The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-11-13
THE CATHOLICS AND THE SCHOOLS.
Their Old Position Re-affirmed by
the Congress at Baltimore.
The Evil of the Saloon and Sunday
Dissertation DepIored.
Proceedings Of the Convention-An
Address to the President.


Catholic laymen were held today with all
tine enthusiasm and crush Of spectators that
characterized the opening meetings.
Hon. Honore Mercier, prime minister Of
Quebec made an address to the congress that
was in many respects the most rousing that
the delegates have heard this week. He
said he regarded the specific invitation ex-
tended to speak, an honor to the neighbor-
ing country from which he came. His ref
erence TO recently repaired despoilment Of
the Jesuits by the same George the Third
who had despoiled the American revolution
ary fathers Of their liberties and rights" was
cheered again and again. The restitution
act by the Canadian government he said will
long stand an honorable act before mankind.
AS to the status of Catholics whether in the
United States or Canada, the world should
know that loyalty to God means loyalty to
the State. [Cheers.I To the American poet,
Longfellow, and his pathetic illusions. to
Catholics and Canadians. Mr.. Mercier paid a
tribute OF noble eloquence, concluding with
quotation from the poets "Ship OF State,
which the premier so used as to express the
feelings of Quebec 10 the American Union.
Wild applause greeted this utterance and a
resolution was adopted with rush tender
ing on behalf of the congress the most cor
dial greetings to the people OF Canada. and
gard as expressed by Premier Mercier.
Religion in Education" was treated at
length by the paper of William L. Kelley Of st.
Paul. He declared that no one but madman
would advocate the destruction Of the magnih
cent system Of American public schools. In
them as in the Holy church, taught the alb
solue equality of man. Bring back to their
teaching positive religion, so that the child
rem may appreciate the Fatherhood of God
aud we have the perfect school. Practically
there are but four divisions OF the American
people in religion, Catholics, Protestants,
Isrealites and unbelievers. A system per-
fectly adapted to this division was far from
impracticable, and it would yet be invented
and applied.
The paper of II. j. Spaunorst of st. Louis
dwelt with the subject of Societies" The
bulk Of the paper was devoted to organizl-
tions which are charitable and benevolent
in character. He urged all Catholics to join
same society, arguing that in our time, un-
less one is member of some organization,
he is virtually isolated from his fellow men.
A plan for organizing limited numbers OF
representive Catholic men In diocesan and
parish societies was suggested as guards of
the great boon Of civil and religious liberty.
In addition, such organizations could hold
annual State or diocesan conventions and
submit matters for Catholic congresses to act
upon. The speaker thought Catholics should
have in Congress and State Legislatures
their legitimate number of representative
men that the number at present is very
small compared to what the proportion OF
population would justify.
The paper of Conde b. Pallln of st. Louis
was on "Catholic American Literature"
He pointed out that the Rational litera-
ture had been straitened in its
growth by the absence of favoring
conditions. and that peculiar and unique in
here. But the times have changed, and the
achievements Of Brownson and Hecker
pointed out the possibilities of the future.
Sunday Observance" was the title Of a
paper by Manley B. Tello of Cleveland. He
question, the Catholic ha. to do with the
rights Of others, and has to take into
practical consideration the state OF Ameri-
can society In which he lives. Catholic ex-
position in mere theory will not altogether
avail; Catholic action on the Sunday Is what
will most tell, and particularly public acts.
outside the walls of churches. The prevail
ing manners OF our country in kind, though
not always in degree, are to be supported.
the manners of Americans. and we are
Americans. He urged Catholics, despite re-
buff and injustice, overlooking zealotry, to
seek alliance with Protestant Christians for
proper Sunday observance.
