Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-08-18
ARCHBISHOP GIBBONS.
THE PROSPECTIVE CARDINAL.

THE PROSPECTIVE CARDINAL.
seine History OF the Distinguished Primase
of the Catholic Church In the United States
An Inssniou, CORRESPONDENT.
II is generally believed that Arch
bishop Gibbons, of Baltimore, the Pri-
mate Of the American Catholic Church,
will be made cardinal when tie Papal
Consistory meets in Rome next month.
The Baltimore correspondent OF the
Philadelphia Times writes the follow
ing racy letter respecting the Arch
bishop:
One rainy afternoon last week | was
attempting to pass over the crossing at
the intersection Of Baltimore and
Charles streets, which on muddy days
bears so close a resemblance to the i'm
passable locality about Broadway and
Fulton streets, New York, or Market
and Fourth streets, Philadelphia. Di-
rectly in front Of me, engaged in the
same hopeless task, was little man,
dressed in badly-ftting broadcloth
suit, with strong suspicion of grease
around the coat-collar, and wearing a
shspeless felt hat which had evidently
faced many rainy day. There was the
usual quantity of scientific cursing in
the air, while half-dozen policemen en-
deavored TO extricate entangled wagon
wheels and occasionally clear a passage
for the impatient throng. The little
man in black exhibited wonderful pa
thence. Time and again he secured a
place on the open crossing, but only to
catch glimpse OF the promised land
on the other side Of the street, for there
always turned up some wide-skirted
lady to whom politeness prompted him
to give way, or fat man who did not
hesitate TO jam him against a wagon and
take his place in the line. Although
this was continued fully half hour, the
little man did not make an impatient
movement or utter a word, but, meekly
bowling his head, awaited deliverance.
l, who kept just behind, made ample
compensation for both, however, by ex-
pressing, with truly American freedom,
my opinion Of the Baltimore authori-
ties. At last, by some species Of Jug
glery, a policeman guided, or rather
pushed, us through horses legs, around
wheels, into an overlooking gutter, and
eventually landed us safely on the OPP
posite pavement. As | turned to go
down Charles street | came face to face
with my fellow-suferer, and it was
with considerable surprise that | re-
cognized the attenuated but kindly
features Of Archbishop Gibbons, the
Primate Of the American Catholic
Church, Apostolic Delegate, and Cardi-
nal-to-be when the Papal Consistory
meets in Rome next month.
A SUCCESSFUL PRELATE.
During the late Plenary Council in
Baltimore observers were struck by the
marked personal contrast between
Archbishop Gibbons and the other pre-
lates. Nearly all the Catholic bishops
are above the average height, handsome,
and commanding in appearance, and
possess that air Of authority which
goes so far towards sustaining the dig
nifty of men in power. The first Of
them all, however, the Primate Of the
Council, might be taken for the hum
blest of attendant priests were it not
for his archiepiscopal robes. the
appearance of the Archbishop is
in keeping with his character
and career. At St. Charles's College,
where he received his classical edu-
cation, he was conspicuous for humble
piety rather than brilliant achievements
in studies. Bad health accompanied
him throughout his collegiate course.
Il graduated very near the bottom of
his class, and entered the seminary
with anything but a reputation for
ability. In philosophy and theology
he did not appear to better advantage.
After his ordination to the priesthood,
therefore, he was assigned to a country
mission near Baltimore, while his more
brilliant classmates filled city pGlpits.
The sequel affords another exam
pie Of what has been so often
commented upon-that success at
college does not insure success in life,
and that the young men who astOnish
fond parents by their learned COM
mencement speeches are not infrequent-
ly found in the rear ranks of life
in later years. While most of the
Archbishop's classmates are still in the
priesthood he is to-day the first prelate
Of the Church. His rise is not due to
any great worldly achievements. Called
by Archbishop Spalding to the assist
ant rectorship of the cathedral, he
gained the affection Of all by his piety
and simple eloquence. When North
Carolina was made Vicariate
Apostolic he was appointed Vi
var on the recommendation of the
Archbishop, who was deeply attached
to the pious young priest. The Bish-
opric of Richmond, Va, having be-
come vacant shortly afterwards by the
death Of Bishop McGill, the Vicar Of
North Carolina was given that See in
connection with his Yicariate. Arch
bishop Bayley, the successor Of Spald-
ing, seemed to have inherited the lat
ter's affection for the youthful Bishop
Of Richmond and called him to Balti-
more as Coadjutor scum jure success
aoni,." The death Of Mr.. Bayley a
few months afterwards left Bishop
Gibbons occupant Of the See and Pri-
mate Of the American Catholic Church.
SOME INCIDENTS OF HIS LIFE.
While Archbishop Gibbons presided
over the small country parish Of Elk
ridge, near Baltimore, an incident oc.
CURED which gave him a large measure
Of local fame. Smallpox broke out in
the village and general exodus imme-
diately followed. An old negro man at
the point Of death was deserted by his
family, who left him neither food nor
medicines. Father Gibbons heard of
the case, fastened to the bedside OF the
dying man, and remained with him till
the last, Nor was this all. No one
could be procured to carry the corpse TO
the rraye. Father Gibbons caa;n1 40