ENCYCLICAL LETTER OF POPE LEO XIII.
��TO our Venerable Brethren, all Patriarchs, Primates, Archbishops, and Bishops of the Catholw World, in grace and communion with the Apostolic See, Pope Leo XIII.
VENERABLE BRETHREN, HEALTH AND APOSTOLIC BENEDICTION.
1. It is not surprising that the spirit of revolutionary change, which has so long been predominant in the nations of the world, should have passed beyond politics and made its influence felt in the cognate field of prac- tical economy. The elements of a conflict are unmis- takable: the growth of industry, and the surprising discoveries of science ; the changed relations of masters and workmen ; the enormous fortunes of individuals, and the poverty of the masses; the increased self-reliance and the closer mutual combination of the working popu- lation; and, finally, a general moral deterioration. The momentous seriousness of the present state of things just now fills every mind with painful apprehension; wise men discuss it; practical men propose schemes; popular meetings, legislatures, and sovereign princes, all are occupied with it and there is nothing which has a deeper hold on public attention.
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