The Row between the French and the clergy in Mexico.
The Northern papers contain several columns of correspondence, which has passed between the clergy of Mexico, and their late allies the French, from whom they have withdrawn. The following synopsis of the documents will explain the cause of the breach:
- 1--Protest of the Archbishop of Mexico, as one of the regents, against certain orders issued in the name of the Regency by Generals Almonte and Salas, under command of the French General in Chief, which orders involve a recognition of the sequestrations of the church property, decreed in 1839 by the Juarez Government. November 10, 1863.
- 2--Protest of the Archbishop against his removal from office, as Regent of the Empire, Nov. 17, 1863
- 3.--Official note from Gen. Bazaine to the Archbishop, acknowledging that the dismissal of the Archbishop from the Regency was made by his orders. Nov. 20, 1863.
- 4--Reply of the Archbishop to General Bazaine. He declares his removal from the Regency null and void. Nov. 28, 1863.
- 5--United protest of the Archbishop, of Mexico, the Archbishop of Micheacan, the Archbishop of Guadalajara, the Bishop of San Luis Potosi, and the Bishop of Oajaca. against the circulars and orders issued with reference to the church property by command of the French General, and declaring against all who shall execute them, or cooperate in executing them, the excommunication decreed by the Holy Council of Trent. In this protest they declare their situation to be worse than it was under the Juarez Government. December 26, 1863.
- 6.--Decree of the Regents, Almonte and Salas, removing all of the Judges and other officers of the Supreme Court, on the ground of their refusal to enforce any of the laws or orders regarding the naturalization of the church property. Jan. 2. 1864
- 7.--Manifesto of Almonte and Salas, explaining this act, and declaring that they found it necessary to conform their action to "French policy." Jan. 2, 1864.
- 8.--Sharp letter from Gen. Neigre to the Archbishop of Mexico, complaining of the incendiary character of the publications which are being clandestinely circulated by the clergy in the capital. Jan. 16, 1864.
- 9.--Reply of the Archbishop, declaring categorically that never was the church so bitterly persecuted, and that he, as chief prelate, finds himself in a worse position than under the Juares Government.
