So far as France is concerned, the policy of Leo XIII.

seems to have come too late.

The French masses regard Catholicism or Christianity, whichever one pleases, as a religion of death,--a religion which, taking its stand on the text "There shall always be poor among you," condemns them to toil and moil in poverty and distress their whole life long, with no other consolation than the promise of happiness in heaven.

And, on the other hand, they see the ministers of the Deity, "whose kingdom is not of this world," supporting the wealthy and powerful, and striving to secure wealth and power for themselves.

Charity exists, of course, but the masses declare that it is no remedy; they do not ask for doles, they ask for Justice.