Evening star., 1886-10-29
CATHOLICS AND THE KNIGHTS.
The Secret Conference Of Archbislssps
I'm baltimore - The Result Probably
Favorable 90 the knighas.

From the Baltimore SUM- to-day.
A majority Of the archbishops OF the Catholic
church in the United States met yesterday at
the residence of Cardinal Gibbons, North
Charles street, to discuss matters appertaining
to the general welfare Of the church in this
country. There were present Cardinal Gibbons
who presided; Archbishops Williams, of Boz
ton; Corrigan, of New York: Feehan, OF Chi
clso; kenrick, OF ~. LOUIS; Elder, of Cincin.
naIi Ryan, OF philadelphia; Salpoinie of santa
Re, y. NJ, and Leray, OF New Orleans Rev
Nj. r. Foley, secretary To the cardinal, was
chosen secretary of the session.
Tue most Important matter considered Was
that OF secret societies and the relations and
duties OF Catholics I'm connection herewith In
the second and third peaary councils OF Ilalti-
more the subject was carefully handled. The
last council, echoing that OF its predecessor
spoke warningiy To the iaithIul against all or
ganizatlons whose purposes are hidden from
the majority ol meiLD Dcrs. The advice given by
the bishops to workingmen : 10 be careful lest
their societies, under the pretext OF mutual a.
sistance and protection, should commit acts
which have caused the prescription OF other so
cleties. All Catholics joining labor associations
are urged To see that they are not induced by
the artifces OF intriguing men 10 break the laws
INJUSTICE by Withholding labor 10 which they
are righuully bound, or by otherwise unlaw.
fully violating the rights OF their employers.
Wnlle advising tnus for tine welfare
OF Catholics, the preiates OF this coun-
try, governed by the decisions OF the
pienary councils, are careful To do no Injustice
10 any associa lion. They say: ave positively
lorDld any pastor or other ecclesiasiic 10 pass
sentence on any association. 10 impose
members without the explicit authorization of
the rlghtful authori les The Catholic church
Is opposed to every organization that binds its
members To "A promise oi blind obedience-to
accept in advance and to obey whatsoever
orders, lawful or unlawful, that may emanate
from Its chief authorltles-because such u
promise is contrary to reason and To conscience.
And II a society works or plots either openly
or an secret against the church or against law
lul authorities. then io he "A member of IL IL To
be excluded from The membership OF The Catho-
lie church"
II
body were Referred 20 by The archbishops
Eacn made a statement OF the relations of
Catholics in their respective dioceses towards
the order. lt was thought "a letter 10 the faita-
iul would be formulated. such was not the
case. The individual reports OF each arch-
bishop were noted. The result of the meeting
will be sent 10 Pope Leo ior his consi de ration
None OF the arehbishops would give any ex-
pressions regarding their deliberations. In
Catholic circles IL was said, however, thai "A
number OF the preates, including Cardinal Glib
bons, looked upon the knights as "A rightful
every particular excepting The boy cott feature,
which has a tendency 10 attack personal lib
erty. The knights, 4, is argued, do not come
under the ban against secret socie Ties, ,inasmuch
as their secrecy is in the government OF their
organization and not In their purposes, which
are made known TO every member. The or
ganizatiOns prescribed are those which are
said 10 work SO coyertly that only q few In
the order know the full and true intent Of the
claims, deprives a man OF his liberty Of action
and conscience The feeling is thai Catholics
In the knights VIII not be disturbed. An arch
can promulgate such Instructions 10 the faith-
ful under him as he may See Mt, and command
their obedience. Cardinal Taschereau, OF Cam
ada, has declared against the knights, but ft 10
only Tor some reason lac has. His action does
not apply 10 this country. A bishop in one
diocese can prescribe a society when IL become
harmful in his section, yet the society behaving
properly In another diocese would be allowed
TO exist.
Alter the meeting Archbishop williams left
for Boston. Archbishops Feehan and kenrick