Boursetty, Jules de, Rome, Italy, to Archbishop Napoleon Joseph Perché, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1881 December 20

Perché's last letter caused him great chagrin, and he understands all that Perché must endure. To argue the nullity of bonds on which interest has been paid for five years is impossible. The delay in paying the interest will have the most deplorable effect in France. At Propaganda they are amazed at the attitude of Bishop Francis Xavier Leray . Perché can be tranquil; everyone is with him. Yesterday he had a long talk with Cardinal John Simeoni who recognizes Perché's authority over the Corporation and condemns the conduct of Leray. He is going to give advice and orders. The Cardinal spoke of unifying the debt; Boursetty replied that that alone was possible and that Perché had submitted a memoir on the subject. The conclusions of Paul Emile Théard 's brochure are the only ones that can be adopted. Even for the Cardinal, Perché is the only master of the Corporation before the law. It is only a matter of gaining time; instead of seeking bankruptcy, one should look to the unification of the entire debt. Perché alone can obtain this result; the operation is possible in France at a moderate price. He is going to see the Cardinal again this week. :: VI-3-c A.L.S. French 3pp. 12mo.