree. Dut they say
Ibatmlccecdi'ug pope, have the power
\Vr tnav rettiouablv deplore toe decline ol this law.
li the ten year period ol councils bad been udbered to
great evds and great disaster, to society might have
bM wh!0/EVIL* ooovcils MIGHT hav. i*"?*"0' ^
...v.r.r:.' s
in, c?rl?i.? ?piiu w?,w ????<" ??>'?
i M '('!? ii u thA urincipal csutjos lliat o?
made Protestantism suecc.aldl would harei been
avoided and Hun-po would have preserved her re
of'curiscVycivtUzai?lon?under""L
nan got re'grc t. Convocations mat might "avoavoned
[R.e.ous otVon U.at m.do the
^"mauce^r Ua.Die?oouid VnrnUh S' to thoae
wboThtnlC council, ol little unportence ?' *b? bJ"
SHiSS
niall'y asked lor a reuewal ol the decree
this we tlnd In the vostulata ol ihene bishop?.
L?/um concuH constant it mis (is concilio quoUbtt dtcen
Tc1^?
tblulc that the oon.iltutlon^fpth^Cburob^ wool^un
deSnclT CfhePKinK ol Portugal cauaud the same jiosfu
s5SSwsa?"i,tfsa^sr-a
c"ffi o?Lofra?lnehauT oVheV^elamT VtUioned
Crrdl,"Ahi renewal of the Decennial Council, low
i,t? and ot the council tbo Cardinal of l.orralue, in
^SsSnSSSw
?r?'si?SSraZS'iri.riV ,r.
promnlgaird. AH these uct. <?TZ
fardlna? legale, thougnt It well to commit tho Pope,
i ii is, .more as they did not agree among them
muiiee In this emiueutly confidential lotler did they
g?lve?. d.neer that Pontlttcal authority and the
con?tltu?ion o* tbV Church might undergo? By no
constitution 0pporiun?nes9 ol
?Uw'p?UKg?d.o"?nial council Here is lb.
I tun text ?"D> conciliu grnrrahbu* contuUrandiim,
un llp'diot facert canonrm ut lutbemdur ,ir,r_fixo tr.m
nonituam atiijuibm vidrlur form,indus canon jnxta
petitioner ati'iuibui videtur matunut 'Ul'b'T"^u1^
?i... ?.rdinals asked lor instructions Irom tbe
J,"* Neither Plus IV., uor St. Cbnrles Bor
foiMO uor the cardinal, at Borne bav.bg
charge' ol con.uliatlous relating to the Counoll ol
Trent ever thought that porlndlolty ol council, would
gaitunctt lue constitution ol the Church, lor they lolt
fathers ft Trent lull liberty lo issue a decree
i rescrlblng the convocation ol an ecumenical conncl
cverv twenty or twer.lv-llve years. St fmen vuiebx
lur etaUterr nliqurm. trrnxinuin viginli au/ t?i/tnli
Zwue annorunx racint pront ?W videtntur. 1 hus the
cTrdlnals foresaw no danger In periodical
cmmctl. The Prench po.iutata were pub,..bed ,n
the unnal# of Baronlus. Dupuy'. ??"??'?? ? |K
likewise be consulted (p. U68), Isalmcn^ (|. 3i4),
vtcini (book xix., c.xh). Marline (vetor. monum.tom.
ft p 1,307), Man.,'* Miscellanea (i. ,v. p. S^hl.opat
H V P. 63.1). P'?? ?v- teceivod the Pol4l*f"
iilely but judged the time ol appointment 1???'?*?'
! however tbe lathers ol 1 rent lull liberty to
pre?crH>o tho convocmllon ot au ecumenical council
every twenty or twenty-five year..
FHAHCS'S APrHAL POH COUHOILS.
Hera is tbe petition as presented in the name oi
Krruci. It coiitnlned three arUclj-i-FirsV, annual
dtooesan synods; second, proviocisl councils ev.ry
throe vears- third, an ocumooic.l council every ton
wars ? 'Le't tbe holy couuoll ordain that opl.copal
avnoiis shall not only be convened ut least ou'f0 *
vef? i)ut also tuat provincial councils ehall bo held
everytlireoyears, and that In these shell be con
mdrrV all ihiugs appertaining to tua ecclesiastical
staie tbat the laniu of the ministers o. the Churoh
?bail' he mude Itnowu and those who nave
calcd shull bo puni.bed, and ?n"reover that ytuere
Trent' dVd" n'oTVy thf
&n?Vo^th.ir,fnervT/ Je'l. It? W
these as I mentioned betore, were tho bishops of
lwly.' According to the h.stort.ns named above here
is ihe uD*wer ul tbo cardinal legnca:?OontarnliU
the tirat part?'viz., provincial councils and diocesan
By oods?a annon bat already beet, frameo Cot, corn
log gouoral couucils. deliberation must ald us ln de
termiulng wholher It be well to frame o canon pr -
Irrm di them at stated times?wm? being of opinion
to frame a canon lo conformity with the petition pre^
Maun while others, on tne other hand, ask further
time lor moro mature deliberation.
Un>e RKPLT OP THK CAKDtXALS TO P.VS IT
The petition was lorwarded to Bome With thS
answer ot tho legates. Here l. tho reply or the cardt
naffcon.oltaa by the Fop.:-"Bo far as concern, a
general council that must be lelt to tbo ?
fuii, a. ho alone has power to convoke thoOf WiclL. rim
rcf.i ol tna auswor is ugreeebie ouough .? If, however
tbe Council la ol opinion that a term ahottld
upon-say lor example twenty or twouiv-fiT*
It nia* acta, it deems host, remembering, however,
thst this very Council ol 1'ront Is already in ae.sion
-JfLteon year. and. eooeequeully, lo period, of
ume .o limded councils or such length may not be
hi d * I tins we see that Plus IV wa. not disinclined
to t.rtscribe the convoctitco ol au ?cutnenictl couo
rfleverv twenty five year.. If the Council ol Trout,
wllh the Ireedom ,t enjoyod, bad is.ued s decree
ordering nn ocumenlcal council everjr_tweisty rears,
th? Church slneo that day would have tied
teen general councils, who.# salntsry mnuouco
would beyond all question, h.vo been beneficial.
taw wa. ttiado regarding periodical couucils. ne
tho Council shortly iiltoiward ended It. sc.iiooa
The Inst two session, wero extremely briel, lor on
account of pestilence desolating tbo country the
fnLhiTM wore obltuvd to sopiirsio.
