Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1869-11-18
THE BLBLE IN THE SCHOOLS.

A correspondent wrote from indianapolis
to the Cincinnati Gazette, asking aohy the
Catholics of the latter city object to the read
ing of the Bible in the public schools. To
the inquiry, the Gazette thus responds
.'The position of the Catholics on this
question is well understood, having been
clearly defined.
''That church acknowledges the Bible to he
the Word of God, as do Protestant Chris
tians, differing only as TO the version but
the Bible should be read. Catholics contend,
by the priests and not by the people. Their
object, however, in uniting with nfidels or
free thinkers in excluding the Bibles from
the schools, is to break up the system of free
schools, in order that the school tax may be
devoted to the support Of UNCONVENTIONAL
schools. Archbishop Purcell has said that
under no circumstances would the Catholic
Church consent to the education of her chill
dren in other than Catholic schools. The
exclusion of the Bible, therefore, from the
public schools, would not bring Catholic
children into the latter but it would drive
Protestants out and weaken and destroy the
system. This is what Catholics desire, and
this is the meaning of their opposition to the
reading Of the Bible in the public schools"
This statement of the case we assume to
be perfectly fair one, and it is, indeed
corroborated by an article in the Catholic
Telegraph, Of Cincinnati, which says that
the exclusion of the Bible is simply first
step, and that
| The second chapter will open with ngi-
tation against the law itself in the name of
Justice and the right that both Protestants
ana Catholics have to positive religious
instruction in separate schools, T. the
school laws be modified to secure denomina-
tlonal education for all, Catholics will cheer
iuliy pay their portion Of the school fund.
N TINS wise amendment can not be made,
taxation for school purposes must cease.''
These are alarming words, and we print
them with grave regret. 1t would seem that
there is no possibility OF compromise, OF
Of any adjustment of such an issue as is here
raised, which can satisfy all parties. If the
objection to Bible reading had been CON
sclentious scruple as to the version en-.
ployed; If the Catholic citizens of Cincin.
natl, with proven sincerity, had complained
that the Protestant translation was repugnant
to their faith, and Objectionable because Of
the points in which their translation differs
there are very many who would respect thu
scruplcs of their conscience, and say thai
education in the Common Schools must refel
only to secular topics, and must avoid al
religious controversy. But the issue mad,
in Cincinnati is an alarming one. 1t revive,
our recolections of those most unpleasant
issues, at our own elections for members o.
the School Board, during the last few years
we do not know that the objection has eve
been raised here, against reading the Bible
the effort has been only to secure divided
school fund, and the support of denomlna
tional schools.
1t seems apparent, therefore, that tn,
movement here, as in Cincinnati, is part O
J general effort, proceeding on wide basis
) and we again express our sincere regret tina
+ such an issue should be raised For if il i
J raised, it must be met, and it will be. Wit
! whatever opposition, it is menaced, the sys
, TEN of -Public-Common-
for the People, open to All, and supporte
by All, must be maintained. 1t is the ground
work of all our Democratic institutions
is absolutely the foundation of all our sue
cess as a Republic and our happiness as
' people. Attacks upon it, no matter fror
a what quarter, will lie useless, and bring or
! ly vain strife and bitter feeling.