The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-05-20


Archbishop Gibbons, In a Sermon at Balti-
more, AIIudes Seriously and Severely to
the Disturbing Elements Among Our
Foreign Born Citizens, Who Have No
Idea of the Nature of True Liberty.
BALTIMORE, Md, May 10.-Upon the
occasion yesterday of the dedication Of
the Church of the Holy Conception, Ger
man Catholic) Archbishop Gibbons refer
red to the recent disturbances in Chicago.
Upon this subject he spoke as follows:
The Government of the United States Is
Government framed by the people for the
benefit OF the people. IL welcomes to our
shores foreigners from every part of Europe.
Like the sun that shines for all,
our benevolent Government sheds it's
blessings upon all without regard to
race, nationality or creed.
1t lifts aloft our glorious flag as protec-
ton and guarantee of equal rights to a H..
Every man in our country has an oppor-
tunity OF making an honest livelihood, and
In many instances may secure an inde-
pendent fortune The Germans form
large, influential and conservative portion
of the population Of Baltimore. They are
recognized as law-abiding citizens and
industrious men. They have contrib
uted much TO the. material growth
of the country and the development of its
resources. Whilst the great bulk of the
emigrants from Europe are honest, law
abiding men, vet the events OF the past few
days, which have occurred in Chicago,
clearly shows that there comes to this cOun-
try n small but dangerous class of men, who
boldly preach the gospel Of anarchy, Social
ism and Nihilism. These men are land
pirates, preying upon the trade and industry
of the country. Their favorite weapon is
dynamite. Their mission is rather to
pull down than TO build up. Instead of try
ing to strengthen the hands of the Govern
ment which protects and upholds them,
they strive to hamper and destroy it. In
stead of blessing the mother that opens her
arms to receive them they insult and strike
dustry would be paralyZed, honest labor
would be unrewarded and gaunt poverty
idea of true liberty. They wish the lions
share for themselves and leave only NOR
sci for others.
The ampIest liberty is enjoyed in this
country, but 1t is n liberty based upon law.
order and authority; and liberty without
law, degenerates into license. We have no
large standing army in this country to
uphold the law, and am glad OF it; stand :
ing armies are great drains upon the re-
sources OF a country and compel a very
large body of men to lead lives OF en-
forced idleness. Our strongest force con-
siSts in the law or the land judiciously exc
cuted, and this law is upheld by healthy
public opinion. The greatest bul wark ofthe
United States is found in the inte ligence,
virtue and patriotism of our native and
adopted citizens. Every citizen Is II soldier.
SO long as our fellow citizens love our
common country, cherish her institutions
and are ready to protect and defend them at
the risk Of heir lives, we have nothing to
fear from Anarchism or Nihilsm. Anarchy
is foreign plant. 1t is 4 poisonous exotic
which grows only in dark places, and which
will wither and decay under the genial sun
and pure air of America.
AS we all desire the perpetuity Of our free
institutions, so we must condemn in every
possible way any attempt made to disturb
the public peace. hamper the execution OF
the laws or paralVZe industry"
The Archbishop then eXhorted tne pcO-
pie to beware of dangerous and forbidden
societies; to beware of dcmagogues, and
TO be always ready TO grant to others the
same liberty and tolerance they exact for
themselves.