A SbPPOSIT?OX?-HOW MAST KV.tS WOC.D HAVS B?.V
Let us lor a moment supposo tho law mads, pro
mulgated and observed. liow many religious and
uioral question* would baye come up tor serious de
liberation during tbu aixteen oouncll* ibat would
Uuve been lield during these three centuries f
Council ol lf>83.? Be ue w.ia teaching the errora
condemned*n jjlolut by HI. Piu* V. and by Gregory
XU1. No doubt the propositions duly causured uro
opposed to sound orthodoxy; but would It be out ol
piece, however, to tbiuk that a more precise con
demnation Coining from a general council miebt
not bave prevented tbo Intel uiiuatle diacuaeiona
that Jiineenisin gave rise to Olty years later?
Protestant tbeoiogy waa turning to ablquiuriunieni.
Mur> ly ibis system, wbiob destroys all right notion ol
tbe Gospel, d?aerv< d to be polutxl out and ovoroouie.
In many countries ubataelee beset the adoption ol
tbe dermis ol tbe Council ol irout. It might not
have been au Idle work lor tbe Cburcb assembled in
general council to take steps to romuva these obsta
cles. 1 be congregation lounded by piua IV. to Inter
pret the decrees of the Couuell of Trent bad explained
obscure passages uud woll ulgli dulsruilned ail que*
tious ol Jurisprudence. Tbe fifrmfi who bad drawn
up tbe decrees ol Trent committed tint mistake ol
ueulecliug leebnical terms, which to ibem seemed
lacking lu elegance, hut which tbe cauouiat rightly
values, iluure the necessity ol a gieat many inter
pretalive Judgments. Now, jurisprudence, which
even to-day regulates Catholic discipline, was pretty
much all formed about the year 16 J. I'rool of tble
la loullil lu tbe books "llemoraiium," kept lu the
arcbivos ol the Congregation of tbe Council SI Koine.
It cuunut be suppo ed that all tbe bishops had
the foresight of Ml. > buries Uorromco, who asked lor
explanation ol the obs'-ure passage* ol tbe Council
ol Trent frotu the Koruau congregation. I ho Kumun
archive* are etockod with the** consultations. It
took two coulnriti* to pul>li*n the c-*uuiial article* of
this Jurisprudence. Benedict XIV,, wilu In* bulla
rlutu sun bv Ills book*, contributed more to It than
any one else. It i* not to b* supposed that a general
council convoked in 1683 should have coglcclod in
serting m Ita d. trees the essential qualifications,
winch on this account would liave been autbelitioal y
communicated to Iho enure Cburcu. Lot us observe
lunber that I'ltM V and Gregory XIII. bad enm
ploiad or uioilllieil certain reguiatioua ol tbe Cuuucil
ol Trent by constitutions woicu, though solemnly
promulgated at Koine, yet remained unknown until
loug unerwiird. Flu* IV. Imd piibllsbcd the Index,
and Ml I'lus V. bud louiidud ibo Koiniiu congregation.
Leaving aside tbe catalogue, let us speak ol general
ru es. No uoubt Trent nad elaborated them, but how
difficult ??* Ibo practical observance ol these rules.
I be inform nl the liturgy by Ml. Plus V. Ion many
questions undecided which weru decided only under
I aul V. and Urban VIII. The oaloctilain, ad pdrothoi,
the ehaugc lu llio cuiendar, the bow edition ol tbo
nonllllcal, the ceremouml?upon all ol lhe*w the
Council would have bestowed attention. We do not
presume to say that the bound! would bave acted
better than the I'op#; but wu do not think It call be
domed thai these Important inatitutions would nava
received very decided *th\i i y the so omn decision* of
a council. Finally, It mignt bate been desirable that
the Church, In general couuell assembled, should have
epokcu out it* aeuiiuieui ou the massacre ol St. Bar
[tbolomew, iu as to show thai ahs was to no way re
sponsible.
Council ot 1003 ?The Christian world was at peace,
j Would Henry IV.. reconciled to the Church, have op
I posed the coaVOtttllM ?' au ecumenical council ?
! Three principal dogm.uc questiousKirst, me inter
I unliable controversy tie avxiliii Uirin r j/ratUe; s;c
oud, the divine right ul kings, according 10 the pria
ciplesof the Protestant King, James Stuart, of Kugland ;
tblru, the maxims of the Hue. I'ao things bad
marked the t'oniittcste ot Stxiua V.?K. man congrega
tions and the visit ot bishops tut liniina apottolo
rum. Although this last is Inserted In the ceremo
nial ol the bishop's consecration ana ha swears to
visit the tombs of the apostles to Home and render an
account ot bis diocese to the i'opo, everybody Knows
that toe 0'ith Is verv Imperfectly kept. In the seven
teenth century we dud lew bishops outside of Italy
accomplishing their visit otl liniina apos'olorunt. Hut
in our day bishops go to Home. Toe usefulness
ol a decree sanctioning such an institution us this is
apparent. Roinuu congregations sro supreme courts,
like the Court ot Appeals, the Couucil ol Slain and
oiUer superior courts ot the Commonwealth. Was II
deemed au Idle laslc to tell the Cburcb In general
council assembled the attrlbutos of tlicse congrega
tions .ind that quality of authority given ilioin by the
Pope? llow many sophisms ana subtleties theologians
anil canouists would bavebeeu spared!
The Council ot Trent bad merely louobed the ques
tlou oftbe relorm ol the religious ordors. Clcmeut VIII.
had published the famous decrees of 151)2 and of sub
sequent years. The relorm even In Italy was a
failure. In other pieces the admirable rules of
Clement VIII. were little known and worse observed.
In vain did Paul V., Gregory XV., Urban VIII., Inno
ceut X. and Inuocent XII. endeavor to stem the lido?
the evil only lucreusoa until the revolutionary
cataclysm swept everything away. The Council ol
Trent closed in haste, and had no time to disousa the
decroes of the twenty filth session tie regulariius; 114
might have been well bud some other rcuuieuical
svnod computed the work. About 1603 regalism
Itlleu its head, relying tor Its strength upon the
polltleo-mystio maxims o! James Stuart, and tried to
centre In itself the jurisdiction belonging to the Cburcb.
A well aimed protest by a general council might have
prevented tbo course ol events. The dcorceso! the
Couucil ol Trent tl' reformutione principum bad failed
because the great baste attending the closing ol that
body bad made It impossible to provido against all
obstacles, bulihc bull ol Gregory XIV. afterward laid
tli? louudation for the Concordat. We cinnot tor a
momout suppose that the solemn decree ot an ecu
nienioal eounctl might not nave prevented, or In some
way at least diminished, the scandalous misunder
standing that look place between the Ropubllc of
Venice and Pope Panl V. Toward the close of tbe
sixteenth century casuists began to multiply
cases ot conscience, to the great disadvantage of
sound morals. How many Improbable and loose
opinions tbey Invented under tbe name of prob
abilism! An ecumenical council inigbt have stopped
tbe evil at its fouutain head. The popes oondenined c. r
tsin most scandalous maxims; the Index coudeiuned
certain books, but only alter oighiy years was tbe real
romedy upplicd. under Alexander VII., Inuocent XI.
and Alexander Vlll., who pointed out any quuiittly of
cusulstiolollie-. Ttie Indecisiou In tbe matter ol tbe
controversy d>- auxilitt uniortunately opened a door to
Jausonsim. Paul V. wisely forbade tbe stirring op
ol tbls controversy, but was the command heeded
even by those who were orthodox? History snys
otherwise. Jansenism waxed strong, owing 10 tbe dis
turbance. At the commencement, Urban VIII., war
taoted by the decree ol Paul V., placed on the Index
tho books hint intie, Alasl why did not tbe enlight
enment thai dictated tbo bull nuctorem fidrt and im
mortalized Plus VI. and Cardinal Gerdit then pre
vail I Prom the brief outline we have drawn it is
not difficult to perceive that an ecumenical council
m
convoked in tbe year 1903 would have bad serious
work 10 perlortn in the interest of tatth and dis
cipline.
bi'pposk a oot'NCii. is 1828.
