The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-06
A CATHOLIC nIsHoP SUED.
A Suit to Recover Money Loaned the Diocese
of Pittsburg
Pittsburg Special


Pittsburg Special
Some interesting Catholic Church history is re-
called by suit brought today in court by J. NJ.
Stoner, attorney for Henry Dallmeyer, executor
of the estate of Thomas Donnelly, deceased
against Father Tuigg in his capacity Of bishop
of Pfttsburg and administrator of the Allegheny
diocese. The proceeding is TO recover 500. OOO<
thesremainder due on promissory note of $40
600
The money was originally loaned by the Rev.
Father Mollinger. a wealthy Catholic priest re-
siding on Troy Hill, Allegheny It was advanced
at various times and in various amounts during
the bishopric of Father Domenic over the Pitts
burg diocese, TO be used In the building of
the cathedral. No security was ever given.
as the relations between the Bishop
and the wealthy priest were more
cordial than usual among brothers In religion
Subsequently the affairs of the diocese became
seriously involved. Bishop Domenic and Vicar
general Hickey, in the management of estates
bequeathed to the church. and trust funds in
their charge, showed earelessness, and. when
Bishop Tuigg. of Pittsburg who had authority
over the Allegheny diocese, to which Domenl0
was transferred. examined the accounts, they
were about 800. 900 short. 1t was not believed
that Bishop Domenic and Father Hickey were
morally guilty but that they had simply kept
their accounts loosely AS result or
the investigation, Father Hickey was deposed
while Bishop Domenic went to Rome. where. IN
July, 1877 he resigned his place, and, according
TO the Catholic calendar died at Tarragona.
opoins Ia buo lOlOWlDP january. many h<Vplos
however, believe him to be still alive. Father
Hickey also went to Rome where he vindicated
himself, and returned with the papal authority
to demand of Bishop Taigg the right to select
the faest parish in this diocese. accompanied by
the privilege of preaching in st. Paus Cathe>
iral certain number of times each year on any
subject he chose. He now has charge of church
| at Braddock.
After the accession of Father Tuigg to the
bishopric it is said, Father Mollinger made
demand upon the diocese of Pittsburg
for some security to cover his various
loans to the church. Rumor has it
that there was dispute as to the validity of the
Mollinger claims, and that the diocese repudat-
ed them entirely. Subsequently the matter was
laid before the Pope. He decided that the debt
was just one. and that the church would have
to pay it. Bishop Tuigg, in accordance with his
instructions from abroad. during May, 1873.
| signed note for $40 000 payable in five annual
installmenIs, and Ave other notes for the inter-
est, which was 81, 400 year, or $4,000 in all
Several years ago Father Mollnger, being in
need of money, Endorsed the notes and sold
| them to the late Thomas Donnely. Since that
time the sum of 500 600 has been paid
count, at various times, leaving balance still
due of little over 500, coo principal and ac-
crued interest. The suit is merely formal
matter. to hasten the payment of the debt in
order to close the accounts of the executor to
admit of a partition Of the Donnelly estate.