The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-04-16

The following article appeared in the
Western Catholic, of April 8, and by note
in another part of the paper we learn that
the writer 4" is an eminent priest of one of
the regular orders, whose talents as an
orator and writer are we'll known among
the clergy and people of the West" That
the Catholics of the United States are not
sufficiently impressed with the importance
| of Catholic press, is lamentably too true.
Bishops and priests have urged it's claims
| on the faithful, and been themselves most
generous patrons. But, We regret to say,
a deplorable apathy exists, which is as un-
accountable as it is disreputable. It is
little creditable that, with eight million
Catholics, there is not one daily paper under
Catholic influence in these United States. Is
there a necessity for it 9 Let us zee. Last
week the Administrator of Finance Of this
city delivered speech in the Council, re-
fiecting in the most damaging manner on
the conduct of our charities. In effect,
their managers were characterized as hypo-
critical speculators. Every daily paper in
this city published the charge among the
proceedings. To reply through weekly,
as it would not meet the eye of one in o
hundred of those who read the administra-
!! tors disparaeihg remarks. A young mer-
chant of this city wrote reply, and design
ing its publication, WAS refused a hearing
in two of the daily papers of this city,
which derive no small support from the CO
religionists of the parties aspersed. To the
honor of the Bulletin, our friend found q
medium of communication to the public,
and that, too, not at the expense of q
picayune, nor doing aught which would
compromise an honest man in these trucu-
lent times.
The following is the article alluded to
above.
Human nature has ever proved riddle, in
the variety of its maniPnlations; and such 1t
will continue to be till tho end of time, no
matter what influence may be brought to bear
upon it, or in what circumstances it may hrd
itself. This seeming riddle might probably be
N solved by one who should be, at once, an able
psychologist and profound theoiogiap: but
as 1 do not lay claim to either of these Ities,
, shall leave the solution unattemr6ed, and,
taking the known fact as granted, make some
practical observations upon IT, Is not true that
3 ball of lis Catholics earnestly Tisn 70 see our
? religious views respected, ard our Christian
and aspersions of either tbs wilfnl slanderer OF
+ the ignorant bigotf l ar sure that such is the
j. desire of every true Cataoiic. Now, do we al
\ ways act consistently with the wish OF our
/ beartsf Experiences jells US, AS body,
: although earnestly PRACTICAL in many respects,
/, we are sadIy deficient in Others. No doubt, we
= have plenty of Catholic books, doctrinal, con-
n troversial historical aud critical, in which all
I that has been aid or could be said against US
d hos been refuced in mastery manner; yet
fear not to assert that this is not sufficient to
, cause as to lie lazily upon our oars, INDUCING
D the thought that nothing more is left for US 70
Y do than quietly to work out our individual
Q salvation. Socially, have not been made
Q exclusively for ourselves; and the same truth
i, is applicable to religion. We know, IL is true
9 that we have to begin by ourselves, for it il
Y said: "He that's evil to himself, to whom will
he be good Z" Bot is it not also written: He
= gave TO every one Of them commandments con.
t corning has Reighbor"7 This admitted, and
who can gainsay it, it seems to me that our
l. first endeavors should be directed TO the Prac-
2 children and our friends may not be led astray