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 Rh its concurrence in the principles of free education then being advocated in France, and its compliance in the desire of the French Government for the reduction within moderate limits of the establishments that had been opened in France, more or less clandestinely, by the Jesuits, in evasion of the law. All these circumstances had brought about a degree of inward agitation which, though still outwardly suppressed, was sufficiently declared to be acknowledged by all who had not some special interest in speaking against the truth.

During his reign of sixteen years, it befell Gregory to create no less than seventy-five Cardinals, which are five more than the Sacred College can count, according to the Bull of Sixtus  in force. The mortality amongst his nominees was, however, inordinately rapid, for at the moment of the Pope's death the whole College did not amount to more than sixty-two, of whom two dated still from Pius and seven from Leo  Those present in Rome