The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-24

children should be in an especial manner the
children of the church. We in England, like
the Catholics in the United States, pay school
rates to the state, but we support our
own schools besides, and these are the hope ard
the reliance of every Catholic workingman who
cares TO see his children brought up in the church
of their forefathers and in the fear and love of
God. Every safeguard needs to be thrown about
the family In this age of unbridled vice, and the
good that this international congress may DO In
this direction cannot be estimated.
There are indeed, enormous questions aside
from these that must come before the gather
ing" continued his Eminence, thoughtfully.
Take for instance, the relation of the church
to new legislation. as we'll in the United States
as in England and the civilization generally of
the nineteenth century. The legislation of to-day
is latitudinarian. 1t places all beliefs, all wor-
ships, all education, on the same footing. Now,
when We consider that our church is a unity of
faith, worship and education, the question
arises what should be the attitude of such
church to a state founded on the principles of
modern legislation! So far as am concerned
have but one answer-absolute independence,
accepting no bribes no honors, and always
obedient to the laws where not in conflict with
our consciences as Catholics. In the face of all
this obnoxious legislation, it is with pride that
| can say English speaking Catholics every
where are obedient to the laws, and, I may as
we'll add, so as to forestall criticism, that the
Irish would be also had they not been the most
prosecuted Of any race know of. The only
race that can think of as having suffered
wrongs anywse comparing to the Irish, is the
Polish. The Irish are most loyal people If
treated with justice"
The Cardinal delivered the latter declarations
with striking emphasis.
Would Cardinal Newman be in favor OF such
a congress-" was next asked.
Il think, decidedly" answered his Eminence.
''Ir fact it would bring together very large
attendance of the bishops of the three king
doms. In England we have fifteen, in Scot
land seven. and in Ireland twenty eight besides
a number of ttular bishops. l can assure you
that the congress would bring together the flower
of the church on this side of the water both
clerical and lay"
1t was suggested that some of the five En-
glish speaking cardinals might be induced to
attend.
Most certainly. should it be physical posi-
bility," he replied. "Of course your own veneer
able and much beloved Cardinal McCoskey
could not come, which would be most regretable,
and Cardinal Newman, fear, is too old Car
dinal Howard would, l sure, be happy to
attend if possible. Then there is Cardinal
Moran, OF Sidney. His Eminence would be sure
to come with the delegates from Australia. and
by that time the United States will perhaps have
a cardinal to send from Boston At least hope
it, and may as we'll count on him"
This piece of information was impaired with
a merry twinkle of the eye and a. shake of the
head that seemed to convey that he could tell
all about Boston's coming cardinal if it were
permissible for his Emnence to speak.
And how about your Eminence" ventured
the Herald representative.
'Oh, you can count on me. l am heart and
soul in favor of such great gathering, and
will do all in my power to bring 1t about 1t is
a grand idea. 1t will be historical, and will be
the first great step in that ndefinable unitica-
ton of the English-speaking peoples of the
world that must come about in course of time
1t Will be signal step toward attracting En-
glish speaking nations toward each other. | am
very certain the project will find favor among all
classes of Enclishmen, both here and in the
colonies. 1t will be gathering that England
herself will have reason to be proud of, aside
from any religious view of it. 1t will be the
means of opening her eyes to many things, but
perhaps it will be unpleasant for her to have the
news brought home to her very doors of the
magnitude and strength of the religion she
abandoned among nations of the earth VITO
speak her own tongue"
What basis OF representation would your
Emnence suggest for the congrsSs!'
LET it be at the free choice of every diocese.
Let each diocese, with the bishops sanction
choose its delegates in its own way. 1t should
be clerical as well as lay and the more of each
the merrier. Let US have grand family gather
ing, and by all means induce many bishops
and priests to attend as possible. We need all
the learning and experience we can muster, and
should be proud to splendid represent atiOn
of the arts and sciences. While we are at it, let
us have congress that will be a pride and
glory to the church and source of the highest
qualification to English speaking people of every
religion and every nation. | would suggest that
the great cenfrateruites and societies be amply
represented. as we'll as the Christian brother
hood
Then your Eminence is in favor of holding
the conference in LondonW
by all means. This is the center of English
speaking Professionalism, it is true. but we shall
not assemble in spirit of bravado or defiance.
We are aggressive; that is our duty. We must
be- if we hope to help in the redemption of man
kind let them speak what tongue they may. 1t
is right that we should gather here, because
London was an English Catholic city before
other English nations were born, and because it
is the heart Of the English-sp speaking world. 1
would suggest that committees be formed in
the United States and Canada that should
work together, it were; that a committee
be formed in Australia to carry on the good
work there. and that Ommittees be formed here,
and IN Scotland, and Ireland that should also
work in unison; and that, finally, sort of inter
national committee be formed in London to
receive the results Of all the others. A more
simple method might be to let the committees of
these six countries report direct to the inter
national committee"
when would be the best time to hold the
congress?
st is out Of question this year The early
part OF next summer strikes mo as the best
period, say in the month of juno. Many Cath
olics will be coming this way then, in any event.
as means of recreation, and they might as
we'll come this noble business, should they
be acceptable delegates"