Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish.
Sir: The session of the German Diet has thus far been marked by moderation and love of peace. The Pope, since the loss of his temporal dominions, feels himself ill at ease in the Vatican; and the suggestion was made by his friends here that he would seek refuge in Germany. To an informal inquiry the informal answer was given that the Pope would receive in Germany the protection and hospitality which the laws award, in the same degree as the late King of Naples; but that the exercise of his functions could take place on German soil only after the enactment of a law. The clerical party in the diet desire very much that the Emperor should claim for the Pope the restoration of his temporal power. In an address to the Emperor the diet expressed themselves, in a vote of 243 against 63, in general terms against any such measure, and against any intermeddling with foreign powers; and the Emperor, in his reply, assured them that they had rightly interpreted his speech at the opening of the session as declaring the policy of non-intervention.
In Bavaria a great division has arisen among the Catholics themselves. The Archbishop of Munich having required Döllinger to accept, within a limited time, the dogma of the Pope’s infallibility, Döllinger replied, in an admirably written paper, by denying the dogma altogether. The great majority of the Catholic professors of Munich adhere to his exposition. He enjoys the confidence and protection of his King, so that there are materials there for a schism such as have not shown themselves in a Catholic kingdom since the time of Henry the Eighth of England.
The new acquisition in Alsace and Lorraine is promised a liberal administration and liberal institutions.
The people of Brunswick, which State, on the death of the present ruling prince, will fall to the King of Prussia, are taking measures, after the American principle, to preserve a government of their own for domestic legislation.
For Roumania the status quo is approved by this government, and the ministry is looked upon as the best that can at present be selected, and the reigning prince, who is inclined to abdicate, is advised to remain.
As to France, the German Empire is resolved to keep faith with the government with which it negotiated peace, and it seeks to stand aloof from all internal questions in France.
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I am, &c.,