An ecumenical oouncil about the tiuoe of the Thirty
Years' Wur might have prevented tbe split tbat took
placo in Christendom and tbo evils tbat ensued. Would
Richelieu, a churchman, have withstood tbe doctrinal
remonstrance addressed to bim by a general council t
Anyhow ws can make the supposition, and if we are
right then all might havo been well. The as?embly
ol the Prcuob clergy In 11123, carried away with the
tide, was all in vain. Mark Anthony, De Doniims,
Richer and others taught seditious uiaxims di
rectly opposed .to tbe coustlluiion of the Church.
Hid not the conflict ol Vouioe deserve a well stated
verdict ? Paul V. bad published ibe ritual In 1608 and
tbo monastic brovlary In 1612. We do not meun to suy
a council might bare dono hotter. Such work as this
belongs to tbe solicitude of popes. Toe decision of a
general couucil, bowover, would not have boon too
much. The question should bavc boon settled in the
beginning.
Reform of tbe Conclave, the foundation of tbe
Propaganda, the romptomeutal rules lu rugard to the
religious orders, belong to tbo time of Gregory XV.
Plus IV. was not above baring the Oouncil of Trent
ratify tbe bull concerning reform or tbe Conclave; we
notice this in the course of his correspondence with
tbo Rmperor Ferdinand. Tbe election of tnehoadof
the Cnurcb Interests tbe whole Church represented in
a goueral council. When Pope Alexander III. wanted
to legislate on tbe inattor of pontifical election, he
convoked the third Couucil of Ratcrnx. Gregory X.,
In the second Council ol Lyone and Clement V. lo tbe
Council of Vienna followed his example. It Is not,
tberelore, a thing uuheard of ibnt the conditions ot
papal election may be submitted to a general couocil;
it is unnecessary to appeal to tbe Council ot Coustance
to And precedents. The foundation ot the Propa
ganda, an eminently Catholic Institution, assuredly
deserved acclamation by a general council; perhaps
by such means a start might have baen given
the question of mission! a ceniurv earlier. In
regard to roliglons orders Gregory XV. followed In
tbe way opened np by tbe Conned ol Trent and
Clement Vlll. When ono thinks of all tbe obstaoiet
raised against the bull Intern taOiii, especially in Ger
many, Switzerland and lu Belgium, it must bo sub
ject of regret tbat more strength and brilliancy were
not displayed. Our remarks on the monastic breviary
apply to tbe ritual. It an ecumenical couucil, inter
preting tha brief ot l'anl, bad ruled that tho
ritual coniaius tbe anolent rites of the Catholic
Church wnlab the Council ol Trent forbids lo change,
Jansenism could never have wedged us way into tho
practical rules concerning administration of the
saoraments. When the Jansentsts had cast np to
them the apostolic decree plaoing on the Index addi
tions made to tbo rdusl, after the time ol Paul,
their answer IU, the ritual was not received. Would
they treat as lightly the decision of a generaloottnoil ?
Rigorism so latal in Its consequences would bavsbssn
arrested at once.
SPPPOSK A COUNCIL IN 104S.
Tbe Thirty Years' War was at its close and tbo
MOuster Conference was about to begin. Was this a
?roper time to protest about tbe rights of the CDurch T
nuoceut X. protested against the Treaty of Wrsl.
pnalia, but interrentiou by a general council would
bare had tooro iuUucdco. About this time, also,
Jansenism was cropping out. "August nus," and the
book "Frequent Communion" had both been pub
lished; tbe Abbil of HI. Cyrnn had just emerged irom tbo
Basilic. Tbo Janaeulats wore attacked and tne wboio
world bccuma an auulenoe to the controversy about
grace. Urban VIII. put both parties on tbo Index.
In such a pass porbnps an ooutnenical council might
bays stamped out the Urcbrand of discord and saved
the Cnurch froin troublo during a century and a half.
In regard to discipline. Church festivals wore to be
regulated The bull ol Urban YIIL Is, ol course, per
iod; but bow nuny years it took to make it known
and obeyed! The question of leasts being Im
portant for religion. If It bad been looked to in
Ita origin the Church might not have been oOliged to
grant all the iudults we Know of. I'll us we sou how
general councils are most powortul aids ta the
pontifical power. Tbo history of tbeso three cen
turies, of course, ebows that the ordinary govern
ment of tbe Church Is, strictly speaking, sufficient for
tne exercise ol her mission, but we cannot help ex
pressing regret lor tbe Church and for tbe world ibat
the Cbnroli has not always enjoyed entire freedom in
the matter of government.
XVMITTS PROM TIIK SIXTSXXTII CXXTVRT TO OCR BAT
From the end of tbe Hixicemh century down lo our
day a number of popes?venerable lor their talents,
their virtues and i lieir apo-lollo zeal?have occun'o I
tbe chair of l'eler. These popes liavs courageously
upheld and preserved the deposit of Isith; they have
widened tbo limits ol tho empire ol Christ, and yet,
notwithstanding tbe great oxnmnles abounding and
the groat things dona by popea and by tbo clergy dur
ing this period, we may still regret tbe absence of
I the General Council. If, lor example, under I.oois
XIV. seven general council* had boen held,
| would not lb* toachlug and authority oi these cuuu
I ells have exerted a wonderful Influence on all tho re
ligious event* of tbls great century? Jansenism
would have dad less pretsxts, less chance lo win ad
1 nerents. Parliament would have been bold In checg,
| and even tbe declaration of 168J would bave been im
possible, lor !l would bave lmd no ground tor cx
! isieuco. Tbe wise meaaures tbat council* would have
] auopled would have preserved sternness of manners
I among tho clargy, would have Inspired a lovo lor
; science and tbat truly ecclesiastical spirit, all ol
which distinguished the seventeenth century. 1'be
| clergy would have been preserved Irom lulling into
I secular habits, worldly maxims, which so easily
I led down to pliilosopbisin and ?vll revolution. In
thane abort reflections, whish tend to show how un
lortunate it baa been that obstacles have stood in tbe
way, hindering ilia free exercise ol tbe divine
government of tne Cuuroli, I cast no slur
on popes or bishops, nor sren on Catholic
governments which, during the three last centuries,
have not procuron the regular holding ol general
eouuoil*. Tho general causes prsvoniiug these aaasm
biles ? nro poworlul and generally luUuecced tho will
ol Individuals. Manners, laws, luturesis, the political
status ol iht world, were far from favoring anv move
ment tending to deliberative aeeemnluges. Tho ah
sence, however, of these regularly constituted bodies
was a most active cuuso ol weakness lor the Cburcn.
