The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1870-03-30
Speech Of r. N. Ogden.


made in the Senate on Tuesday, by
Senator r. N. Ogden, in answer to Sem
ator Campbell gentleman hav-
ing objected to an increase of the ap-
preparation for st. Vincent's Orphan
Asylum, upon the ground of its being
under the supervision of the Catholic
Church:
1t has been said by that great mas
ter OF the human mind, "Tiat the quail.
lty of mercy is not strained, but drop
peth like the gentle rain from Heav-
en-" etc.
had expected extreme and violent
opposition from the gentleman (Mr.
CampbelD on all questions pertaining
to political matters, but | must confess
my astonishment at the remarks just
fallen from his lips.
Is it possible, Mr.. President, that in
this, the nineteenth century-in this
age of progress, of freedom Of opinion,
and in this great country, which the
gentleman so often and so loudly boasts
is the freest TIE sun ever shone upon,
that we have Senator, representing
the great party OF moral ideas the
party of progress and Of liberal views,
raising his voice ~ opposition to anap
preparation that puts the nutriment
into the mouths of starving babes,
simply and only because the generous
and charitable womun WHO preside
over this institution belong to the
Catholic faith! Is il a crime o, an OBJ
~ - l. L.,
church send forth their children To
teach the gospel of Christ, or that they
commission these noble, these incom-
parably noble, sisters of mercy, whose
good deeds, self-sacrifice, leroism and
endurance are heard of
From earth's remotest bound
TO oceans loicliest shore.
This st. Vincent's Orphans Home
has now within its walls over two hum
dred children. l have been informed
by the Mother Superiorcss that their
ages vary from the sucking infant to
the child of seven or eight years. Does
it become these benevolent and chart
table Sisters, when they hear the wall
OF helpless infant at their portals, to
stoop and examine its form or rainrent
ty discover the religious feelings of its
parents, or whether the holy rites of
baptism have been performed under. a
cross, synagogue, or Il mosque? No,
God forbid. Although no Catholic my
self, Mr.. President, | stand here to-
day to bear feeble testimony to the
greatness and tie wonderful power for
good that this sect, and particularly
this band OF heroic women, who with
their followers, have and do enjoy. In
pestilence whose the form that always
illumines the ghostly chamber and is
ever seen fitting around the almost
neglected couch whether it contains
the loathsome leper or the starred and
gartered nobleman; these angels In hui
man form are there to raise them up,
to walk with their beds, or with their
words OF cheer, with sympathy; their
hearts, as the soul, is waited to bet
ter and happier home above. Ills the
Sister of Charity. Have you not Sen
ators-and there are those here who
have seen the red front of battle-have
You not seen those white robed angels
of peace, regardless of the cannon's
roar or the musket's crash, quietly, yet
determincdly and braSely bandaging
the CHASTITY wound, or closing the dy
ing eye. Did they inquire whether
the spirit just ready to forsakc its
earthly tenement was Catholic o.
Protestant-a Federal or a Confele-
rate9 Oh, no. They were sent there
by the everything and ever-just God
to do good to all men, regardless of
faith, rank or condition.
Are we returning to the days of in
tolerance; is the head again to be COW
with the round bonnet of the Puritan,
and must bigotry and hate usurp toll
erance and peace; are we to hear again
the ineXorable edicts of the stern and
dnfeeling follower of Knox and Luther
another day of darkness, whence no
light can pierce the danseon of the
inquisitions, nor appeal tear from the
burning stake. scout afar from me
such narrow and bigoted ideas. am
astonished that one of so much ability,
of so much learning. as the honorable
Senator, should for Il moment return to
so barbarous and so Enlightened pre-
cedent.
Look at the beautiful charity of this
humble woman " Margaret, whose
name will live in history, encircled
with jewels, richer than priceless stones
the grateful tears OF the helpless or
phan.
Daily, without remuneration, she
gives to one institution alone, the one
of which now speak. three hundred
loaves of bread. Let the Senator pro-
fit by her example. She makes no in
vidious distinction, but with a charity
as unbounded as her love Is great, en-
braces in her generous donations Pro-
testants, Catholics and Jews alike.
trust sir, the Senate will adopt my
amendment and increase the amount
necessary to assist these unfortunate
waits, these poor, helpless orphans,
without protector in the State, save
those prototypes of heaven-the Sis
tiers of Charity.
~