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THE PAPAL QUESTION SOLVED BY NAPOLEON I.
About half a century ago the Papal question was the order of the day.
Another Napoleon was seated on the throne of France, in the full tide of success and triumph of victory; another Pius was Pontiff at the Vatican, under the patronage of French legions, and, strange to say, another Antonelli was the leading adviser of the Pope.

The city of Rome, too, and the Papal States were in a condition of general discontent and disaffection; but, unfortunately, this latter circumstance is one of too constant occurrence to afford any clue as to the date of the period in question.
In the year of grace 1806, the enemies of Napoleon were _ipso facto_ our friends; and in consequence the Pope, who was known to be hostile to France, became somewhat of a popular character amongst us.

Indeed Pius VII.

was looked on at home rather in the light of a martyr and a hero.