fbn monarchy of tbo State loll. welshed
down by Its own faults. Tho Church
cannot perish as did the monarchy, out
she may suiter by u too absoluio cSDtraiir.ation of her
monarchical government. Tina dangerous centraliza
tion Is brought about lor tbo couroh aa lor Mis Siaio
by tbe nbaudonlng ol or in tbo abseucu ol deliberative
and sovereign assemblies. In tbe dispersed state ol tbe
Church over tbe wlioie globe the Fpiscopaie retains
all Its rights, and naturally la in accord witb Ibc
Sovereign Pontiff. Tho extreme, however,
of ineir rights is not saav, nor, perphaps,
complete. flow can a bishop, Isolated in
his tliocese, absorbed by caro ol hia ministry?
how can he, tiiiicsi nis aitention be called to It, ever
consider the goueral interests of tbe Churcn r It la
to be learud dial a bishop thus isolated is a disinter
ested ob?erver of general question*.
PSNKI.ON'S tABXKHt DKSIRR ?'OH council.*
Under ihv ruigh ol uie most absolute ol princes,
Fcnoiou, ArchbiHhop ol Cambrai, loudly expressou Ins
most formal desire lor tbo renewal ol councils. We
linn In ilie ireanse Ih AHc.tnritiU Ainiml jwinlificit,
coupler da, the loiluwiug reinnrks:? "Wuunl to UoU
tbat the popos had not tnioirupled the ancieot cus
tom ol calling together the Human Council, na it was
called. When a dogmatic controveray arose ihu bish
ops ol Imly and tin- neighboring countries were sum
tiiotied. no lar It had never entnred any one'a mind
that tho head could doflne anything without the body,
nor tho body anything separated irom the head. This
Council, composed ol neighboring bishops, and
mors especially of the bishups of Italy, gavo
out tbo tradition of lbs churches. Tho tilth
op* giving out their opinion* were con
firmed l>v Peter. Thin Couuoil represented
vcrv luittilully the universal Cnuicb. tor It seemed to
bold I be hcau ami tbc members. The bead bad not
yet learned to be jealous, suspicious ill regard to the
members, and these last were not jealous ol ibe au
thority ol iho head, nor wore they distrustful ol bitn.
It ecumenical couucila were afterward called to
gether it was not to throw light upou aouoilu! tra
dition, but simply to close the mouth or innovators
uud overcome resistance by the imposing unuulmity
ol ibe bishop*, it was in ibis way that St. UsUsius,
St. Martin, St. Agalba and other popes issued dogmatic
definitions In the Koman Council and handed them
over to a general conuoil ss definite Uocrees. What is
more Calculated to win the ooedieuce ol the people
than the remarkable union between the head and tbo
body episcopal as displayed in the Roman Council?
Is it not just that the body, forming simply s unit with
iho buad, should speak out by the mouth ol the head.
What dsuger can come il this aucicut discipline is re
established, since by divine assurance wo know that
the bead uud the members ol the pastoral body
shall never disagree iu mutters of laitb ? Where
the body is, says 31. Jerome, the eagles ussomble.
Keith whioii shall never I ail in tbe apostolic chaircun
never, according to iho same promise, fail in the
universality ol the bishops. Ibe doctrine to be taught
by the apostolic chair until the end of time is tbe
same tb it the body of bishops, eiiher assembled In
couucil or separulely publishing their judgment, shall
always proclaim. This is assured by Divine promise.
Are meu to fear wheu Josu.t Christ says no/tf' timrrr f
Heiveu and earth shall pass away, but tne promise
made the bead and the members shall uol pass
awuy." A KOMAN' PRELATE.
W. C. liHINELANDEli'S FUNEKAL.
SIMPLE AND IMPKS8S1VIS SERVICES?LAID IN
the family vault.
A large assembly ol friends and mourners attended
the funeral services of tne lste William C. Rhine
lander yesterday In tbe Episcopal Cburob of tbe As
cension, corner of Tenth street and Fiftb avenue.
Tbo body of tbe edifleo was nearly filled Among
others in the cougrogation were John Asplnwall,
General K. D. Foster, British Consul Archibald, Johu
A. lladdon, or the Gold Kxobauge; O. Applolon and
John B. Ireland; also Frederick De Peystor,
Thurlow Weed, i'eter Waruer, Stephen C. Wil
hums, Chiet Justice Daly, A. K. Wetmoro,
Adam Xorris and Benjamin H. Field,
who acted as pallbearers, and tbe pbystclans to Ibe
doceased, Dr. Alleo, Dr. Dubois and Dr. Metcutl. Tbe
clergymen who ofliciated wero Rev. Dr. John Cotton
Smith and Rev. Dr F. E. Lawrence. Dr. Osgood was
expected, but he was absent.
At twenty minutes past two o'clook tbo pall
boaters aud lrlcncis of the deceased entered the
church. Aftor tne pallbearers followed tbo de
ceased's lamily and Immediate relatives, Mr. and
Mrs. Kbimluuder, Mr. and Miss Stewart, Mr. L.
and M. 0. Rhinelunder, Mr. and Mrs. P. Rbiuolander,
Mrs. Keawtck and Mrs. Swann, Mr. and Mrs. F.
Rniuciauder, M r. G. F. Jonas aud Mrs. Watson, Mr.
and Mis. Gallatin, Mr, C. und Miss L. Rhinelander.
Alter the nephews and nieces of tbe deceased caino
Mr. Patten uud Bureil, followed by tbe servants
aud tenants.
The cullln was of oak, covered with velvet and black
cloth. By special requoat there were no floral oflor
Inns, except ouo piece composeu of a wreath ol ivy
und a rheal ol wheal. A sliver plato on the casket
bore ibi* inscription:?
J William C. Rimnklanoku, ;
? Died June 2D, 1878, 5
5 aged 87 years. I
The ordiuary funeral services ol tbo Episcopal
Cburob wero reua. No seriuun was preached. At
three o'clock tbo procession moved to St. Paul's
Church, in Broadway, near the Astor House, and tho
culUu was put iu a cedar casket lined with lead and
buried in tbe Rhinelander vault, by tbe southwest
corner ol tbo ohurch. Dr. Cotton Smith said tbe
prayer aud pronounced tbe committal service.
