The Morning herald., 1878-07-04
WILMINGTON. Dell JSly A,ls7s.
CATHOLIC CnAPLA--vS FOR TIL.
RGHI t'nss.RMYt tAND NATY.7 " faoi

W9aA tsnastRMYAAND NAVY. '@ F-"I
From N. Y. Fresmen's Journal.
'' There is sporadic discussion, in -om
Catholic papers about the wrong done, il
not appointing some Catholic priests a
Army and Navy ,ChapIaiDs. We hav'
the pleasure of having, among our friends
. good many Grey boards, in both services
that have been officers for many years
Some of them Catholics from infancy
others converts to the Faith. We scatter
the category for thirty years past-aud
their story is the same Nonsense The
name Of Chaplain is name Of reproachy y
This means, of course, out of war time.
In war time, there is need of Chaplains.
There, ,is, also, much need of trying to
eiyilize such sayag;s ss Phil Sheridan,
now drawing large pay as Lieutenant
General, doing nothing; who treated bru-
tally the Redemptorist Father Sheeran,
who came within his lines, in the Battle
ofthe Valley of Virginia, 10 bring the
Sacranien's to Catholics ofSheridan's com
mand-that were dying neglected. /
As to the general question, we are moi
clear 10 being able to take part in advo+
cacy Of having any Catholic Chaplains, in
Army, or in Navy. g. ...s...r. !
As illustrative, and as worth recording,
we wish to reproduce, as told to us by the
late Archbishop Hughes, of honorable
memory; meeting he had, at President
Pieree's request, at the Presidential House
(The "highly intelligent" of schools as
they are, may not be aware that, twenty
five years ago, man of New Hampshire,
called Franklin Pierce, waa, really, elect
ed-not counted in, es President Of the
United States He was not a great man,
but he was an honest man, and tried to do
his duty.
The following is the "colloquy," es we
had it from the mouth of the Most Rev
Archbishop Hughes; and noted it at the
time.
All compliments, and genial considera-
tions attended to, Archbishop Hughes pro-
ceeded: "Mr. President, There is not one
of your Men Of War on which, in one ca.
pacity or other, there is not Catholic,
usually many, Catholics. On some, pro-
badly, most are Catholics. Your rule, in
the Navy Department, requires them, to
attend religious service that is abhorent
to them, and contrary to their utmost pro-
found convictions.
President Pierce; "This is reasona-
BILE. But, Archbishop, how are we to do
with cases where there are Catholic chap
lains, and Protestants, that do not like to |
attend their services ?"
Archbishop Hughes: Pardon me, Mr.. !
President. There is not one Catholic chap |
lain in your, Naval Service.
President Pierce: "Is that possible? II
will see that the fault is remedied. That
ought not to be 80.
The following words, taken fresh from
the lips Of Archbishop Hughes, and put
down in writing by us, Immediately after
we are ready to swear To ss the correct
rendering Of Archbishop Hughes words
Archbishop Hughes: "Mr. President
here are, Of different religions, or sects, a
large number, Of needy, and seedy, clergy-I
men! We, Catholics, have none of themlI
Priests, fit for Holy duty, we have more
york than they can do. Priests not fit for
iuty, we do not wish to impose on SER
7ice that the laws of the United States does
lot recognize" ...
We have given the exact meaning, but
lot the exact words, of the great Arch,
bishop Hughes. !:
Hany Ecclesiastical Authority thinks
it to Judge that times have changed. and
nat there are places whers Catholic Chap
aims ought to be, we are ready to heed
md to advocate-if we can. i
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