Hereupon, the French Government, in a very respectful note, remarked that, to prevent ultra opinions from becoming dogmas, it reckoned on the moderation of the bishops, and the prudence of the Holy Father; and, to defend its civil and political laws against the encroachments of the theocracy, it had counted on public reason and the patriotism of French Catholics.

In these remonstrances the North-German Confederation joined, seriously pressing them on the consideration of the papal government.
On April 23d, Von Arnim, the Prussian embassador, united with Daru, the French minister, in suggesting to the Curia the inexpediency of reviving mediaeval ideas.

The minority bishops, thus encouraged, demanded now that the relations of the spiritual to the secular power should be determined before the pope's infallibility was discussed, and that it should be settled whether Christ had conferred on St.Peter and his successors a power over kings and emperors.
INFALLIBILITY OF THE POPE.

No regard was paid to this, not even delay was consented to.

The Jesuits, who were at the bottom of the movement, carried their measures through the packed assembly with a high hand.