BL'IUAL OF 1)14. TRUE.
The funeral of the Rev. Charles K. True, D. D., toon
place yesterday alternuou, at four o'clock, Irom the
Methodist Episcopal Cburcb in Flashing village. The
reverend gentleman wm In bis slxly-ninth year, and
for lorty-six vears bad been an active minister of tbe
Methodist Church. l'be fanoral was largoly attended.
FIRE IN NEWAliK.
TDK NEW YORK PLOUGH WORKS TOTALLY DE
STROYED?LOSS ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND
dollars; insured about one-half.
Tbe buildings of tbe New York Plougu Works,
located on tbe southerly bank of tbe Passaic Klver>
In tbe Twclhb ward or Newark, and covortng three
acres ot grouud, were completely destroyed by Qre
early yesterday morning. Tbe alarm was sounded irom
box No. 68 a lew mlnutee beloro two o'clock,
tbe exact time of tbe outbreak el tbe
Qre betug forty minutes past one o'oloek. Half an
bour before this Timolby Dwyer, tbe nlgbt watch
man, wbo stays at tbe works, passed tbo building
wbero tbe fire burst out, and everything was all
rigbt. He bad just entered tbe office when a stranger
rapped and noittied bim of tbe lire. Tben tbe Qre
alarm was sounded, and as speedily as possible the
engines reacbed tbe scene. Owing to tbe obaructer of
tne buildings, bowovsr, tbeir ollorta to save tbe works
were iu vain, even wben tbe enure A ire Deoartuieut
was sutuuioued to tbe plaoe aud bad begun to play on
tbe burning mass.
THK PSSMISKS.
Tbe buildings were ail one, two and tbree story
frame. Tbey ran 660 lest by 4d, with an L of 86 leel
by 100. Wbere tbe Ure broke out was In tbe eocoud
floor of ibe siorebuuae. Wnn amazing rapidity tbe
Qamea spread, l'be stock in tbe buildings?all sorta
oi agricultural Implements, tbe greaier portion ot
tbem being composed almost entirely ol bard wood?
led tbe flames. Wiiblu one bour Irom tbe time tbe
Qro whs brat observed tbe entire worka wcresmoul
daring rums. . . ? ,
As tuere was notblng of a sufficiently Inflammable
character in the storehouse to cause spontaneous com
bustion, aud, us mere was uo Ore or ligbt tbore, tbe
officers of tbe company are tlrmly of tbe belief that
tne lire wae tbe worn ol an incendiary. They havo
no suspicion ol auy oue, however; have had uo
trouble with workmen or anyone. Tbe only parties
they tblnk thai might be suspected aio rivals in bua:
ness.
tiik Loaaas and i.xhuraxck.
Tbe loss ou buildings aud machinery will foot up
about $100,DUO. Tbero ure insurances wbicb will
cover aiiout one ball of this. Tbey are spread over
some twenty diUerenl companies in New Yum, Jersey
Clly and Newark, chielly iu New Yoik. As tbe books
are in New York, and tbe key ol tbo sale In poesosalon
ol a clerk wbo could not he fonud, Ihe details could
not ba obtained.
l'ULI 110 AL NOTES.
Hayes la tbe latest Presidential cand'.dato lor 1880.
Uih streugth is ol tue growing kind.
Augusta (Us.) Caronicfe (deui.):?"Kotlogg's sout in
the Seuute will bo rather insocure on tbo 4tb ol March
next."
A call is published for a National "Greonbeok"
Convention, to lake place at Now Haven ou tbe 14th
of August.
Colonel Wellborn'a prospect of election to Congress
Irom Texas bat been bettered by tbo withdrawal of
Colouul Good troni ttio cout??i.
The Cievolnnd Herald regrels that tbe Preaideot did
not appoint Murat Ualstoad, lor bis advocacy oi tbe
doublo standard, a commissioner at tbe Monetary
Congress.
General Jamoa M. Sbaklerord la eoggeated as an In
dependent candidate lor Congress Iu the Erauavllle
district, Iudmna. Tbe Journal thinks that tbe Qglit
will be a vory lively.ouo.
Tbo republican taction In Uregon wbleb has a spite
agaiust Senator Mitchell la responsible lor the elec
tlon ol a democratic Legislature, and the consequent
loss ol a valuable vole In the next Congress It is tbe
old lablo ol tbo facial quarrel.
Cincinnati Commercial (ind.):?"This country does
not stand in need ot military govern mint, uud II
It did, republicanism might be stamped out wun more
decency than by the replacement ol Uraul In the
olUco that be always ufleotod to despise aud navar
honored."
Tbe Cincinnati Commercial find.) eays:?"It Is per
fectly true that President Hayes announced an in
dexible determination not to stand lor a second term.
It bus often happened, however, that circamslanees
are stronger than resolutions in such matters. Cor
latuly be baa stronger reasons lor reviaing bis original
determination lhau any otner Incumbent ol tbe villas
ever bad."
The Augusta Chronicle (deni.) gives as tbo names of
tbe probable democratic candidates lor Congress in
Georgia those ol Hartridgc in ilia First district, Smith
In tbo Second, Cook in the Third, Crawiord or Harris
le the Fourth, Mall In tbe Filth, Uiount lu the 8ixth(
Urown In the Sovcmb, Stephens or Olb-,ou In the
Eighth and Uetl or Carlton In the Ninth. The
Chronicle Itsrs the possible strength ol the independ
ent movement, us it will drsw tbo outifo republiean
vote and much of the democratic.
Atlanta Conitilulinn (doui.):?"Mr. Htephens luay
be, as ho c aims to be, a democrat In tUvory, but at
this lime we need men who are demoorets both in
theory and pantlce?men wbo are not loo great to
lollow when tbey cannot lead, i'he Forty-sixth Con
gross ha* a world oi important work beiore it. It
must pnve tbo way for the incoming ol a democratic
administration. 1'bo democrats ol the Eighth district
will be called upon next August to put lucb a man
be;oretbu pontile.
Trips to Popular Rssorts by River
and Rail.
AT THE SEASIDE.
How the People Enjoyed the Pleasant
Sabbath.
The reine of the past week gave a delightful fresh
ness to the Park yesterday, ana the crowds that docked
there In the afternoon when the say assumed a less
threatening aspect than It wore in the morning ap
peared to fully appreciate it. Tho grass and leave*
were of dazzling green and the flower beds
were in all the glory of color and perfume.
