The New York herald., 1872-10-21
Priests and Prelates with the Primate Of
the Metropolitan See Present.
TIL e 8 Il r M O N.
The Free Air of America" Favorable to the
Progress, Health and Unity Of 0atholicity.

Cathedral, to-day. Ihe ceremonies were the most
imposing and impressive OF the solemn and good
services Of the Roman Catholic Church, and the
event drew together some OF the most eminent
divines and large number OF the laity Of that
universally known and ancient religious denoM-
nation.
BRILLIANT SCENE INSIDE THE CATHEDRAL.
For several weeks past the most elaborate prep
aratons for the occasion were being perfected,
and to-day the thorough and complete character
of the arrangements showed there had been no
labor in vain. Within the Cathedral the scene
was one of gorgeous magnidcence in the way OF
floral decorations. The altar was splendidly
Illuminated flowers Of radiant hue
being interspersed among the burning candles,
which, with the sacred WORKS OF art and
religious emblcms, made it picture OF rich efiul-
gence. From the galleries hung 1estoons of ever
greens, interpersea with red and white roses, and
round the pillars were intcrtwined wreaths and
garlands OF the choicest leaves and flowers In
the aisles and wings OF the edifce were the BAN
anu notices OF all the Catholic religious socie
ties, while the further end OF the church, where the
organ and choir were, was beautifully and taste
fully decorated, making the whole scene OF un-
surpassed though simple spcndor.
AN IMMENSE CONGREGATION PRESENT.
so great was the interest taken in this remark
that at an carly hour this morning long before the
opening OF the Cathedral doors, the street in front
and those leading to the building were thronged
by large and lashl0naby attired assemblage eager
to obtain seats. few policemen were present to
prevent rush, but nearly every emergency was
anticipated by polite corps OF gentlemen Roman
Catholic ushers, wearing badges, who seated the
people, as far as it was possible, when the doors
were opened Tor their admlttance.
THE pRELATE ELECT-IIs LIFE HISTORY.
Bishop Gibbons is said to be the most youthful
prelate in the United states, being only about
thirtyeigbt years of age. He is the fourth Bishop
OF Richmond, Bishops WheIan, Kelley and McGill
having been his predecessors. Born in Baltimore
Md, in the year 1884, he was baptized in that city,
but his father returning to Ireland, his native
country his education began in that island. Re-
turning to America in his nineteenth year, he
graduated at st. Charles college, Baltimore in
1867, and completed his theological course at st.
Mary's Seminary OF the same city, In 1851.
He was ordained at st. Mary's chapel the same
year by the late Archbishop Kenrck. He was nrst
appointed assistant to the late Father Doan, of st.
Patrick's and in few months was transferred to
st. Bridget's church, Canton as its pastor While
at Canton he also attended st. Lawrence's church
Locust Point, and at Fort Marshall and Fort
McHenry. Archbishop Spauldng fully appreciated
the sterling qualities OF the young priest
and in 1865 called him TO the Cathedral, ap-
pointing him his secretary. At the second Plenary
Council Of Baltimore lie was named to the newly.
established Vicarate- Apostolic of North Carolina
and two years after TO the cathedral where he was
christened, together with Bishop Becker, OF Della
ware, by Archbishop Spalding. ON the 3Oth Of
July of the present year he appointed by the
Holy Father, Pope Plus the Ninth, Bishop Of Rich
mond. He arrived here about two weeks since
from Wilmington, N G., where his congregation
presented him with q handsome silver service OF
plate as testimonial Of their affection and regret
upon his leaving.
In personal appearance he Is quite the Roman
Catholic ecclcsiastic, having that solemn and hum
bic demeaDor which so much distinguishes them.
He ia of medium height and slenderly built, with an
intellectual face, high forehead, blue eyes and thin
lips. His conversation is simple and unaffected,
but his delivery when addressing congregation
is very Impressive and strikingly forcble and con-
vincing.
At half-past ten O'Clock the doors OF the Cathedral
were thrown open and .he crowd began to enter
Just then the members OF the four most prominent
Catholic societies OF the cIty-the Beneficial, st.
JOscphs, ST. BOnifacus and St. Benedictus-wear
ing their regaas and insignia OF their orders,
formed in open ranks from the door OF the
observed was very credtabe, and, with their
beautiful banners and gorgeous rcgallas added very
much TO the 1mpfeSSVencSS oil the opening.
THE ASSISTING CLERGYMEN.
The following is a complete list OF the clergymen
present: Very Rev. DR.. Corcoran and Rev. Father
Herman, OF Philaoelphia; Rev. Fathers Kroes 8 y;
Foley, DID,. Lee McManus and Gaitley, of Balti-
more; Very Rev. Father OConnell, OF Charlotte; /;
Rev. Father NJ. $. Gross, OF Wilmington; and Rev.
Father Mulvey, of Petersburg, and the following
priests Of Richmond diocese REV. Fathers Hagan,
herty, McGuirk, Van De yyver, Hanley, O'Don-
oghue and Father O'Keese, west Virginia
THE PRIMATE AND OTHER PRELATES.
Immediately following the priests came the fol-
lowing dignitares OF the Roman Catholic Church,
His Grace the Most Rev. J. Roosevelt Bailey, Arch
bishop OF Baltimore Diocese and Metropolitan
Primate OF the Province connected with that an
cient See. IL will be remembered that Archbishop
Bailey is the new incumbent OF the Baltimore Ca
thedral The public are aware that by the will OF
the Sovereign Pontir he has within little while
been transferred from the diocese OF Newark. n.
and which is the first in dignity and no doubt, most
responsible position connected with the Roman
Catholic Church In the United States.
Accompanying the Archbishop Primate came the
Right Rev. DR., Gibbons, now Bishop OF this dio.
cese, and the Right kev. Dr. Becker, Bishop Of VIII
The newly chosen Bishop of Richmond has been
transferred from North Carolina to his present
position by virtue OF Papa letters recently issued
rom the hand OF Pope Plus the Ninth In his
character OF bishop he administered the affairs OF
dom ana with we'll attested success. AS a gen
tleman he won for himself the admiration and
avection OF all classes, and as q learned ana
residing within the limits OF the Old North state.
He leaves that at present. and Is followed TO ms
new home by the warmest wishes or the people and
clergy he has left behind Yet IL is somewhat OF an
error to say he has left them. HIS leaving simply
regards his place OF residence, as by special pro-
vision OF the Holy See he still retains his eccesas-
tcal authority over the diocese OF North Carolina
In conversation TO-DAY regarding the transfer OF
Bishop Gibbons, q high expression OF his worth
came from priest residing in the district Bishop
Gibbons hitherto governed. A priest Of Virginia,
shaking hands with one from North Carolina, said
"Well, sir, we have taken away your bishop
"Yes,n said the North Carolina clergyman, "and
only consolation Is in the fact that while he be-
comes your he still remains our bishop