The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-07-08
The battalion for the Pope.
CARD FROM THE AMERICAN ARCHBIsHOPs-MIl
TARY AID FROM THIS COUNTRY NOT FAVORED
From the New York Tablet, July4l

From the New York Tablet, Juy4l
[omciall
from Rome. 10 the effect that the holy father had
consented 10 accept the services of battalion Of
one thousand men, TO be raised in the United
States, on condition that the said men shall be
carefully chosen, and be equipped and supported
for three years by the Catholics of these States,
seems TO call for some official notice from the pre-
ates TO whom the circular is exclusively addressed,
and TO whose discretion, guardians OF the inter-
ests Of the church in this country, the subject is
committed. For this reason, and for the purpose.
at the same time, Of satisfying inquiries which
lave reached Us from various quarters, we deem
il proper thus publicly to define our position with
reference to matter OF so muon Importance;
and in so doing, We have the best reasons for
knowing that we do bat speak not alone our own
sentiments ut those also Of our venerable beth
rem Of the Episcopacy.
Ii Is needless for US to say how sincerely we de-
sire to uphold and protect, as far as in US lies.
the temporal independence of the holy father, be-
ing persuaded how essential 1t Is TO the free and
unfettered exercise OF his spiritual supremacy in
the government Of the Universal Church. Yet the
proposal TO raise and equip an American battalion
did not originate with US. AS tar we can learn,
it has emsnated from aud been persistenuy urged
on the military authorities at Rome by some party
or parties who have assumed TO represent US, not
only without our sanction or authority, but even
without our knowledge; and what renders this the
more remarkable, is the fact, that the gentleman
who has succeeded in securing for himself, In adj
vance, the appointment OF lieutenant colonel, to
have command OF the proposed battalion, Is one
who we feel bound 10 say, does not enjoy and Is
not entitled to enjoy our confidence; especially in
position Of so high responsibility and trust. IL
he has found encouragement and support from
one or two journals edited by Catholic laymen
which have given place 10 his illadyised CORES
pondence, this does not strengthen his claims in
asmuch as the journals referred TO are not to be
recognized as reliable opponents Of Catholic views
or sentiments still less as discreet OF cOmmsnda-
Bile advocates of the Catholic cause. Besides tho
project as proposed with the conditions which are
annexed TO il, cannot in our Judgment be success
fully carried out and any attempt 70 do would,
we appreheDd, instead Of serving the cause Of our
venerable and beloved holy father, prove detri-
mental TO IL. -.
In h not necessary TO enter into further details
II will be enough to add that still have reason
10 know that pecunary aid Is more needed at this
moment than military, and will be more accepta-
| Bile from as. We shall continue, therefore, as
hitherto to urge our generous and faithful Catho-
| lie children TO contribute abundantly, according
| to their means, for the support Of our commOn'
father, who will employ their offerings IN such q
manner as may 20 him seem best, not doubling
that, by oar SO doing, we shall meet his warm APP
prevail and merit his apostolic benedictiOn.
Given at Mount St. Mary's College, Enmitts-
burg, June "a, 1868.
| Archbishop Of Baltimore.
AIshblshsD OF Cincinnati
| JOHN McCLOSKEY,
| Archbishop Of New York
| PETER RICHARD KEERfCK,
! Arcnbsbop % 81 Louis.
| Per Archbishop Of New York.
N.B.-The archbishop Of st. Louis, not having
] been able to attend the meeting empowered the
archbishop of New York, in writing. 10 sign this
| document for him. having beSn fully apprisOd OF
" hat would be its contents.