The morning news., 1888-11-29

AnDroved of in Rome-The Distinc-
ton to be Conferred as Reward of
Merit.
From the Neto York Stdr.
News was received in New York yester-
dav that it is whispered in Rome that an
American archbishop will be raised to the
dignity of cardinalate at the consistory to
he held in December. Concerning this
report the Catholic NetOs of this city will
saw next Sunday that its representative in
Rome declared few weeks ago that, though
such rumor had become current, there
was small probability of the appointment
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.
1t is admitted, however, that the corre-
srOndent may not have understood the rea-
sons that would justify the appointment of
another cardinal. His statement, taken in
connection with that of an English contem-
norarv. would imply that if the red hat is
10 be forwarded to another American pre-
late, it will be destined for one whom the
holy see deems entitled to it by virtue of
unusual circumstances that calls for spe-
cial distinction. That this may be the
view entertained by the Roman au-
thorities, the honor of prothonotary apos-
toic 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, circulated from
preiudiced sources, that the policy of his
grace Archbishop Corrigan was not entirely
approved of at Rome. and the presentation
of the red hat to New York's metropolitan
would be but fitting complement to most
practical method of rewarding merit and
suppressing scandal.
True, there are no honors, the NetUs goes
on to say, no higher distinction, that could
more endear him to his flock. The testi-
mony of his peoples regard for him was
given at The celebration 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. A special indulgence has to
them no interest, the announcement of
minor honOrS no attraction. 1t takes an
event of national impoI lance 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 enlight-
ened Protestants no longer see in the
honor paid a Catholic prelate any danger
to American institutions. Ministers of
every christian denomination, with but
very few exceptions, see in the scarlet
robes Of the cardinal an insignia of office
that years of fruitful labor have earned-a
tribute from his superiors to a cc-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
Tor ali are Americans, and no matter what
may be the religious doctrines they sub
scriue to- or the version of the sacred book
they read. the constitution of these United
States is a common political bible and an
helrlOom as dear 70 one as to the other.