The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1877-01-25
PargOn Hills War upon the
se CathOi -.
II AEriIiN RIsaU1sE

ss iEss
This gentleman,s previous to com
mencing his lecture, stated that he
should not speak from any political
standpoint, nor in the capacity of a
clergyman, but simply as an American
citizen, who felt AN interest in the
free insliiutions of this country. The
wisdom of this decision was manifest
by low rnurmur of appreciation by
the audience as this young gentleman's
enthusiasm on political topics, has on
numerous occasions, got the better of
his more sober judgment, and it was
presumed that we would be exempt,
on this occasion, from political har-
angue. But oh! vain hope. do not
wonder that be desired to cast aside
the habiliments of a clergyman, but
that he should claim to throw away
cloak of politician, and don the
guise of an honest citizen, is beyond
my comprehension, for no one who
heard his vile and malicious denunci-
ations of the Democratic party, can
urge in his defense that he did not
speak from political standpoint, but
must hold HIM guilty of a deliberate
and vile fabrication. This American
citizen assumed the position that
Catholicism was opposed and arrayed
against the free institutions of the
country, and quoted largely from Il e
Popes to substantiate his position ;said
that the Bible, in Catholic countries
was denied the masses, bat acknowl-
edged that such was not the case in
this country, and Notwithstanding this
fact, very conclusively showed that
the progress of Catholicism in Amer
lea was wonderful terrible! That
one-sixth of our entire population, to-
day, is of that persuasion. Is it. not
strange, Mr.. Editor, that it should
thrive SO wonderfully in cline so
uncongenial to the growth of ignor-
ance and vice? His Reverence, dis
guised as a citizen, continued to quote
from the dead Popes to show their
antagonism to free institutions, but
did not recall a portion of his country's
history of more recent date to illus
trate the fact. If he was speaking in
the capacity of clergyman we would
wrap his illustrious form in the cloak
of charity, believing thst even a re-
cital of the tcrrors of our civil war,
were too great a shock for the nerves
OF one whose life was devoted to the
teachings of ''peace and good will to
men," But as citizen he must recall
the fact that, when this country was
engaged in all the horrors of war
when we we're struggling TO maintain
an existence as q nation ; i'm those dark
gloomy days of despondency, at-the
head of our cavalry forces, directing
their movements on many bloedy
field, rode the gallant Phil. Sheridan,
q Catholic. Has he forgotten that long.
dreary march to the sea-" when Cath
olic Billy Sherman, led the army
against the leyions that were opposing
free government, and gave the death
stroke 10 the rebelIion? Ii so, he but
poorly represents true American,
whose memory is less defective, for
they still honor this chieitain, aud to-
day he holds the highest rank in the
American army. Has he forgotten the
second battle of Fredericksburg, a cruel
deadly, murderous charge was there
made upon the enemies of our free in
stisutions by the ..Irish Brigade" all
Catholics. Hardly an organization in
the army but contained Catholics, and
| have yet to read in history of one
who proved recreant to his trust, no
matter how great the danger or the
magnitude OF the sacrifice he was call. !.
ed upon to endure. Aud this to prs
serve the tree institutions of an adopt
ed country, while this sanctimonious
and plant absorber of Republican corr
ruption was, per chance, endeavoring
to digest a inOiety of tea and toast in
luxury of his study. 1t is sufficiently
disreputable for scheming politician
to attempt to prescribe what religious
form OF worship an American shall
observe, but when citizen aud cler-
gyman attempts to dispel the sanctity
of one of the fundamental principles
upon which free government depends
for its existence, and recognizes the
right of every one to "worship God
according to the dictates of his own
conscience deserves at least, to have
his name buried in oblivion.
1t is reported that this disguised
Parson is to repeat his harrangue to
the citizens of Kent, having in view,
no doubt, the ''loavcs and fishes
They have our entire sympathy in
their affection if they can endure this
catamity, they will become impervi-
Gus to fear, fire, flood or disaster.
SPECTATOR.