The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1888-05-24
NUMBER 18
ELAINE IN ROME.
A Reception to the Statesman by Students
Of the American College.
AMERICAN COLLEGE,


AMERICAN COLLEGE,
ROME, Italy, April 8,
DEAR SIR: A pleasing incident took
place in our college refectory to-day
As we assembled for the noon meal we
became aware that the stars and stripes
were displayed about the room. We
inferred from this that some distin-
guished son of Uncle Sam was to glad
den us by his presence. We sat at table
and waited, often casting curious, ex-
pectant glances toward the entrance TO
the room. After a brief interval we
saw the rector, Mgr O'Connell, enter.
Close following him came a man who
Immediately arrested our attention and
attracted every gaze to himself. 1t was
James G. Blaine,
Those who had seen that classic face
and martial figure during the Presiden
tial campaign of 1884 Immediately rec
ognized our great statesman; indeed,
that face is one not easy to be forgotten.
Several other gentlemen accompanied
him, both lay and cleric, but he was
Tut luna dStrG intrd."
Dinner was happily partaken of by all,
and soon after we assembled in the
recreation hall, where the students en-
tertained Mr.. Blaine with some patriotic
songs. Mgr. O'Connell then introduced
Mr.. Blaine as lone whom at least half
the citizens of the United States fellow
as their chief, and whom all Americans
respect as their distinguished states
man." A storm of applause followed.
Mr.. Blaine arose and spoke substan-
italy as follows: II am not the only
American who takes an interest in this
institution. All citizens of the United
States, though they may differ in creed,
look with pride upon the North Ameri-
can College at Rome. You are revers.
ing an opinion, which gained ground in
America some years ago, and which was
prejudicial to Catholics. that America
should be for the Americans; you are
making it appear that Americans should
be for America; that the culture and
religious training of Americas sons is
an honor to America and the glory of
every American heart. 1t IS for the in.
terests of all religious denominations
that their ministers should be highly
educated, and the American College at
Rome furnishes ample opportunities for
thorough and profound education"
Mr.. Blaine then complimented the
stuuento Ou InelT BOOu NOlCesi anu al
firmed that trained and pleasing voice
was a powerful attribute in him who
delivers and expounds the word of God.
In conclusion Mr.. Blaine wished the
students a prosperous career I'm their
great mission, than which there is no
greater in the Catholic Church, that
church which is so widely spread and
so profoundly respected by all"
Mr.. Blaine then bowed kindly to the
students and left the hall, accompanied
by the rector and the guests. leaving in
the minds of all feelings of respect and
esteem for one who, though he differs
from many of us in politics, yet cuncurs
with us all in staunch loyalty to our
glorious republic, for one who has
served his country nobly and well in a
long public career, and who now honors
us abroad by his manly American spirit,
and by the splendor and magnetism of
his genius A. E. Breen, in Catholic
Union and Times.