The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-05-02


course is mild and temperate, and such as become
preate Of the Catholic church. Ia this particular
1t forms striking contrast with the inf1ammatory
address delivered by certain Bishop, of like
name, some years ago, IN Carroll Hail. At that
time the Bishop wanted experience and selEcom-
mand. He wished to follow the leadership of his
great prototype, Daniel O'Connel; and he thought,
by uniting religion with politics, he could revou-
tonize the masses, stife the voice of public opn-
ion, and build up sort Of pohtico-reeious dynas-
y, totally at variance with the spirit Of free nstitu-
ton. IT'S true he had many examples in the his.
tory OF Europe in the dark ages. But to attempt to
introduce into practice, in this enlightened age, and
In this country, the superstitous absurdlties which
have been long exploded, even in Europe, was
utter madness. The experiment not only was un.
successful, but bad well nigh involved the expert
menter in rum. He made Mr.. O'Connel his model;
and he thought that by using the same means, ne
could evolve similar effects. But he forgot that he
lived IN different hemisphere-and that to make
religion instrument for the attainment Of politi
cal ends, in the present advanced state Of public
opinion, was altogether chmerical. Like the ma
gician's servitor, in the German legend, by employ
ing the cabalistic words which his master had used
AAS cuSSSSuSu AA CsonhS WhoiC iSEiOA VI 0PiAttO
which he found 1t impossible to lay; and the luck
less expermenter had well nigh fallen victim to
the demons of his own evoking
But he was not the only recipient of the lamen-
table effects OF his indiscretion. AT Carroll Hall
he sowed wind, the whirlwind of which was reap
ed by the whole country. BY his unwarrantable
mixing up Of religion and politics, he originated the
native American party; and was, consequently, the
cause-although, we are sure, without any such
intention-of all the bloodshed. calamities, and
evils, which have marked thu rise and progress of
that misguided faction. Wen.judglng men, Of all
classes and denominations, were indignant that
priest high station in his church, should soil the
garments Of his holy Office, by bringing them
into contact with the filthy gutter OF party politics.
Many men OF sound judgment, and Of the very best
Intentions, were thus driven into the natve'party,
although wholly opposed to their prescription and
intolerance. The Bishop did not, probably, foresee
that all those evils would spring from his rash un
dertaking. He trusted to his own talents, and to
the obedience which the Catholic community have
always paid to the dictates of their church, for the
OF his ends but he reckoned
without his host. His talents but served to make
his indlscretion more glazing; aid the Catholic
community at once rebeled against this extraordi-
nary assumption of temporal authority 1t is we'll
known that large number Of Catholics joined the
native ranks, doubtless disguised with the conduct
Of him from whom they were led to expect better
things.
In ascribing the rise of the native movement to
Bishop Hughes indscreet experiment at Carroll
Hall. we do not mean to say that the elements OF
all the bgotry, intolerance, and anatlcism, which
have marked the progress Of that party, did not
ist in society before the Carroll Hall affair. There
is doubt that they did exist, in greater less
degree; but they might have harmlessly slumbered
on till doomsday, had not the Bishop set fire to the
train.
We are truly rejoiced that this distinguished pre-
late has length seen the fatal error of which he
was guilty, and has repented of it. Nothing can
give US greater pleasure than to record his repen-
lance and conversion; nor must we omit to say, IN
all modesty, that TO belongs the principal merit
Of the conversion Of this eminent divine. We have
always had a brotherly affection Tor him. We have
watched his career with great interest, since his
first outset in Episcopal lfe We saw that ne pos
sessed piety and talent of no ordinary character
We contributed, in no small measure, to raise him
to that proud position, Christian prelate, which
he held before the lamentable downfall which re-
suited from his interference with politics. We
were the first to tell him of his error. We admin
istered to him a salutary rebuke. He WINGED
under the reproof, and plunged deeper into
his folly and ndiscrstion We felt ourselves called
upon to apply the rod Of correction although it
most painful to our feelings to do so. And although
he not at the time sensible Of the kindness Of our
motives, his eyes have since been opened, and he
has abjured his folly. Ever since his fall we have
had him under training, sort OF penitential pro-
baton. We have admonished him, from time to
tme the sinfaness Of prostituting the cross, by
making it subservient to party purposes-of soilng
his vestments, by bringing them into contact with
the purlieus Of partlzan politics-and are happy
to say our admontions have not been without effect.
He has lately manifested deep contrition for the
scandal he has given. He has knelt down at the
great confessional of public opinion, and humbly
confessed his sins, and besought forgiveness AS
one OF the authorized ministers of that public OPT
MON, we, in virtue Of solemn Office repeat over
his repentant head, the words Of absolution-"0J-
soluo te alb omnibus pccafis restris," &c. Bishop
Hughes is now the elevated and uprght-the talent.
ed and the pious Bishop OF the diocese of New
Yorx. We warrant him as such, and indorse for
his continuance in the same during his whole life
BRIBERY IN TUE Pennsylvania LEGISLATURE
We it stated in the papers, that the grand jury Of
Harrisburgh has indicted person named McCook,
for attempting to offer bride Of $500 to savagey
virtuous member Of the Pennsylvania Legislature
The attempt was offered in order to prevent
his pursuing certain course, in voting on an en-
quily in relation to the Lehigh Bank. This Nc
4 4
burgh. II he had offered any member of the Penn
sylvania Legislature, or any other Legislature,
a bank bill Of fifty or hundred dollars, cash
down, it is very likely it would have been
taken In silence, and nothing more heard Of
it. But the offer OF such an extravagant sum a.
five hundred dollars, to a member Of that Legis'a-
ture, was much above the par value Of the human
article, that the man was astounded-astonished-