The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-11-12
THE LAYM[N'S CONGRESS
The First Day Of the Convention of
the Catholic Laity at Balti-
more.
John Lee Carroll Chosen President
The Purposes of the
Gathering.
Daniel Dougherty's Brilliant Address,
sketching the History of the Church
I'm this Country.

BALTIMORE. Nov. 1.-THE 1900 delegates
10 the first Congress of Catholic laymen in
the United States was called 10 order by
W. j. 0nahan, Of Chicago. Every seat in
the hall was filled and the galleries were
crowded. The first applause of the assem-.
bly, was elected by the entrance Of ex-Gov-
ernor John Lee Carroll with Archbishop
Ireland of st. Paul, and W. j. 0nahan.
Archbishop Ireland briefly invoked the di-
vine blessing and in few re-
marks introducing Carroll as tenn
porary chairman mentioned the name of
Pope Leo. Instantly there was hand clap
ping and cheers all over the hall, soon grow
ing into tumult of enthusiasm. The
scene was n notable one as the delegates
swung their hats and shouted greetings to
the Roman pontiff. Carroll. ON taking the
chair. said: at may be that the question
will be asked, by what authority is this con-
Qress held, and under what law does II as
semble? In reply 10 this we would suggest
by the sanction of his eminence, the car
dir al the archbishop of Baltimore, and the
distinguished prelates WHO now surround
us, and by virtue of the authority Of the
constitution of the United States. The
congress has but two great purposes at
heart, the glory and progress Of the Cath
olic church and the contnued prosperity of
the American people"
The following cable from Rome was read:
Cardinal Gibbons, Baltimore: Having
made known 10 the holy father the express
sions of devotion conveyed to him on the
part of the Catholic congress 10 be held in
Baltimore. his holiness graciously bids me
say that he most affectionately imparts his
blessing 10 all the members.
NJ. CARDINAL RAMPoILA." !"
Daniel Dougherty, Of New York, was in
vited by the chairman TO address the con-
gress. pending the appointment of COM
mittees. The famous orator was in his best
form and voice. He was given perfect
ovation by the congress. Dougherty said,
sketching the history of CHtholism in
this country. In colonial times Catho-
lies suffered direst cruelties, in com
parison with which the slaves were high
bred guests. The only religious martyrs
| in America were Catholics. They were
spurned, slandered and vilifed. The
| highest honors Of the republic were denied
| them 10y prejudice as strong as c,mstitu-
| tional enactment. The consolation of re-
| ligion were denied 10 sick and suffering
Catholics in many institutions ui charity
| ann TO criminals III prison. They
could call themselves pr, rniincntly
American, for without Iatholism
America to-day would be unknown
Freedom to worship God was established in
America by Catholics alone. Though the
growth Of the country has been marvellous,
that of Catholicism has outstripped it,.
From despised people they have become n
mighty power. The Catholic church is the
protector Of learning. II was she who saved
classic literature from the ruins of the Ro-
man empire. On the eve of the celebration
| of the four hundreth anniversary Of the dis
covery of America. II is proper to say all the
| tremendous results achieved therefrOm are
due directly to the Romen Catholic church
alone. Professionalism WIS unknown when
| America was discovered. IL was Catholic
| Columbus who conceived the mighty
thought. monk encouraged him. car
| uinal interceded with the soyereipnss of
| Spain. and a Catholic king and queen made
his expedition possible. II was to spread
the Catholic faith that the risk wis run and
II was the standard Of Catholicity which
was first planted on these shores, and for
over hundred years the only christian
worship OH this continent was Catholic"
All through Dougherty's address there
we're outbursts of cheers and at the conclu.
sion the dignitaries ON the stage crowded
around him and shook him warml,
were mnde by prominent Catholics
Cardinal Gibbons then entered. accom-.
| panied 10y Cardinal Taschereau. of Canada
and both were formerly introduced 10 th,
congress. Cardinal Gibbons addressed IN,
delegates. welcoming them in bi,
own name and that Of the people of Balti.
more. irrespective of creed. The TEN.
porary organization was made permanent
and short recess followed. On reassem-
bling the committees were announced. The
regular work Of the congress then began by
the reading of the first paper. "The Cath.
Ollie Congress" by the historian John Shea
of New York. The next paper WIS by Major
| Harry +. BrOwnson, Of Detroit.
Charles j. Bonaparte eloquently discussed
| thu Independence of the Holy See" the
| necessity for which he enthusiastically up
| held He gave a vivid sketch of the chang
ing conditions from the time OF
| CbarlemaQne 90 the moment OF
the Italian governments deprivation OF
| Plus TX. of nll temporal authority and the
enactment Of the law Of guarantees, where
| guard pnpal rights. He thought
that the more important features OF
| this guarantee should I've made
| the subject Of treaty between all the great
powers. Bonaparte's remarks created great
| cheering, especially the declaration
"Whether the pope be AN exile or a captive
subject he can't be-" Adjourned until
tomorrow.
Tonight a great reception WAS rendered
the visiting prelHtcs Rnd other distinguished
persons in the ball occupied by the congress.
to-day. The city wis beautifully illumin-
ated during the reception, particularly Car
dinal Gibbons residence md the homes OF
the Catholic laity in every quarter, In the
reception hall the jam of people was almost
suifocating. The welcome to the distin-
/ guished guests WAS delivered by ex-
| Congressman Roberts. of Maryland
While lac WIS speaking two Indian chiofs
| in full pnnoply of gayest feathers and
embroidered, many-colored blankets were
seen making their way through the crimson
yestured prelates TO where stood Cardinal
| Gibbons. The Indians renched for the
\ hund of .the noted eccleshstic and. bending
low. silently kissed his arch-episcopal ring.
while the spectators stood in wonder. finally
breaking into cheers The Indians were
both Catholics, Chief Joseph. Of the Flat
| heads. OF Montana. and Chief Whitebird, OF
| the Sioux. Of Dakota. They were given sents
/ Of honor close beside the Cardinal with
| their travelling companion, Father Van
Corp, Of the Rocky mountain mission.
The most extraordinary scene in the even
ing came NJ the conclusion of the reception
J when the prelates, headed by the cardinal