Edmund l.. Dunno, of Florida, treated ex-
t,mporaneously "The right of the State in
education" His humorous digressions were
the first laughter provoking element intro
duced In the proceedings and so caught the
delegates that his time was extended over
and over by general consent, Recent events
in Boston were particularly the target Of his
sarcasm: In beginning, he reviewed the
origin of civil government. The power Of
the State was given for order alone, and may
not touch the soul. Insolent secularists say
two hours q week will suffice for the soul.
The Catholics know they must fit their chill
dren for immortal life. Denominational sys-
tens work well elsewhere, why not here?
The present goddess system; does that work
we'll? A system which in Christian land
forbids Christian teaching; Is that not a
of free institutions, failure Of
Republican government? The monarch
les Of Europe show more regard for
human rights. Imperial England gives
freedom in education which Republican
America denies. Even Protestant Ontario
laughs at us for being so far behind the age
in the greatest problem Of the day. Our
sapient legislators mistake their duty, and
mistake the temper of the American people.
The great heart of America still yearns for
liberty, the largest liberty and the fullest
must make way for those who will.
The Congress tonight: adoted resolutions
which reaffirm the well known views of the
Catholics respecting public and sectaran
schools, deplore the evil Of the saloon and
urge cooperation with other religious bod
This evening the Congress voted that the
next convention should be held in 1892 in the
city in which the Worlds Fair is held. The
Congress then adjourned sine die.
The Sun tomorrow will say: Probably
the most, radical thing that transpired
through the assembly Of the first Catholic
Congress is in regard to secret societies. The
Catholic church has long been regarded as
the implacable foe OF every society without
Its own pale. 1t now appears that the ban
Of the church is to be lifted absolutely from
every sort of secret organization except the
Masonic brotherhood will also be raised Is
confidently expected by those In the secret. "
Address TO the President
WASHINGTON, November IA commit
tee from the Catholic Congress, in session in
Baltimore, waited upon the President this
morning by appointment and presented him
with an address. The President received
them cordially and listened carefully to the
reading of the address, which is as follows
The American Catholic Congress now assembled
In Baltimore, has delegated to this cammittee the
honorable and agreeable duty of waiting upon the
President of the United States for the purpose Of
expressing the sentiments of the Catholic people
of Americ h Representing In a measure ten mil
lions OF our fellow citizens who snare In the
blessings and privlle yes Of this government, de-
voted to its constitution and laws, the Congress
desires to voice and emphasize the loyalty aud Fl
deity OF the Catholic people of these United
oldltS 10 h6puDuc anu It's INSTITUTIONS dS Wcli
as their respect to the chief magistrate OF the ma
ton. On the centennial Of the establishment OF
Episcopal authority In these United States, the
Catholics OF America In their FIRST congress as
sembled. while rejoicing in the marvellous growth
of their faith on this soil and returning grateful
thanks to God therefore. feel the occasion 10 De
eminently fitting to voice also their heartfelt re-
jocing over the perpetuity and sondlty OF our
civil institutions, the development OF the spirit OF
religious liberty and tolerance ana material pro
gress and prosperity in our country, and through
YOU honOred sir, to express to our fellow citizens
ofthis great Republic, in spirit OF unity and
bro.herly love, the desire, while pursuing the
dictates CT our conscience in serving
God, to march. hand in hand, Ia pro
noting the best interests OF our common
count and the welfare OF society. The Congress
bids this committee, while conveying TO you, Mr..
President, the expression Of Its respect, TO say
that 1t would be gratifying pleasure and priyi'
lege to have the honor of welc ming you TO Its
session In Baltimore.
In reply, the President said he appreciated
the compliment paid him by the visit, as
well as the truth of the sentiments expressed
In the address in regard to the fidelity Of the
Catholics of the United States TO the Consti-
tuition and laws of the country. He regret
ted that his official duties would prevent his
attending the sessions Of the congress in
Baltimore, but he thought he could promise
them that he would be present at the open
ing of the Catholic University near this city
tomorrow. The committee returned to Bal
timore we'll pleased with their visit.
The Lancaster at Kittery.