Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-11-13
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS
Enthusiastically Endorsed at the
Catholic Congress.
Sarcastic Criticism Of the Right Of State
In Education.
Advise the Mediation OF the Church In
Social Difficulties.

uc contiuuink session Ot tile kreAt con-
gress of Catholic lsymen was held today
with al. the enthusiasm and crush of spec.s-
tors that characterized the opening meetings.
Hon. Honore Mercier, prime minister of
Quebe made an address TO the congress
that was in many respects the most rousing
that the delegates have heard this week
resolution was adopted with rush ten
dering on behalf of the congre the most
cordial greeting to the people of Canada and
acknow lodging their warm sentiments of re
gard as expressed by Premier Mercier
In the Catholic congress Edmund L.
Dunno of Florida. treated extemporaneously
The right of the State in education" His
humorous digressions were at first laughter
provoking, and the element introduced in the
proceedings so caught the delegates, tha, his
time was extended over and over by general
consent. The recent events in Boston were
particularly the target of his sarcasm. In
the beginning, he reviewed the origin Of the
civil government and the power of the State
given for the order alone. 1t may not touch
the soul. Insolent secllarists say that two
hours week will suffice for the soul. The
Catholics know that they must tit their
children for immortal life. and because of
this they demand equal rights in the applica
tion Of the means God has furnished for that
purpose. The denominational system works
we'll elsewhere, why not here!
The present Goddess system. does that
work well. A system which in u Christian
land fOrbids Christian teachings? Is that not
a disgrace, a scandal to the world, mock
cry of free institutions, and failure of
republican government. The monarches
of Europe show more regard for human
rights. Imperial England gives freedom in
education which republican American denies.
Even protestant Ontario laughs at US for being
behind the age in this the greatest problem Of
the day. Our sapient legislators mistake
their duty, mistake the temper of the Amer
lean people. The great heart of America
still yearns for liberty the largest liberty
and fullest justice, and the public men who
will not give it must make way for those who
will. Secular leaders try to frighten Catho-
lies by threatening if we do not keep quiet
they will give us the persecution of intdel
France. That cry does not frighten anyone
here. When the great social struggle comes
in this country, and it is coming, woe betide
The spirit of liberty if the Catholic church
be not there to save.
Judge Morgan O'Brien of the committee
on platform tonight presented n document to
the assembly which was adopted unanimous
ly. Among its utterances are the following
1--WE recognize. next in importance to re
ligion itself, education as one of the chief
factors in forming the character of individual
virtue of the citizen and promoting the ad
vance of true civilization. Therefore, we
are committed TO the sound popular educa-
ton which demands not only the physical and
but also the moral and religious
training of our youth. As in the State
schools no provision is made for teaching
religion, we must continue to support our
own schools and multiply others
We denounce the existence and develop
ment of Mormonism and the tendency to
multiply the causes for divorces a cincuio
We at all times must view with feelings of
regret and alarm any antagonism existing
between capital and labor, because thereby
society itself is imperlled. With the church
we condemn nihilsm, socialism, commun-
ism. and the heartess greed of capital. The
remedy must be sought in the mediation of
the church through her action on the indi-
vidual conscience, and thereby on society in
teachir z each its respective duty, as well as
rights; and in such civil enactments az have
been rendr red necessary by these altered
conditions
We dlsapprove the mplOyment of very
yourg minors IN factorie. as tending to dwarf
and retard the true developmr ut of the wage
earnrrs of The future.
We respectfully protest against any change
ia the roli"y of the government in the mat
Ter Of education Of the Indians. by which
they will be deprived Of chris ian teachings.
ani the prpmoti N of physical
ana n'o-ai culture Of the negro race is sub
ject 9 zoe utmost concert, and we pledge
ourselves 20 assist our clergy in all ways
tending to effect any improvement in their
condition.
We favor Ca,holies taking greater part
than they have hitherto taken in general
ami reformatory movements.
We should seek alliance with non Catholics
for proper Sunday observance. The cor
ruptlug influence of the saloon in politics
and the crime and pauperism resulting from
excessive drinking require legislation Of re-
sulction. which we can aid in procuring by
joining our influence with that of other enc
mics Of intemperance Let US resolve that
drunkenness shall be made odious We IA
vor the passage and enf0rcem nj of laws
rgidly c'osing The saloons on Sunday AMI
forbidding the sale of liquors to minors and
persons.
We record as our solemn conviction that
the absolute freedom of the IIoly See is
equally indispensable to the peace of the
church and the welfare of mankind. and de
mand in the name of humanity and justice
that this freedom be scrupulously respected
by all secular governments.
The motion carried next was that the cou-
venton he held wherever the Worlds Fair
is to be located in 1892. Archbishop ireland
of ST. Paul, who opened the congress, til IN
closed IT.
Adjourned sine die.