New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-12-29
SECTARIANISM IN THE ESTATE.

UNCONVENTIONAL DIRECTIONS TO THE GRAY NUNS
ACr"- OPPOSITION TO THR COMMITMENT OF
vAaRANr CHILDREN TO sECTARIAN REFoRMA-
TORIES
Much attention has been attracted by the
action of Presbyterian synods OF the State In
opposition TO the Gray Nuns Act" as amended by the
Legislature in May last The Presbyterians ore pre-
pairing to memorabilia that body for repeal OF the
amendment The Methodsts taking decided action In
the direction, and IT Is expected that the Baptsts
will soon follow IN their footsteps.
In conversation with TRIBUNE reporter DR.. Curry or
The Christian Advocate said that the PrOtesants were
not hostile to the Catholic ssteroood called the Gray Nuns
which incorporated by the Legislature some four
years ago But they did take strong exception to the
amendment passed IN May last, and signed by Gov
Tilden This amendment authorized the corporation 10
grant diplomas and honorary Testimonials to any giadu
ate of a seminary Of the corporation within The STATE
and provided for the fling OF the diploma with the DC
partment Of Public Instruction. also that the supern
tendeDt of Public instruction may at his discretion issue
certificate to the effect that such graduate is qualified
teacher of the common schools OF the Stae Dr. Curry
said there several objections 10 the amended ac
setting aside the denominatJnal view OF the matter
which, he thought ought TO be kept out OF sight as much
as possible by all parties to the controversy In the hrs
place it was making a private corporation, over which
the State has CONTROL coordinate with the State as to
powers for defining the fitness Of teachers In the public
schools This extensive privilege s accorded TO no other
corporation but the Catholic siserhood OF Gray Nuns
II sets up rival system to the normal schools which are
even placed at disadvantage with their rival inasmuch
as the graduate of Gray Nun seminary is not neces.
sarily subjected TO examination by the Board OF
Public instruction. this beng left discretionary with the
superintendent. A still greater objection, sad DR..
Curry that there is ground for believing the educa-
iona system Of these seminales vastly inferior TO that
Of the normal schools But the greatest objection in Dr.
Currys mind the objection 10 any public or state
recognition of any church school of whatever kind The
Committee of Methodiss will make their report on the
subject next Monday.
The Professionals appear 10 be equally dissatisfied with
the law which provides that police magistrates shall
send yagrant children to reformatory institution con-
trolled by the religious denomination 10 which their
parents may belong The result that the Catholic Pro-
tectory ia Westchester large majority of the
children committed for gTancy and juvenile dellI
quency and receives considerable support from the
State for their education DIR. Curry said he thought
the law abuse and that for the object of pub
lie punishment and reformation the court magistrates
have well founded right to ask the religious prOcNl-
ties auteeedeus of the offender that local boards
sruction given such Institutions and to call in clergy
OF different faiths and prevent one sect being made
more prominent than another
The reporter called upon John W. Weed associate
counsel Ia the Assembly Committee ON Crime, to learn
70 the management OF the different rcfOimator1cs Mr.
Weed said that he visited the Catholic Protecory IN com
pany with the Committee during November and although
his religious sympaes entirely with the Protest
ants his private opinion that the Protectoy was
an institution Of great benefit to the inmates The SUI
pcrncndent the ProtectOry in his testimony before
The Committee Crime, said that the Institution re-
ceived Sll0 per for each child held for year,
and pro for each traction of year and that his
did quit, suffice to meet the running EXPENSES,
the deficiency ing made good by private gifts. The
guardians of the PrOecory selected from the order OF
Christian brotherhood AMI the only compensation they
receive the Superintendent testified l. 500 each per
annuin As he understood the practice the magstrltce
made inquiry the religion Of the parents Of the chill
before srndIn IL to the ProecOry or House 81 Refuge
the superintendent OF the Proteotory also stated 10 e
Committee that The institution not allowed TO re-
ceiye any portion OF the education funds Of the state
ana that attendance the religious exercises Of the ill
sttuton not cOmpplsOry.