The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-12-02

peace were enjoyed, and wherever 1t had not
rome, there was darkness and despotlsm. lie
did not know how far the Trustees of the Pub
lie School Society might be disposed to go in
their sincere desire to make the schools accep-
table to the Roman Catholics, but, said he,
speak for myself and many others when say,
if it is necessary to give up the Bible IN order
to make this compromise, THE COMPROMISE
CAN'T BE MADE. But is there no alternative?
He then alluded to the fact that it had been pro-
nosed to make extracts from the Protestant and
Catholic versions to be read in the schools, but
this could not be accepted, as the Pope's OPP
ion on the subject had not been obtained. Thus
foreign Potentate was to dictate to the Amer
icsn people what was to be read, or what was
NOT TO be read in their own schools. This
nmonstrous and revolving truth Mr. X drove
home upon the mind, till every citizen in the
room Dossessed of the least American feeling
must have been reused to a spirit OF the most
determined resistance to such foreign interior
ence. If, said he, the Pope may thus dictate,
what binders him from saying whether or not
the Constitution of the United States, or the
Declaration of Independence may be read IN
the Common Schools of America!
Coming to the Bishops assertion that conscience
was invaded, he not merely refuted the idea, but
rendered it most thoroughly contemplate. In
the course of Thousand pages of books, per-
haps the Roman Catholics found fifty lines
which they did not like. And Calvinist would,
doubtless. find as many offensive to him; and
Methodist as many he did not approve. And
should they each and all object to the books be-
cause they did not harmonize IN every particular
with their views There were, in these books,
passages from Jeferson's writings, and some po-
iiticai opponents might say, can't go Jefferson
have conscientious scruples against having my
children imbibe his sentimentsj must have
separate school. There were also some fine pas
cages from Webster, and good democrat might
saw, can't go Webster; my children must not
learn from him; | must have another school.
Now, suppose every man In the community
should be permitted to strike out of these books
every passage that he DID not altogether ike,
tohat aoo,tld be left?
Following up this train of remark, Mr.. Ket-
chum continued his argument until there was
not shadow of plea left for the sectarlan
claim of Roman Catholics. Having spoken a.
bout an hour he sat down, having acquitted
himself as did also his junior associate counsel.
MIR. Sedgewick, to the entire satisfaction OF that
portion of his fellow citizens whose views he
repesented. The speeches of both these gentle
men were the more valuable and effective from
the fact that, as lawyers, they bore the highest
testimony to the power of religious principle,
and its indispensable necessity to secure the
safety ofthe state.
When Mr.. Ketchum concluded his remarks
it was in order for the Methodist clergYmen to
be heard; but Bishop Hughes desired to be al
lowed to speak for few moments in reply
DIR. Bond waived his right as the Bishop was
anxious to speak, and the following incident
occurred.
Bishop Hughes replied particularly to that
part of Mr.. KS argument having reference to
their conscientious scruples, and said that he
would give a specimen of the school books u.s.
ed, that the Common Council might judge
whether there was nothing in them offensive
He then read a passage from book called
''The Irish Heart in which the Romish reli
gion was spoken ofreproachfully, and express
sions used offensive in the highest degree to
every believer in that church. Having read
and commented upon this passage, he was rea-
DIV to submit whether they ought to be requir-
ed to send their children to schools where such
books are read.
After he had concluded his observations, one
Of the Trustees arose and desired to make 4
statement. Leave was granted, and he eaid in
substance as follows: "Some time s:dcs series
of Temperance tales were publi.ned, and sever
al volumes having been xGmined by the Com
mittee on books of the Public School Society,
were ordered to be placed in the Library. The
ITuolCG3 WHOSG ubJy II WAS 10 AurClaSe DOCKS,
supposed the order to extend 70 the volumes of
the series to be published, and purchased this,
"The Irish lies, without being aware that
any thi's offensive was contained in it. The
pessage complained of was soon discovered, and
the book DGs 1cithdrG,cfl, and the gentlemen on
the other side tcere long since app1'ized Of the
fact. Whether, with the knowledge OF these
circumstances, it was generous and fair for the
Bishop to come here and urge this book against
the public schools, | will not undertake to
saw"
The feelings Of the assembly at this announce
ment could scarcely be restrained. The Bishop
rose and said: This is the FIRST time that have
heard these facts.
The Trustee replied that the matter was
Of public notoriety, and had been often repeat
ed.
There was but one sentiment in the Chamber
respecting this affair, and it was now after
10 o'clock in the evening, the Common Council
adjourned to meet 1T 4 o'clock, P. M. the next
day.
Long before the hour still greater crowd as
sembled, and comparatively few were able to
gain admittance
DIR. BOND, editor of the Christian Advocate
and Journal, spoke in defence of the Methodist
rsmonstrance, and was followed by DR.. Reese
Our position did not allow us to take any notes
of the debate, and we shall therefore not attempt
a report. This we regret the less as the dis
cussion assumed theological bearing, and, as
the President remarked in the course of the
evening, was entirely irrelevant. DIR. Bond,
however, most abundantly proved from the
Rhemish Testament that the notes of this book
teach the lawfulness of numbering heretics, and
if the doctrines of the Roman Catholics are
always the same, they must believe the same
now.
After these gentlemen had concluded, indul-
gence was given to any one who chose, to make
remarks upon the subject Rev. Or. Knox Of
the Reformed Dutch, Rev. Dr. Bangs of the
Methodist Episcopal, and Rev. DR.. Spring of the
Presbyterian church, in brief and pertinent re-
marks, bore testimony to the united opposition Of
the various denominations to which they be-
longed, against any and every application like
this, coming from Roman Catholics or any other
religious sect.
Bishop Hughes was then heard in reply. He
ray;a.,,ad the whole ground of tha debate and