"That, of course, is simply the scream of an opponent. It is spite." "Does Your Eminency mean that there are no injustices? Don't you know of gross injustices?" "'It needs must that offences come.'" "'But woe to him by whom the offence cometh.' Eminency, why not frankly face the predicament? The clergy are more than less human; and they certainly are not even the pick of humanity. Now, don't they attempt too much in the first instance; and, in the second, don't they invariably refuse to admit or amend their blunders? Listen to this. The _Pall Mall Gazette_ states, on the authority of the _Missiones Catholicae_ that, in Australia, during the last five years, we have increased our numbers from 3,008,399 to 4,507,980. But the government census taken last year gives the total population of Australia at 4,555,803. That leaves only 47,823 for the other religious and irreligious bodies. As a matter of fact, the latest Roman Catholic record is 916,880. Therefore an overstatement of 3,591,100 has been made. Which is absurd. And perpetuated. Which is damnable." "I do not precisely see Your Holiness's point." "No? Well, let us go to another." The Pope produced a small green ticket on which was printed, _Church of the Sacred Heart_--_Quest Road_--_Admit Bearer to_--_Midnight Service_--_New Year's Eve 1900_--_Middle Seat 6d._ "This comes from Your Eminency's archdiocese," he said. The cardinal looked at the thing, as one looks at the grass of the field. There it is. One has seen it all before. "We disapprove of that," said the Pope. "What would Your Holiness suggest then to prevent improper persons from attending these services?" "Improper persons should be encouraged to attend. No obstacle should be placed in their way." The cardinal was irritated. "Then we should have scenes of disorder, to say nothing of profanation."