The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-05-02
Echoes or tho RELIGIOUS Press.

The religious press this week divides its in
terest between the Cardinal and the Centen-
NAL The FTeemans Journal, in its wild
joy, thinks the investiture has set the
new Cardinal "as hinge of the door that
opens heaven to the faithful and shuts it
against prevaricators and the profane." The
TABLET, more rational in its expressions, hopes
''that the ceremonies of last Tuesday will in
augurate an era Of good feeling among all
classes, and that the sectarian bitterness and
luminosity which have, at some epochs in our
history, disgraced our country have been
laid at rest forever" The Tablet utterly dis
cards the idea that this elevation of Cardinal
McCloskey is blow aimed at republican
institutions, and says it has been amused
at the efforts of some of its Protestant
contemporaries to make out such case. The
Je,cish Times eloquently traces the spirit of
the settlers of this Continent back through the
ages and shows that it defied the Roman
power through Martin Luther, and that to-
day it defies that power through Bismarck.
A soil like this, therefore, the Times con-
cludes, is not congenial to a Church which
has claimed superiority over all other creeds,
and wherever it could made its claim good by
whatever means the object could be gained.
The Times has no fear of this new move in
creating an American cardinal. 1t has faith
in the spirit of progress but it admonishes its
readers that they should be watchful and con-
stantly on guard. Church and State hkens the
ceremony of last week to a big show, and
he Dat wi Nf tha Gbrrch m,
Russia can beat the new Cardinal altogether
in the style of his dress, which is pure gold
and no tinselry whatever. And il asks the
question, ''Why should supplemented repub-
leans jump at big show just as mackerel do
at red rag p and says that it does
not know any reason why, as citi-
zens or Christians, we should be caught
with spectacle, especially when we are
supposed to have left all such things to kings
and courtiers. The Philadelphia Catholic
Standard treats the ceremony as great honor
not only to Catholics but to all classes of
people on this Continent, and says that intel
ligent non-Catholics admit this proposition.
The Golden Age recognizes the goodness and
piety of Cardinal McCloskey, and looks upon
his elevation to the red-hat dignity as an act
of Papal naturalization of America, which has
been up to this time foreign country to the
Roman See. If the present Catholic leaders
could have their way here the Age thinks they
would revolutionlze our education, our re-
igion and our government; and so too, it
adds, would the Presbyterians. The real
strength of the Catholic Church is yet to be
tested, and it is question how she will stand
the steady disintegrations of modern thought
for the next fifty years. The Observer pokes
a little fun at the Tablet for its splurge about
the arrival of the Cardinals robes. The other
religious papers have either given their voice
on this subject in advance or are reserving
their fire for o future occasion. They are
silent this week.
The Centennial celebration has greater
charm for the Christian Union than the Car
dinaPs berTettd. But it is the change in the
style of oratory usual on such occasions that
receives its hearty approval The oratorY Of
Lexington and Concord was simply state
ments Of facts, and yet it evoked the deepest
patriotism. The Union thel efore hopes that
this fashion Of centennial oratory will never
fade or fail The Jevish Messenger is afraid
that by July 4, 1876, our patriotic enthusiasm
will so boil over and we shall have 50 much
to say about our great country and our great
selves that we shall convey false impression
to our European cousins. 1t therefore advises
that we keep sober and not 60 into the spread
eagle business too much on that occasion.
The Evangelist questions the taste that invited
Mr. Gladstone to Lexington and Concord,
but heartily approves Of his courteous and
gentlemanly reply. The Independent rejoices
in the signs Of reviving patriotism when
South Carolina unites with Massachusetts, in
celebrating the Centennial. 1t urges the
States North and South, to turn back to the
records in which we have a common pride
and join hands there rather than over the
bloody chasm Of rebellion and revolt