The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-06-21
FATHER TOM BURKE.

THE HEALTH OF THE GREAT DOMINICAN PREACH
ER FAILING RAPIDLY-Hs CONSTITUTION
BROKEN DOWN IN CONSEQUENCE OF UNRE-
HITTING LABoR-THE DISEASE THOUGHT TO
BE CANCER OF THE STOMACH.
DUBLIN, June 10. 1875.
The readers OF the HERALD, whatever their pol
tiles or creed, viii he sorry to hear that Father
Tom Burke, the great irish Dominican preacher,
IL in poor health, and that his state is such tnat
grave apprehenslons are entertained as to the
result.
THE EXCITING CAUSE or HIS ILLNESS.
Father Tom has never been quite well since his
return from America. Stalwsrt and robust as he
may seem to be, he Is not OF q strong coustifu-
ton, and his tour through the United States told
on him. The unceasing labor, the fatigue that
could know no intermission or repose. the grave
anxiety aud the responsibility which continuously
rested on HIM stealthlly but surely, wrought their
effects II he could have been sent away to some
quiet remote place, far from the busy haunts or
his usual ayocAtions, all might have been well
But he could not be spared Tor even a short neces-
sary noliday OF ldleness An Irish Dominican friar
does not belong 10 the category OF 'tne lazy
monks or oldu HIS life is one OF constant activity
And so when Father BurEe returned home, prac-
ticaly worn out after the tolls Of hts American
the routine OF ms usual duties.
FIRsT SIGNS OF FAILING HEALTH.
II became known, however, before very long
that he was not aoe TO do all that the public
wished 10 nave at his hands. For, hlgh as MS re-
putatton stood before ne crossed the Atlantic, the
reception accorocd 10 him by the people
OF the United states had Increased ms
fame. Everywhere nov people wished TO see
hun ana 10 hear him. No church or chapel
could be opened. no foundation stone OF convent
or hospital laid; in lact, no religious funcflon
could DE popularity celebrated but Father Tom
was expected 10 preach. InyltatiOls TO lecture
also poured IN upon nina novelty In his irish
occupations; for, previous to MS visit 10 America,
he used not 20 lecture. IL was not possible for
any ordinary constitution 70 hold out under these
incessant demands.
But tue nrst public Indication OF falling strength
was gwen about four weeks age. ON sunday, MAY
Id, the new organ was opened IN Armagh
Cathedral. Father Burke pad been asked
by the Prmate 70 preach on the oc-
casion. IL was an instance OF the variety
aud multiplicity oil the demands upon him. Up to
the last moment ne struggled TO fulhl nis engage
ment and crafty the wishes Of the Ulster Catholics
But he broke down, ana AIS place had 70 10 taken
b. another.
lie vas TO nave preached at Tuam last Tuesday,
to celebrate the jubilee OF Archbishop MacHale.
But ne found ne was unaDle-tOo late, however,
Is rumored, that he WIN not ue abe 90 preach the
sermon at the grand religious ceremonial Nhlch
Is 10 be part OF the OiCDnncl Centenary.
SAID 10 BE CANCER or THE STOMACH.
what IL the nature Of hts illness II IL stated
10 be some obscure Affection or the stomach.
which has not yet developed sufficiently 20 admit
o. accurate diagnosis. but those VINO have good
opportunities OF knowing speak very 0mlnOusly,
and mint that all the symptoms point TO cancer OF
the stomach. II this pc so. we must not only BE
prepared for the worst but even hope that the
painul sunerings attendant on this disease may
be abridged for him.
In any case IL Is most probable tna our American
trends have for the last time heard the eloquent
voice and gaZed on the expressive face q Father
Tom Burke.