The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-22
THE VINCENNEs DIOCESE.
The Opinion Prevalent that Bishop Chatard
win BE Made Archbishop of Phila-
delphia-SOme Mild Objections.

The impression in Catholic circles, here and
elsewhere. Is that the appointment of the Right
Rev. Francis Sas Chatard, Bishop Of Vincennes,
30 be Archbishop of Philadelphia, is almost
foregOne conclusion, though no one here has re-
ceived any information on that point. The sug-
gestiOn that Father Abring, of Cincinnati, is to
succeed to the position Of Bishop of Vincennes,
is not kindly received by the clergy of this
diocese. They hold no objection to the worthy
Father on any personal ground, for they recog-
nize him as an able, sincere, and devOnt man;
but, the opinion is beginning to find voice that
this diocese is getting tired of playing pccolo to
Cincinnati. This is not the only diocese in the
West, Northwest and South that is getting
weary of the Cincinnati domin alton, which was
endured for forty years, under the late Arch
bishop Purcell, and which, it Is hoped, will not
he continued under his successor, Arch
bishop Elder Archbishop Purcell, during
his long reign. had great influence with the
Vatican, and that influence always used to
advance the interests Of the clergy of his do
cese. He had a keen eye for the promotion of
his friends, so that during those forty years he
is credited with having made no fewer than
twenty-four bishops, who were scattered over
the West and Northwest, and as far south as
Little Rock, Ark. The bishop who preceded
Bishop Chatard, the late Ri Rev. Maurice De
ST.. Palais however, did not come from Cinciu-
natl. So far as his gentle nature permitted him,
he was antagOnistc TO that suzeralnty which
Cincinnati assumed, and rarely went there.
When Bishop Chatard Is promoted TO be Arch
bishop of Philadelphia the clergy OF this diocese
VIII not be consulted as TO whom
they may prefer to he made bishop,
bur, as heretofore, the other diOceses Will
make recommendations for selection to the Vat
lean Most of the clergy hold this TO be an UNI
fair and unsatisfactory method of selecting
bishop lit is not done so In EurOpe). as outside
diOceses are not in position to know who would
best meet the needs OF the diocese. They hope,
too, that this, among other matters of church
government III this country, has been considered
at the council just held i'll Rome, and that the
remedy will be provided. As 1t now Is no priest
in this ulacese, however eminent or well quail
fed has any chance of reaching the episcopal
chair. When Bishop Chatard sent here,
and 1t not be denied he has greatly adj
vanced the iuteresta of the church, there
was considerable bitterness manifested at
the choice, but the clergy were ObedienG
and submissive, and it was promptly smothered.
At that time the Very Rev. August BessonieS
would have best pleased the clergy and people,
and perhaps at that time he would have been
willing to accept the place with its great labOrs
and responsibilities. Now, however, lie says
he cannot be considered available In any sense,
he has grown TOO old. Thirty years ago
Bishop Hilaudiere, who died in France little
more than year ago. found the duries of this
diocese 100 burdensOme, and resigned Them TO
return To his own country, where he had large
estate. His life was not passed in idleness,
however, but i'll doing good, and he was always
a ready assistant in the work of the church.