PREFACE.
This small volume is the expansion (of an article which appeared in No. XC. of the North British Review. A lengthened residence in Rome made me follow with much interest what has been happening there during the late eventful years. The circumstance which specially prompted me, in the first instance, to begin the inquiries which have led to this treatise was the case of Cardinal Andrea. When the intention was announced of proceeding against this dignitary in a mode as to the legality of which there arose discussion, I sought to satisfy myself about precedents and canon law on this head; and this inquiry quickly led me beyond the merely special point I had originally in view. It thus happens
