The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1884-10-21
Cleveland and the Catholics.

New YORK, October IL l-The Blaine
bosses have sent to every priest in the
United States pamphlet entitled "Gov-
ernor Cleveland and the Catholic Pro.
tectorv," Besides the charges agains,
the Governor in relation to the Catholic
Protec,ory the pamphlet accuses him OF
bigotry and intolerance. 1t is beaded
with the following challenge: "Wri.e to
any Catholic Bishop 10 the State of New
York or to any priest In New York City,
for the truth of the matter herein"
The following correspondence has pas
sed between some prominent Catholic
gentlemen OF New York City and Bishop
McN,erney, OF Albany:
NEW York October 9. 1884
Right Rev. Francis McNierney, d. u Bishop
Of Albany:
RIaBT REv. AND DEAR Sra: A rumor
is widely circulated in this vicinity that
Gov. Cleveland is tainted with bigotrv
and has exhibited q spirit of hostility
and intolerance in religious matters du.
ring bic administration as Governor of
this State. On the other hand others are
asserting deDials OF this report until
many citiz ns " th best intentions and
with sincere desire to knowNthe truth
,ni follow it, are found at variance in
regard 10 the matter, and confusion and
consider able Ill feeling are the consequen
c. OF this uncertainty. Under these cir.
cumstances and in view Of the grave i'm
otance of the question at this partIcu-
lar juncture and to set mems minds at
rest, il possible, We take the liberty OF
addressing you BY your residence at
the Capitol and 10 the neighborhood OF
the executive mansion, the official resi-.
dence of the Governor, and by your &C.
quaintance With him you possess peculiar
facilities for obse, walton as to his course
We would therefore ask il the charge
Of bigotry against Gov. Cleveland be
true, and whether or not he has eEhibi-
ted it, or anything akin to it, during bis
or shown that he was in
imical or unfriendly to the religious de.
Of which you are q respects.
ble prelate, or to its institutions.
Very respectfully and very truly yours,
John E. Devlin, F. R. Condort, Eu-
gene Ives. E lward e. Donelly, Viii.
liam and John O'Briep, John Mullaly,
James H. Coleman, VIM. J Tanning.
James A. G. Beals, jeremiah j. Campi.
on, Morgan j. O'Brien.
Diocese tF ALBANY,
BrsRoP's HOUSE, ALBANY
70 John e. Devlin, 2. q. Condort, etc.:
GENTLEMEN: have to ackno owledge
The receipt Of your letter Of October 9.
in which you refer to the rumor preva-
lent in your vicinity to the effect that
Gov. Cleveland is tainted with bigotry
and has exhibited spirit Of hostility and
10 religions matters during
his administration as Governor of the
State, and you suggest the peculiar facii
tiles afforded me for observation by my
residence at tie capital and near the Ex-
ecu,ive Mansion, and my acquaintance
With e>Governor, asking me to inform
you whether the charge of bieotry be
true, and whether or not the Governor
has exhibited it or shown that he was In
imical or unfriendly TO the religious body
OF which am prelate, or to it's insti-
luions. In answer, would beg ieave
10 say that have followed with some
interest the course of the Governor since
bis assumption OF the duties of the Chief
Executive OF the Sla'e, aud relying solely
On my resources Of personal knowledge,
! am aware Of no acts of his aduinistra
ton which would argue narrow. intole-
rant aspect, and hostility 10 the Catholic
Church or her institutions. On the con.
trary, from what has come under my own
I am led to believe that he
is free from bias and enmity against
Cathol ca, and actua,ed by q spirit Of
fair dealing toward the Catholic Church
and her interests.
Signed your obedient servant.
FRANCIS,
Bishop of Albany.