There has been a great deal of discussion about the effect the election of a Roman Catholic president might have on distinctive American principles. However, another question is in order. What effect will this presidential campaign have upon the Roman Catholic Church, principally in America, but ultimately in Rome? The Roman Catholic system in its historical development has combined many varying factors, some seemingly antagonistic to one another but brought into harmony by rigid episcopal hierarchy. That is why the Church presents one facet in Spain, another in the United States, another in South America. Monkish orders are sometimes so individualistic that they appear to rival Protes tant denominationalism, but under the strong headship of the Curia Romana they fall into their proper niches. Despite all such diversity one unswerving rule has characterized Romanism since the Hildebrandine reform. Whether dealing with Africa or Eng land, Cordova or Wittenberg, the papal government has de manded obedience to the fundamental doctrines defined by Rome. Local and incidental variations may be winked at, the theory being that the end involved in compromise will justify the means.1 This strict obedience has been enforced in various ways : some times by dangling a Cardinal's hat before the eyes of an ambitious bishop who is tardy in his compliance; sometimes by diplomatic and friendly coercion through clandestine channels; sometimes by unqualified fiat. The ideal of obedience was set out by Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, who wrote: