Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-11-30
A RED HAT FOR NEW YORK.
Rumor that Archbishop Corrigan VIII
be Made Cardinal.

News was received in New York yesterday
that 1t is whispered in Rome that an American
archbishop will be raised to the dignity Of
cardinalate at the consistory to be held in De-
cember. Concerning this report, the Catholic
Ne,cs, Of this city, will say next Sunday that its
representative in Rome declared few weeks
ago that, though such rumor had become
current, there was small probability Of the ap-
pointment of a second cardinal for the United
States this being still considered a missionary
country-although the great growth Of the
church therein impressed one with the idea
that it ought to have larger representation in
the sacred college.
It is admitted. however that the correspond
ent may not have understood the reasons that
would justify the appointment Of another car
dinal. His statement taken in connection with
that of an English contemporary would imply
that if the red hat is to be forwarded to an
other American prelate, it will be destined for
one whom the holy see deems entitled to it by
virtue of unusual circumstances that call for
special distinction. That this may be the view
entertained by the Roman authorities, the
honor of prothonotary apostolic conferred so
recently on Vicar General Preston and that of
domestic prelate on Vicar General Donnelly
seem to denote. These two appointments have
set at rest many of the absurd stories, circu-
lated from prejudiced sources. that the policy
tirely approved of at Rome, and the presenta-
ton of the red hat to New York's metropolitan
would be but q fitting compliment to most
practical method of rewarding merit and sup
pressing scandal.
True, there are no honors the Ne,cs goes on
to say, no higher distinction that could more
endear him to his flock. The testimony of his
peoples regard for him was given at the cele-
bration of his silver jubilee, which his holiness
also signalized with a special indulgence. But
there are millions Of people outside the church
who always hear the scandals and seldom the
consoling sequences special indulgence has
to them no interest, the announcement of
minor honors no attraction. 1t takes an event
of national importance to chain their attention
and to demonstrate to them how fearlessly the
church refuses to temporiZe with that which it
considers subversive of law and morality.
The age is growing liberal and enlightened.
Protestants no longer see in the honor paid a
Catholic prelate any danger to American insti-
buttons. Ministers of every Christian denom-
nation, with but very few exceptions, see in
the scarlet robes of the cardinal an insignia of
Office that years Of fruitful labor have earned
tribute from his superiors to a co-laborer in
the field of Christian endeavor, not the emblem
of anything that is foreign. The elevation of
Archbishop Corrigan at this day would serve to
illustrate this as an era Of better feeling among
all denominations-for all are Americans. and
no matter what may be the religious doctrines
they subscribe to, or the version Of the sacred
book they read, the constitution of these United
States is a common political bible and an heir
loom as dear to one as to the other.