The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1874-07-09
nlthop RheIan.s aucees,ur.

Will De hafdt0 hnd man ukeiy W ue'
come 90 generally popular with all classes
Of our people as was the late prelate The
public respected him because Of his many
good qualities, prominent among which
were his energy, enterprise and public
spirit These qualities were allied in the
popular estimation with 0 blameless lie
and with zeal and devotion TO the interests
Of the particular religion that he pro.
tessed. Naturally the community will
hope to see another such man appointed
to tll the vacancy. OF course there Is
some speculation already as 10 who viii
be appointed. That Is Q problem, how.
ever, Of very difficult, indeed impossible,
solution. Such an appointment Is not
made In hurry. It Is considered Q mat.
ter Of too much importance at Rome 10 be
speedily decided. The ultimate decision
b made at Rome, although, as q matter
Of course, tho recommendation Of the
Arch.biIhop Of this archdiocese win
have great, II not determining weight.
Bhhopa in the Catholic Church,
especially Bishops for this country,
are selected with reference to
their administrative capacity as well
a. with regard to their plety, zeal and
learning. Tho advancement Of the secu.
lar interests OF the Church Is an import
ant consideration, and one that Is taken
Into serious account in the appointment
d q Bishop. Look, for instance, what
has been done Ia this diocese, in this
community even, BY the late Bishop. he
built 81, James Cathedral and the
Churches Of 81. Alphonsus and the
Immaculate Conception, besides Mt
De ohantsl Seminary, besides look
ing after a great number Of other
enterprises throughout his diocese. He
was man who could both plan and exc
cute: he worked with his head and
hands, in season and ouI OF season, and
knew no seltindulgence. he was willing
to be spent In the service Of his Church,
and this Is the sort Of q man they seek
for in selecting Bishop at Rome.
In old times, o Bishop was elected by
the clergy and laity Of his diocese. That
was the ancient practice Of the Church.
But as the hierarchy grew powerful they
absorbed that prerogative more and more
TO themselves. The former method was
discontinued because Of tho turbulence
attending an, election. At times there was
good deal Of feeling and electioneering.
A divine call, Il believed In, was not re.
lied on. The power passed largely into
the hands of kings, in the time of Charlie.
msgne who appointed the Bishops Of
their Kingdoms 10 suit their ownideas,
Just as Emperor William and Bismarck
do today. The method Of selection at
this day differs in different coun.
tries. In some countries they are
selected by Cathedral csuons;" in
others, as in France, they are nomi-
mated by the: Government. In all cases,
however, the names are sent to Rome for
confirmation. According to the decrces
Of the Council of Trent candidate for
the EpiscopGcy must be OF legitimate
birth, 80 years old, well reputed for learn.
Ing and morality, usually 9, native Of the
country in which the bishopric lies, and
acceptable to the Government thereof.
Within three months from his confrma-
ton he receives the right ot ton,
which. is performed in the. Cathedral Of
the See TO which he has been
appointed, according to the direc.
uons Of the. pontifcal. by three
blhops- appointed for that purpose.
Thecandidate takes the oath Of allegiance
to the Pope, the oath also Of civil allegi-
anee, subscribes to the Confession OF
Faith, receives the insignia Of his office, Ia
annointed and solemnly enthroned, and
coucludesthe ceremonyWith pronouncing
the benedlction.. Hls insignia are o mitre,
the symbol Of power; crosier, in allu-
sion TO his shepherds duties; a foger-
ring, q sign Of his marriage with the
Church; cross on the breast, gloves and
sandals, and an official robe. The
functions Of q Bishop embrace all ito rite
and offices Of the Chriatian religion. HI
administers fye sacraments in common
with priests, and two others, those Of con
drmation and ordination, are his pecnllal
prerogatiVes. BE examines, approves ant
condemns the works published in hi
diocese concerning religion, and takes
part in the general councils conyoked BY
the pope for deciding questions Of faith
He has great power In his diocese. he Il
the guardian Of its discipline and make
such statutes and ordinances as he deems
necessary, and also dlspensea with canon
according to the canonS themselves
Judges the offences oil ecclesiastics, and
has power Of suspension, excommunica'
ton and absolution:
In regard to who may be selected tt
succeed Biahop WuR1AN, no one in thi
diocese We presume has any information
whatever. Perhaps the dead prelate ha
left an expression Of his preference behint
him, although even that Is hardly NOR
than probable. If he has, his preierenc
will be duly considered at Rome, Bu
ANer all, Rome has facilities Tor formln
an opinion Of lis own. The eccle