Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-12-08
CLEARFIELD, Pa, DEC. 8, 1858.
THE MORTARA CASE.

The Jews of Philadelphia recently held a
meeting, at which committee was appointed
to prepare memorial to President Buchanan,
setting forth the facts in the so-called Mortara
case, (the particulars of which will be found
in an article on the first page of this paper,)
and appealing to him to use the influence
of his station to procure the release of the
lad from the Roman 1nquisition. This petit
tion was numerously signed by citizens of all
denominations, and forwarded to the Presi-
dent, accompanied by communication from
Abraham Hart, President of the Synagogue of
Portuguese Jews, to the Secretary of State, in
which it was hoped that, ssby some expression,
the moral weight of the United States. in the
scale of nations, may be felt.'' In response to
this letter and memorial, Secretary Cass wrote
the following chilly note =
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, Nov. p, 1858.
To Mr.. A. HART, &c
Sir: / have received and submitted to the
President, YOUR letter of the 18th inst. re-
specting the alleged forcibIe abduction from
his parents of a Jewish child, by the public
authorities of Bologna, in the Papal domin-
ions, and asking some expression Of condem-
nation on the part of this government.
This occurrence took place within the terri
tories of an independent power, and without
affecting the rights of any American citizen.
1t is the settled policy of the United States to
abstain from all interference in the internal
concerns of other countries.
Certainly there is nothing in the circum-
stances of this case, as they are reported,
which would impose this reserve upon the GO
vernment. But it is deemed proper to adhere
to the established principle which has hereto
f0re tod in ts inf
with other nations.
am, sir, your obedient servant,
LEWIS CAss.
Could anything be more icy-more unfeel-
ing Not word of sympathy for the dis
tressed parents, nor of condemnation for an
act SO unparalleled and so utterly repugnant
to natural rights and religious freedom. does it
contain. The Secretary says the occurrence
does not affect the rights of any American cit
izen, and though there is nothing in this case
which would impose reserve upon the govern
ment, yet it is deemed proper to abstain from
all interference in the concerns of any other
country. He was not asked to do this-to in
terpose the power of the United States. He
was merely requested TO expostulate in a civil
and friendly manner against an act of cruel
violence and oppression, which strikes blow
at the personal liberty of every human be-
ing, not a catholic, wherever the ecclesiastical
authority of the Pope may extend.
The facts in the Mortara affair are we'll cal
culated to surprise the civilized world, and TO
widen the breach between Protestants and
Catholics, even in this country, which many
were trying to close up. The child of Monola
Mortara, secretly sprinkled by a servant girl,
out of excess of zeal for the Mother Church,
is torn from its parents, and their natural
claims over him treated with contempt by
the Inquisition. This is sanctioned by tie
Pope, who says it is impossible that the child
should be restored to them. He thus de-
clares that an ignorant servant girl, or any 9TH
er person protesting the Catholic faith, may
by sprinkling little water upon child, give
to that ceremony all the effect of baptism, and
transfer the fidelity of tho child from its pa
rents, if they are what are called ssheretics %
and make them strangers to their own off,
spring, who can have no authority over it.
Was there ever more monstrous dogma enun-
ciated in the widest days of superstition and
ecclesiastical tyranny The church claims to
be universal, and its doctrines must be the
same throughout the world. If a servant may
secretly transform the child of Jew into a
Catholic by sprinkling it with water at Bo-
1ogna, the same thing may be done with the
child of a Protestant in any part of the globe ;
and unless the Papal authority withdraws the
extraordinary claims set up in this case, the
consequences upon the social condition of
Catholics where there is no established reli-
gion, and where Protestant sects prevail, will
be highly disadvantageous to the laity of that
church. Prudent persons will not risk the
consequences of employing Catholics, because
according to this precedent, the latter may at
any time, and in any place, without the con-
sent of parents, By steaithy or violent act
change the course of education and course of
life of children OF weak persons. If such a
doctrine is submitted to, complete sepera-
tion between Catholics and Protestants will be
likely to ensue, and religious controversies of
The most bitter character will follow.
Just reverse the case. Suppose Jewish
nurse was to circumcize the child of a Catbo-
hc' and the Rabbis were TO seize the child and
use 10 restore it to its parents and that
'I's was sanctioned by the head of the Jew
SHuieh' what would the Catholics say to
ptoceedingf Would they submit oui.
s 20 Nf Would they say it was RIGHT
'NeS ho' oeciare 1t wrong? And if !.
"s wrong In the latter instance, is il No.
SO %eep the same thing is done by the
4Iquisiuon at Bologna, and receives tbs sno
efsement OF the Pope himself7 We ,esuo
20 to answer these questions
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