Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-06-08
ARCHBISHOP CROKE.
What He Has to Say About His
Recent Visit to Rome.
THE POPE ON THE IRISH SITUATION,
The Interview With the Pope Straightforward
and Highly Satisfactory to the
Archbishop-0ther Mat
tiers Abroad.

made by Archbishop Croke on his return to
Ireland from Rome, where he had been
summoned by the Pope for a conference
upon Irish political affairs. 1t will be re-
membered the London papers represented
that in these addresses Archbishop Croke
openly declared his submission to the al
legged terms of the papal circular. The text
Of the addresses contained no such state
ment Before leaving Dublin on his way
home, large delegation OF the members of
the National League waited on the Arch
bishop, among whom were Mr.. Sexton, NJ.
P, DR.. Kinney, and committee of the
Catholic members of the Wicklow Town
Commissioners. .-
Mr.. Jos. Carroll, chairman Of the delega.
ton, read an
Address Of Welcome,
which concluded with the expression that
the Pope'S circular prohibiting Irish priests
from making themselves conspicuous in
political sgitations against the British gov.
ernment was one which every true Catholic
relies on lis speedy resentment as soon as
the Holy Father learns the faisehoods and
Misrepresentation by which it has been
obtained. The Archbishop IN reply said
he had in his lifetime travelled in good
many lands, and ne had really found more
comfort in what were called savage coun-
tries than in what was called civilized Ire
land.
He had spent good deal of his time in
countries where
Free Institutions Existed.
and when he came to this country he found
that they were at one and the same time
the least prosperous and the most deserv-
ing OF prosperity, and if they were kind
enough to consider that he had done some
thing 10 remedy that state OF things their
good opinion was most gratifying. As re
garded the Pspal circular, he did not care
to speak OF it at all. 1t was matter that
concerned the clergy alone. II had been
addressed to Bishops and pri's's AMI in
doing so lie was sure that the Pope meant
extremely well.
His Holiness feelings toward Ireland
were OF the best character. He loved Ire
land and loved it well and perhaps he had
no doubt that everything would
Turn Ont for the Best.
Let them show every respect to the Holy
Father. Never say word against him
they did not know the difficulties of his
position, surrounded as he was by various
influences, but they might be perfectly
certain that there was no man that loved
Ireland as much as His Holiness loved it,
The day, he hoped, would come when
they would appreciate their words as his
own and when His Holiness would reCog-
nize that Ireland was not only the land
OF saints, but the land OF patriots also.
When His EminCnCe reaChea Thurles, his
See, he was welcomed at the railway sta.
ton by an immense crowd OF people from
rrla
other places, accompanied by bands and
banners. In reply TO the address there de.
livered, Archbishop Croke said: Il reached
Rome on Wednesday, and on that evening
! was waited on by the Cardinal PrefeCt OF
the propaganda TO receive his instructions.
My interview with him, which lasted an
hour and half, was in every sense OF the
word so far rs | was concerned
straightforward and Satisfactory.
and so far as His Eminence was concerned,
am bound to say, as | have already re-
peatedly said elsewhere, he lisIened to my
statements as regards Irish affairs with the
utmost attention and gave them, | have no
doubt, afterwards all due consideration. !
had second leavetaking interview with
him on Monday. On weeks delay in
Rome had an audience with the Pope,
and after some preliminary observations
he spoke OF the threatening condition OF
things in Europe, generally, especially in
France and elsewhere, and was greatly
afraid that even in Ireland, where at all
times had been a source of much cOnsola-
ton TO him, a spirit of lawlessness had
seized upon the people, owing no doubt
to the spread OF secret societies
amongst US and other disturbing inhu.
ences.
| then ventured upon explanations as re.
CARDS this country, showing that We had
always
Condemned Secret Societies
and crimes, so that no secret societies ex-
isted in this district; that no crime OF any
s,ull magnitude had been committed
49, :" zen was never more Hour
''.'- aCngst US. In a word, the topics
had already treated at the propa.
81 .... were touched upon, though more
| briefly. His Holiness, who heard that
| was leaving next day gave me and my
travelling companion his blessing and good
| wishes. This is a succinct and truthful
account of what occurred. ari now, my
dear people, have only one request TO
make OF YOU. and that is never IN utter q
| disrespectiul word Of the Holy See. The
| Pope is sincere friend Of Ireland. lie
actually assured me that he was as good an
/ Ir;sbman as aR myself and | nave real.
| " no doubt about the matler. de wishes
well TO his Irish children, but he blamee
! tn2m for not stunning all immoral and
! vicious a,sociations. both Of which ! and
You have Away and do most emphatically