Sailing on tbo lake uppoared to he a favorite
pastime, though the accommodation seemed to
be inadequate to the occasion, and many people
were forced to wait a censldorablo length of tiino be
fore getting an opportunity to indulge In It. The
Mall as usual was a moving mass of humanity, and
the bright summer aresses of tho women gave the
scene a most picturesque feature. Tho Kamblo was
crowded with pedestrians, and tne drive by the lake
bad a triple row of vehicles passing and repasalng
In close order all through the afternoon. At the Me
lingerie children uu<l nurses abounded and tho youth
ful tdoa In natural history was taught to shoot uudor
the roust pleasant circumstances. There were
no bard lessons to read, and the
bear, the lion, the giraffe and the
monkey were seen in propria ptrtotws and psintod on
the Juvenile inlna a better impression of their <ip
poaranco than could the reading ef a hundrod
zoological text books. It is a pity the display is so
limited and that tho grounds are so clrruuiscribod,
lor this Is really the grand feature of tho Park, and
ibe one to which the popular taste seems to bo
directed.
rocvdb or rLXASuriK.
At the Carous< I ibure was one unceasing rouud of
pleasure lor the small folks in tho revolving hobby
bor.es, none ol winch were wiihout jiutrouago. und
as lor tbo goat carriages nnd saddled and brluled don
keys, they had all the business tbey could
possibly attsud to. Tbe l'ark carriages that
make tbe rounds of tbe Park were never
In groutor favor, and to tbo practised
eye it was plain that their patrons were mostly peo
ple from the country?visitors to the olty anxious to
do i ho Park quickly and cheaply as possible. Otir
proud u alive uenizeus prefer to do the thing on foot,
il they cannot afford to have a carriage of their own.
The Park carriages nro a useful institution, euahltng a
person to sue as much of this glorious pleasure ground
In an hour us he could sec on foot in a day.
Dcspno tho exodus to Europe and to our own water
ing places the crush en Filth avouue a.tcr church
services was as great aa ever. There was no apparent
diminution in the tnrong of fashionable promenaders,
and fusbion tt30il was personified In a hundrod brigbt,
beautiful and fantastic ways, l.igbt summer drcssos
ot tbe richest texturo In silk grenadine were notice
able, aud as for hats and bonnets, the display was
absolutely bowllderiog. There was personal beauty
too, enough tor one day, as varied In Its phases as the
hues of the rainbow. I he recent character of tho
weather has kept u multitude in town who would
otherwise oe away to the mountains and tho seaside,
but as summer mast Unully prevail it Is not to be ex
ported that any such throng will again be soon on
Fifth uvenuo this season as was witnessed yostorduy.
Up THE HUDSON.
Ths excursion steamer Dong Branch took a party
of seven or eight hundred up the river, going as far
as Newburg and depositing detachments ot excur
sloniste at various points along tbo shore on either
side ot the stream. Leaving Martin's dock, In
Brooklyn, at eight o'clock, a stop was made at West
Tenth atreet, where quite a number of passengers
were picked up, while at the loot of Twenty-fourth
street a much larger crowd was In watting. Tlioro
was a delay ot somewhat more than (llteeo minutes
in leaving this point, which the excursionists de
voted to an examination of the men of-war lying in
midstream, one of them decorated with a double lino
of hammock clottis running high up from stem to
siern, drying aud bleaching In the sun. Somo ol the
youug ladies, more delicately strung than their com
panions, shuddered at sight of the long guns pointed
at theui trom the spacious portholes; but not so
inueb as a blank charge was tlreu, and the stcumer
paddled past the battery in uutureuteuod suleiy
Every man, woman aud cblid who expressed a wiali
lor oue wus tarnished with alargo mup ol the Hudson
bordered on either eide by a wide margin ol descrip
live text. This was a mod convenient arrangement
aud ooablod the historical student to uiako shrewd
guesses us to the oxact spot In Weehnwkeu wbero the
[ Hamilton-Burr tragedy occurred; to moralizu on the
mutaulity ol mortal thluga us uo Mazed at tbo ll iepole
which marks the site ol old fort Lee; to muso on
Wie eccentricities ol genius while enjoying a hasty
glimpse ol KJwIu Forrest's litllo oaetle el I
Mount St. Vincent, auu to contrast ihs cboractor
ol Kip Vun Winkle nud ol Washington as
while passing the country scat ol him ' who
oreuled the loriucr and acidsd not a lu
lls to our laminar knowledge ot ine laitcr. There
wee auotner opportunity lor moralizing when me
marble walls ot the Sluts Prison wers reached white
lbs patriotto and ambitious youth loll his cuee'k glow
as oe glanced upward at the monument to Kosciusko
which auorns the grounds surrounding inu nursery
ol America's warriors at West Point The Hudson
never appeared iu u more beautiful dress man yester
day, particularly during mo early morning bours
Tito sun shone in nil me vigor ol his youth, rtsina
magulUcemly above the wooded uiilt^
Kissing with gulden roes the in. adows green,
and gliding the rippled surface ol tbo'wnicra
with lar reaching beams. The snowy suil
scattered at intsrvala along iho river, gleamed like
me winga of some hugo insect gliding listlessly about
with no olhar object thau to enjoy the warmih ol Iho
anu nud tho refreshing coolness ol tho waves The
beauty of the scene was not lost by tbe excursionists,
for, wniie a lew of tuum remained iu lliu cabin 10 lit
leu to tho singing nud playing ol comic sougs. (be
greater number hastened to the open decks forward
and all aud relreshol their eyoi and sonls with
glimpses ol Ibe uusurpussod scenery about llism.
A PASTORAL fJCTUKI.
Ill? tirst stop wus uisu? at Youicors, whore very few
pssocugtra landed. A larger party, having braviiv
laden lunch baskets, loft mo boat at lona Island and
?pant several boors iu the shady nooks of mat popu
or ground, and uumerou* derertlons ulso occurred at
Coaseus' l.sudmg, ju-.t below West Point, and toe boat
was still further lightonou at Cold Spring aud Corn
wall As tho Verse 1 left the latter landing the
pnssengcr* wore treated to tbo ScripiurehspeciTicle ot
a party ot youug men soaking to recover a tailed
call on the .Sabbath day, which had strayed from the
luvol puaturage above to a porilous point on tho lace
ol u high blult overlooking the river. (Jus 0r
the party in his shirt sleeves, uud carrying a lasso
over one arm, wus letting himself down by means
ol his other hand, to slip the ooose over the umuio
thro.it or waist ol the errant young cow. ills com
pauloos stood on the sdgs ol thu blult holdlug lest to
the other snd ol the ropo, and when last seen me ob.
Joct ol their anxiety wsa sliding tieud foremost down
tho tsco ol tho lull, an avalanche ot dirt ra?hinc
beloro her and a cloud of dust arising behind
Newburg whs aoou reached, the lew psstcuecrs
who yet remained aboard being allowed an hour m
eui iheir dinner in oue of tbo hotels ol the place unit
to cliuib the narrow strocl?than which tbero is not
a steoner one in Chrlsteudoni-which leads trom the
water's edge to the centre ol the town. The return
trip, though unevontlul, was subve ned by the locos
saut sinking ol that classic soug end chorus, "Wiioe
l< mtnu " * ***?
