Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-08-17

hishep Keass's Views on the khscs OF
the Pepe's Cesdcmuaiteu.

The National Repablisan, Of Wash
ingtou, d. c., says in its issue yester-
day Bishop Kesne, Of Richmond, who
has been spoken Of as Cardinal Glib
bons's coadjutor. was in the city Tor
few hours Saturday, and vas question:
ed by reporter Of the Republican a'
10 the effects whicha general condemna-
lion of the Knights Of Labor would
have on the membership Of the Catho-
lie Church. Said he: sit is hardly
worth while to contemplate effects be
fore there is any palpsble cause q.
hand. The condemnation OF ths
Canadian knights has not, as far as |
can see. any reference to the labor Or
ganizations in the United States. There
may have been specisl reasons cslliEg
FOR tho Church's snathema in Canada
which do not exist here. Anyhow, the
Knights Of Labor are certainly under
no ban in this country so far. Per-
hsps it is not generally known, but 1t
is q fact, that even if the letter received
by Cardinal TAscherau applied to the
United States, the Knights need not pay
any attention to it until it is promul-
gated through the proper authorities
here. No decree has effect before pro-
mitigation. So think there is little
cause for all Of this excitement and
these surmises as 10 what action the
Knights will take. Still, as there have
been published statements to the eiiec.
that the Pope's condemnation would
result in the withdrawal from the
Church of the Catholic Knights, | will
tell YOU that we have no such fear.
All Catholics know that solemn DEGREES
from Rome are not given out imme-
distely, but only after long and care.
ful deliberation, and after taking and
weighing all the testimony accessible.
Rome's tribunal is the slowest on earth
in its judgment, but once that judgmen
is given it is sure to be right Catho-
lies know this. tits one OF the articles
Of their faith that the Pope, speaking in
his official character, cannot err.
When be condemns any doctrine or
p,actice. we can believe as firmly as In
the existence Of God that the doctrine
or practice is bad and deserves coDdem-
nation. II, then, the Pope should call
on all Catholics to withdraw IRON the
Knights Of Labor organization, am sure
that all who deserve the name wonlt
obev without hesitation. There would,
of course, be a few so-called Catholics
who would make s great deal Of noise
denounce the Pope and Papal infallibil
ity, and make a great show of leaving
the Church, Of which they have only
been nominal members; but | have n
fear that the worthy children Of thi
Church will not guide their action b.
the Holy Fathers words. Let me repeat
however, that | have no expectation
of a condemnation directed at the
Knights here. Many Of the prela.e
have looked into their constitution aud
purpo,e, and declare them TO be alto
getber praiseworthy. Numerous Catho'
lies in my own diocese belong to tha
order, and some Of them are among the
most intelligent and pious members o.
my flock. They have assured me time
and again that there are no blind OATH
taken, and have even submitted to mereg
ularly journals Of the proceedings 9
their meetings. They could have no objec
in deceiying me. On the contrary, they
seem particularly anxious that | shonlC
become acquainted with all the work
ipgs Of their organization, SO that
might become convinced that their law
and purposes are not in violatisn OF anl
Of the Church's ordinances. You MAJ
say, then, that so far as my knowledg
of the subject goes, the order of ID
Knights Of Labor is good and nobl
one.r