occur. The old definitors are practically sure of reelection, and so on the night before the electors arrive they have arranged all appointments under no more spiritual influence than that of a cigar and a glass of whisky.
For the highest position of provincial—a quasi-episcopate—the intrigue runs much deeper. Votes are practically bought by minor appointments and other bon-bons, years in advance, and the province is really severed into factions headed by the different candidates. There are, of course, some who revolt from such proceedings—though they are more common in ecclesiastical spheres than in any civil polity in the world—but others use them unscrupulously. I took one to task once for his indulgent treatment of a notoriously unworthy official, and he answered frankly that the man had a vote—and he proceeded to explain how necessary it was for the good of the fraternity, &c., that he himself should take the helm at the next election, however reluctant he felt to do so.
When such facts are considered, in addition to the natural jealousy which arises in connection with preaching, penitents, and the esteem of the laity generally, it will be understood that life in a friary is not one of paradisiacal monotony. Open conflicts are, of course, rare, but the strained relations between rivals and their followers frequently manifest themselves in conversation and conference. In fact the constant suspicion and caution sometimes leads to