UP TO NKWUUliO.
Tho magnificent Hudson loses none ol Its attrac
tions by familiarity. Liko all true beauties tho more
Intimately H.I* known tbe more It is esteemed, over
two thousand persons paid tribute to us cburms
yesterday during the voyuge ol the Plymouth Hock to
Newburg aud socmed never to tire ruiniudlug one
another ol the scouie beauitoi which unfolded them
selves on either hank. The passengers, lor His most
pari, were drnwu from the middle and working
classes, snd the gonorsl conduct wa? unexceptional.
The voyage np ilia river was without any incident of
Importance until West Point was rcachod, where
nearly a thousand people went on shore to enjov
the pleasure of a picnic in the woods. Hero it be.
came i vident that a considerable portion of the pas
sengers consisted ol yuungaiers in llioir Orsi year
out lor an airing, he number ol buracs attracted
geueral attention, though there wis a complete ab
sence of the squalling which Is generally rupposod to
be inevitable where suckling humanity abounds,
muciPUMtt at WKHt iciijir.
Among those who went ashore ut tms point was s
distinguished parly ol French visitors uuder the con
duct ol M. do Ueblsu, of iho Trsnsuliuntique line.
A nephew oi M. Psrlero, tho chtel stockholder
ol the French line was smong the visiters,
i'he pany went to the academy, hut without
making themselves known to any ol tho authorities
and wuie surprised at the strictness observed In re'
In11on to visitors, t wo ol the gentlemen laid down
lu ilie grass to enjoy comlortubly the splendid view
ot the Hudsuu to bo oblaiued trom the grounds, but
they were almost immediately wurmU by u seutmet
that lying lu tho grass was ugniust the rules. I hey
immediately moved ell uud remarked that evou iu
J ftrltf iho citiscfitt ufo ulluvtcd to redone ou tho graifiy
slopes el the lorlillcalluns without inlorierenoe Iroiu
the sentinels. The party next suaieo themselves in the
shade ol some trees In trout ol the houses occupied
by the prolesaors and wore atniiaing themselves with
comments on thu rslativo liberty ei.Joyeu In Franco
and America when llieir observations were siiuiienlv
brought to n close by a srmry, who informed tlicm
that the vulgar public were not allowed to sen them
writ lu Irani of tbe West Potut sous' bouses and
trial inev moat move on. The Proucbmen ob ,
with a characteristic sbrug of the shoulders and
unanimously drclarod that America wae the luoaital
tree CuU'.iry they had uny kuowleifgo of
s?*riiL-jio SOUPWHAT axciTixo.
In the meanwhile the Plymouth Hock continued
ber way lo Ncwburg, where au immense crowd
awaited ber arrival lo enjoy Ibe promised tree excur
sion up the river. The tide, however, bad been run
mug against the Plymouth Kock and there was not
? ullicieui time to spare to enable the officers
to gratify the Newburgers. About a thous
and peopls went ashore to puy a abort
visit to the biaioric town, and whether there Is
something in the atmosphere or the temper
auce principles ol tbo place are not strictly adbored
to. some ol the passengers came on board in au ex
cited condition, Boloro the boat hud been long under
way two passengers thought well lo Interrupt the
couccrl, and when remonstrate.i with, couslgued the
ollicorn ol lUe bout to oerialu utimeuiiouable regions,
where mere are uo river excursions. The otticeri
were good tempered, hut Urui, and as the
elefuted passengers were evidently suffering from the
lieai ol the day and over expiusiou they were quickly
removed in spite ol vigorous protest* to the lockup,
where tliey had ample opportunity tor reflection.
Tins prompt aolioo had quite a sobering effect "on the
disorderly, and nothing occurred to disturb the quiet
of the aaseuiblage until the boat was of! Hustings,
wueo a young man who gave his name as l'eck, erased
witb drmk, attempted to thiow bimseli overboard.
His intention was, however, frustrated bv ibe timely
Interference of tbo putrol and (he unwise young fellow
was accommodated with a place iu tbe lockup, lie
fore long, however, It was found necessary to remove
blm to other quarters, as Ins ?umpumou lu mislor
tune, making common cause, began to pound blm iu
au uniuercilui mauDcr. By the time the Plymouth
Kock reached pier 1 tho three disorderly men wure
sadder and wiser citizens; and, on promise ot fuiure
good behavior, they were released instead of being
nauded over to tho police, uud allowed to pro
ceed to their homes. The usual concerts in tbe
lore and a/t saloons were received with cxproasioue of
satisfaction by tbe people prosont.
AT CONLX ISLAND.
Thousands of pleasure seekers were at Coney Island.
In the forenoon the weather looked quite threaten
ing, nevertheless every boat and train Irotn Now York
and Brooklyn landed hundreds at the varlouB places
along the bcaab. Alter midday a large number of
halhera plunged tnte the surf, especially at Norton's,
whore Increase* accommodation in the shape of a
lurge number of new bathing houses wore lor the
first time opened to the public yester
day. The Rosednie and Idlewlld brought Im
mense loads of passengors 10 this place every
hour after eleven o'clock, and tbe weather
turned out to be dellgbtiul. Every inch of standing
rooui on the large piazzas was covered with people,
dialling, laughing, drinking, singing and amusing
themselves, aud the number ot buppy und Irolicsoms
children rollicking on lb* sund completed a happy
picture. Ul course clams were not lorgotten. Every
body who goes lo Couey Island eats clams us a sort of
duty. Stages, wagon-, buggies, nil sorts ol vehicles
were iu great demand yesterday, lor the first time in
the suason, lo Uka easygoing visitors lrom one end of
tbe island lo tbe other.
At Cable's tbe throng was simply immense. The
class of people now visiting Coney Island is in such a
striking contrast to wnat n used to be years ago,
when only roughs and rowdies made It thoir renuea
vous, tbal oue could not help uskicg whence tbuutber
watering places arsw their patronage. Almost every
body worth knowlug was at Couey islaud yesterday.
In tho evening there was such a rush lor the Prospect
Park cars ana lor the boats that many loarcd to risk
their lives lu the tnrong. All passed off safely aud
merrily, however, aud people wont home the bettor
lor their trip.
MANHATTAN BEACH.
Probably 6,000 or 8,000 people visited Manhattan
beach despite the threatening Indications or rala
aud the slight showers which detorred many daring
the earlier portions oi' tbo day. It was a vory re
spectable and orderly multitude ot pleasure scokern,
aud the twenty policemen and detectives on guard
had litilo to do but to look on. Ot courso tne crowd
was. to a certain extent, mixed; tbero were the rich
aud the poor, Uio humble and the aristocrat O. the ob
scure aud tho distinguished, ul well known men Paul
Du Uliuillu, Dr. \> illisui A. Hammond, Mr. Wuttvrsou,
of tbo Louisville Courier Journal, and many olUcis,
could be seen rambling over the extensive grounds.
