The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-07-01


The publication In the newspapers Of circular
from Rome to the effect that the Holy Father had
consented to accept the services Of a battalion OF
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 to call for
Official notice from the prelates to whom the circu-
lar is exclusively addressed and to whose discretion,
as guardians OF the interests 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 have reached us from various quar-
ters we deem 1t proper thus publicly to define our
position with reference to o matter Of 80 much
Importance and in doing we have the
best reasons for knowing that we do but speak
not alone own sentiments, but those also
of our venerable brethren in the Episcopacy.
II Is needless for us to say how sincerely we desire
o as hs sr as a 1s heinz e
suaded how essential 1t is to the free and unfettered
exercise OF his spiritual supremacy In the govern
ment OF the Universal Church. Yet the proposal to
raise and equip an American battalion did not org-
nate with US. AZ far as we can learn, 1t has ema-
mated from and been persistently urged on the mill
tary authorities at Rome by some party or parties
who have assumed to represent us, not only with
out our sanction or AUTHORITY but even with t1s
the more remarkable is the fact that the gentleman
who has succeeded in securing for himself, in ad-
vance, the appointment OF Lieutenant Colonel to
have command Of the proposed battalion, Is one
who we feel bound to say does not enjoy and Is not
entitled TO enjoy confidence, especially In posi-
ton OF so high responsibility and trust If he has
found encouragement and support from one or
two journals, edited by Catholic laymen, which have
given place to his ill-advsed correspondence, this
does not strengthen his claims, inasmuch as the
journals in question are not toDe recognized az reliable
opponents OF Catholic views sentiments, still less
as discreet commendable advocates OF the Ca
tholc cause. Besides the project, proposed, with
the conditions which are annexed to 1t, cannot, in
our Judgment, he successfully carried ont; and any
attempt to do would, we apprehend instead of
serving the cause OF venerable and beloved Holy
Father, prove detrimental to 1t.
1t Is not necessary to enter into further details: II
will be enough to add that we still have reason to
know that pecuniary aid is more needed at this mo-
ment than military aid, and will be more acceptable
from us. we shall continue therefore, as hitherto,
to urge our generous and faithful Catholic children
to contribute abundantly according to their means,
for the support OF our common Father VINO Will
employ their offerings in snch manner as may to him
seem BEST not doubling that by our so ding we shall
meet his warm approval and merit his Apostolic
benedction.
Given at Mount st. Mary's College, Emmittsburg,
June "a, 1853
M. J. SPALDlNG,
Archbishop OF Baltimore
t J. B. PURCELL,
Archbishop of Cincinnati.
JOHN McCLOSKEY.
Archbishop of New York.
PETER RICHARD KENHICK,
Archbishop OF st. Louis,
Per Archbishop of New York.
n B.-The Archbishop of st. Louis not having been
able to attend the meeting, empowered the Arch
bishop OF New York, In writing, to sign this d0cli-
ment for him, having been fully apprised Of what
would be its contents