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THE KING AND THE POPE.

The King of Italy and the Pope are not on anything like the distant terms which the popular idea ascribes to them. The "prisoner of the Vatican," as the Church likes to call the Pope, is no prisoner at all in any true sense. Neither is the King the obdurate enemy of the Church he is sometimes represented. In simpler terms, there is masking in Rome on both sides, a fact with which Catholics even, throughout the world, it is probable are not perfectly familiar.

We are assured from Rome that there is a secret understanding between the King and the Pope, and that it will not be long when the settlement will be made that will end forever all misunderstandings,—at least such is said to be the intention.

Some time ago it was alleged that the Pope had extensive plans for regaining temporal power and that the prospect was good for his plans. Whether what is now on foot has this realization in view, nothing certain is known. It is certain, however, that the Italian Government has made important concessions with mutual benefits in view.

Italy is ambitious of a place among nations as nearly the head as possible, and of late, the Pope—who is nothing if not a diplomat—has shown a growing desire to mix himself up with the world's affairs something after the fashion of years ago, when the Church was more nearly omnipotent than now.

Late accounts from Rome declare that at the recent Parliamentary elections throughout the country, in every case the names of the Government candidates were identical with those put forward and supported by the Papal party. In nothing does the Italian Government seem to have changed its policy. Nothing on the surface shows what the understanding is, though that there is one is shown in a number of ways.—Pitts. Times, Nov. 1.

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