Tuero wore two concerts by Qralulla's baud, one trout
half-past three to fire 1'. II., and the other trom six
to ball-post seven, and although tho whole place
fairly overflowed with beer and tun the uiusio was
rather ol a "sacrod and Puritanic" character. But
lew iiooplo went in bulbing, although those that old
declared that the beach was the tluest in the world.
There is an excellent sur:, and yet there Is
scaroely any undertow, tboreby doing uway
with much ot the discoiutort aud daogcr
at other soaslde resorts. Most ot the vieiiors
strayed up and down the Immense piazzas,
listened to the music, oujoyea a seaside dinner, witu
the superb view ot tho ocean and its glorious breezes
thrown in. or they meandered over the beucn, lay
down on little mouuds ot sand uud watched the
waves as they hurst Into a million brilliant sparks at
tbutr feet. A tew ot the members ol the Umou Olab
wore down at tne hotel and enjoyed themselves at the
club rooui specially engaged lor tuem. It was euey to
perceive that nearly evorylodv was delighted with the
trip, aud it was quite late before the vast crowd began
to thin out. lu the evening tbo olleot of electric light*
on the beach was tried lor the tlrsi time, and the Il
lumination proved exceedingly attractive. The
bathing bouse, with Us appointments, lis great sale
lor valuables and money, at this place, )e, without
exception, the most complete In the world, 'i be pa
vilion lor flsh dinners?in Imitation ol Uruenwlcb?t*
In rapid procees ol construction, and will afford an ad
ditional outlet lor the hungry thousands that yester
day overflowed tne tables In tho mousier piazsns dap
tug the whole slternoon and evening.
AT BOCKAWAY BEACH.
The weather In the forenoon was not at all calct*
tated to drive those who seek this boacb, with Ul
oiaDy attractions, to a hasty determination to venture
down tho bay. All the Indications were that the day
would be cloudy aud cold, It not noted (or occasional
showers. As a consequence all the morning tripe ol
tho vartoui pleasure cralte were but poorly patron
ized. At uoon there were less than one thousand
persons scattered along tne beach Irom the New York
Pavilion to Rowland'*. Tho heavens ware draped
lu rouray clouds that entirely bid tue sun Irom view,
aud very chilly breezes were waited in from the soa,
that lashed the beach with Its angry waves
so violently that none vectored to coquette
with them. By tbo time the Brand Republic,
that leu the cliy at elevon A. M. with
about filteen hundred cxcurslouists arrived, the
wiud bad fallen, and, aooa ulier, the clouds lilting,
the sun cutne out quite warm. Quite u number
uouned bathing suits aud for an hour or so disported
themselves in ibe sui f lor the amusement of tboso
whose Inclination led them to bo merely spectator! of
the fuo. As the day advanced aud Ibe lust boat*
down had swelled the total visitors to about lour
ihousaud persons, tho day grew still warmer, and ibe
bottle, pavilions nod restaurants on the Hoe of Nea
siue avenue, extending Irom tue Heasiuo Bouse to too
beacb, drove a very profliablo business to supplying
refreshments to ibe vi itors. Laser beer, the popu
lar beverage daring the bested term, was, however,
almostonurely ignored, owing to liiu coolness ol tho
weather, and "harder" llqums took lis place.
TBE HIGHLAND!* OF NAVES1NK.
The Ilighlandsot Naveslnk ware visited yesterday by
e party of excursionists who enjoyoa themselves thor
oughly. A halt hour's s >11 irom Now York brought the
beat Into pretty rough water, aud as It approached
Handy Hook symptoms of seasickness began to appear
00 the taces ol tbo excursionists. Directly belore them
are the Jersey Highlands, rising abruptly a little to
the right. Near ibis point, on the summit, stands tbo
well known Highland llghtuouso, Us twin lowers
standing In conspicuous relief against the sky. Thla
ts the beacon watcned lor by homesick ocean
travellers, us double light being the flrst
sign ol tho nearness of tbslr journev'e
emi. How many ot these voyagers have bad
sufficient curiosity IsM after viewing the wonders of
the Oil World to visit this place, wbicn shares the
onrihly mission ol the pole alert those who have
will leuiumher the Mini, oolaguaal rouni la Ibe top ol
cacti tower where the lights are placed, with Its
panels uf gists arranged somewhat after the fashion
ot tiles on tne roots ol old Dutch house*, and wbicn
iniiao the beholder see reductions ol hansel! appa
rently standing on his head. Thesu works were pur
chased at lbs Paris Exhibition ol 1867, and were at
that lime considered the Qnesl in the world.
Kroin the lighthouse tbo eye ranges along
the wavy line extending to the right, resting a mo
ment on the highest point, Mouut Mitchell. Tbo
soeuoisone ol surpassing beauty. On one side ars
these lovely verdure clad lulls, and on the other (lor
we nave now reached the river) it tho low, wlill#
shore ol Handy Hook, wan ibe dark lead colorod line
01 ocean extending to tbo horizon, brokeu here and
there by oeean stcuitiere, whose pitching motion sug
gests rather unp'easiint seusatioas on the part of
their passenger*. Belore are the smuolh waters et
the Shrewsbury River. What delicious associations
ars connected with tuat name I A -ail down the bar
g.vos one a ravenous appetite. Re begins to think
rdirewsbury oysters niost bo the boost in ibe
world, and Instinctively looks over the aide of the
host, but does not see any yet. The tide is coming
in suil the boat goes on. pausing the little cove on the
loll, where yachts usually find shelter Irom approach
ing storms. A tew straggling cedars nnpear on Hunjy
Hook, contrasting strongly with the luxuriant loliage
on the opposite bank. Now the river grows nar
rower, nod the channel musi lie kspt to almost an
inch id some place*. Kven wnb the greatest caro It
la oltcn impossible to avoid running aground, tho
passengers on the Red Bank boat*, the Res
Bird nud Hoien, knowing well lbs mean
ing of llial peculiar grating sound. One be
gin* lo >-ee men and lio>s, with their pantaloons
rolled above llicir knees, waning out and picking
something irom the mud. They mast be tbo oysters
at luai. Hut, though our cau plain y sec the bottom
ol the river close to the boat. It is an unbroken bed
of brownish red sand. One meditates upon tho beauty
ol a hermit's Ills on a shorn like ibis,
lor inslanoe, where you would have nothing to
do all day, aud When yea were hungry Just atep out
oi your nut and pick up a lew oysters. You will
criange your mind, however, when you IIml that these
peopio were ouly u tgtag clems, and that the lamone
oyster beds were tho property el private lodividuals,
and ihey could not bo touched any more than the
irull In your neighbor's oroharti.