Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/436

 398 Readings in European History Roman Catholic religion. Treatment of non-Catholics, Abolition of papal dues. that of its king, upon the stability of the monarchy, and upon the preservation of the orders which compose it and of the fundamental laws which govern it. Considering, too, that a holy respect for religion, moral- ity, civil liberty, and the rights of property, a speedy return to true principles, a careful selection and due measure in the matter of the taxes, a strict proportionality in their assess- ment, a persistent economy in government expenditures, and indispensable reforms in all branches of the administration, are the best and perhaps the onry means of perpetuating the existence of the monarchy; The third estate of the electoral district of Carcassonne very humbly petitions his Majesty to take into consideration these several matters, weigh them in his wisdom, and permit his people to enjoy, as soon as may be, fresh proofs of that benevolence which he has never ceased to exhibit toward them and which is dictated by his affection for them. In view of the obligation imposed by his Majesty's com- mand that the third estate of this district should confide to his paternal ear the causes of the ills which afflict them and the means by which they may be remedied or moderated, they believe that they are fulfilling the duties of faithful sub- jects and zealous citizens in submitting to the consideration of the nation, and to the sentiments of justice and affection which his Majesty entertains for his subjects, the following: i. Public worship should be confined to the Roman Cath- olic apostolic religion, to the exclusion of all other forms of worship ; its extension should be promoted and the most efficient measures taken to reestablish the discipline of the Church and increase its prestige. 2. Nevertheless the civil rights of those of the king's sub- jects who are not Catholics should be confirmed, and they should be admitted to positions and offices in the public administration, without however extending this privilege — which reason and humanity alike demand for them — to judicial or police functions or to those of public instruction. 3. The nation should consider some means of abolish- ing the annates and all other dues paid to the holy see. to