The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-11-20
THE CATHOLIC PLATFORM
ADOPTED AT BALTIMORE RECENTLY.
Sunday Observance and Temperance In
sisted Upon-A Higher Education Want
ed-Closer Relations with Non-Cath-
OIics-A Mastery Document.

maze manifest IN platform adopted with en-
thusiastc unanimity. The committee having
in charge the preparation of the platform was
in nearly continuous session last evening and
through to-day until almost the moment when
the report was submitted to the congress.
Judge Morgan OF the New York state supreme
court presented the document before the as
sembled spectators and delegates. The full
text is as follows:
The meeting OF the FIRST congress OF catholic lay
men in the United States TO celebrate the hundredth
anniversary OF the establishment OF the American
hierarchy is event o greatest importance 70 our
church and country. lt would seem etninently
proper that we, the laymen OF the church, should
meet and renew our allegiance 10 the doctrines we
profess that we should show our iellOw-countrymen
the true relations that exist between the church that
We obey and love, and the government OF our
choice; that should proclaim that unity OF sent-
mcnt upon all subjects presented to us which has
ever be the source Of catholic strength and that,
in spirit OF perfect charity toward every denomna-
uon, we should freely exchange our views in rea-
uon 10 all matters which anect US as members oi the
catholic church.
In the frstplace then, We rejoice at the marvellous
development Of country and regard with u
pride the part taken by catholics in such develop
ment In the words OF the pastoral issued by the
archbishOps and bishops OF the United states assem-
bled in the third plenary council Of Baltimore we
claim 10 be acquainted both with the laws, institu-
tons aud spirit Of the catholic church and with the
laws, institutions and the spirit OF country, and
we emphatcally declare that there is no antagonism
between them.
that we need to lay aside any OF our devotednos 10
our church % BE- true Americans; the insinuation
that We need TO abate any Of our love for our coun-
trys principles and institutions to be faithful catho
lies. We believe that our counrys heroes were the
instruments OF the God OF nations In establishing
this home OF freedom; 20 both the Almighty and TO
his instruments in the work, we look with grateful
reverence TO maintain the inheritance of freedom
which they have lot ms. Should IL ever, which God
forbid, be impered. our catholic citizens will be
found to stand forward one man, ready 10 pledge
honor"
We can not however shut our eyes to the many
dangers that threaten the destruction Of that social
iabric upon which depends our peace, our liberty
and our Tree institutions. Although our wealth has
increased and prosperity abounds our cities have
multiplied and our states increased we find under
the shadow of this system incpent pauperlsm, dis
contented men, women and children without tho
benefits of education without the advantages OF
ligion deprived Of any share IN that abundance or
free institutions God Almighty has designed for the
people OF our land Remembering the distinction
between pagan and Christian civilization % the
need to be paid TO the right OF the individual. we
iavor those measures and systems by which these
are to be secured
We recognize next in importance to religion itself
education OF tho chief factors In forming the
character OF the individual the virtue OF the citizen
and promoting the advance of a true civilization.
Therefore we are committed 10 sou popular odu-
cation which demands not only physical and ntel-
lectual, but also the moral and religious training of
our youth As in the state schools no provision is
made Tor teaching religion must continue 10 sup
port own schools. colleges aud universities al
that the benefit Of Christian education may be
brought within the reach of every catholic child
within these United States. We also recognize
among the three great educational agencies besides
the church and school, the Christian home. "The
root Of the commonwealth Is in the homes OF the
people" Whatever imperils its permanency secur-
iy and peace is blow aimed not only at individual
rights but Is an attempt 10 subvert civil society and
Christian civilization. Therefore we denounoe 'the
existence and development Of mormonism and the
tendency TO multiply causes OF divorces UiHcuiO as
plague spots in ur civilization. a dscredit 20 our
government degradation Of the female sex, and
standing menace 10 the sanetity OF the marriage
bond.
We likewise hold that it is not sufficient for indi-
vidua catholics 10 shun bad or dangerous societies,
but they ought to take part in good and useful
The mportance OF catholic societies. the necessity of
union and concert of action to accomplish Aught
are manifest. These societies should be organized
on religious and not on n race or national basis.
We must always remember that the catholic church
knows no North or South, no East OF West, no race
no color National societies As SUCH have no place
In the church in this country but, like this congress
itself they should be catholic and American. We
commend the plan and form of the -. Vincent De
Paul society typical catholic society. II is i'm
possible TO enumerate all the societies whose labOrs
have done much in the past 70 succ0r the poor and
alleviate human misery; and IL must therefore be
left to individual action 60 select the field in which
each shall aid in religious and charitable work. As
young men, however. are the hope of the future
we especially commend them TO the support ana en-
enlargement OF catholics. As these were commended
In special manner BY the plenary council, we rec
ommend the establishment OF those societies through
out the land and urge upon the aity the importance
OF supporting them by every means within their
power. We recommend the extension of societies
designed 20 assist the widows aud children OF de-
ceased members societies for the relief Of the poor
and distressed, not forgetting measures tending 10
improve tho condition Of inmates OF our penal in
stitutOus.
Another danger which menaces our republic is tho
constant conflict between capital and labor. We
therefore at all times must view with feelings Of
grct and alarm any antagonism existing between
them, because thereby society itself simpericd.
With the church, condemn nihilsm socialism
and communism, and we equally condemn the heart
less greed oi capital The remedy must be sought in
the mediation Of the church through her action on
the individual conscience and thereby on society,
teaching each its respective duties as well a. rights
and in such civil enaetments as have been
rendered necessary by these altered coud-
tions As stated by his eminence, Cardinal
Gibbons Labor has its sacred rights rs we'll
as its dignity" Paramount among the rights Of the
laboring classes Is their privilege to organize
form themselves into societies for their mutual pro-
lection and benefit In honOring and upholding
labor the nation Is strengthening its own hands as
we'll paying tribute 70 worth. For contented
and happy working class is the best safeguard OF the
republic
We disapprove OF the employment OF very young
minors whether male or female, In factories. as
the wage-earners OF the future.
We PLEDGE ourselves TO cooperate with the clergy
in discussing and In solving those great economic
educational and social questions which affect the in
terests aud we-being OF the church, the country and
society at large.
We respectfully protest against any change in the
policy Of the government in the matter Of the edu-
cation Of the Indians by which they will be deprived
of Christian teaching
The amelioration and promotion OF the physical
and moral culture of the negro race is subject OF
the utmost concern, and We pledge ourselves TO as
sist our clergy in all ways tending TO effect any im
provement in their condition.
We in favor of catholics taking greater part
than they have hitherto taken in general philan-
thrOplc and refOrmat0ry movements The Obligation
help the needy aud TO instruct the ignorant is not
limited to the needy and ignorant of our commun-
ion, but concerned. both catholics and n
Americans, In the reformation Of all the criminals
and the support OF all the poor In the country. BY
mngling more in such works of national virtue
non-catholc citizens are engaged in and taking our
proper share In the management OF prisons and hos
pitfalls. might exert catholic influence outside OF
own body, make ourselves better known, and
infuse into those good works something of super
natural charity. at the same that We soacng the
unfortunate and reforming the erring; and
should be able 10 insist catholic inmates being
freely ministered 90 by their own Clergy. We must
assert and the rights Of conscience OF catholics
in all institutions under public control
There many Christian issues in which catho-
lies should come together with non-catholics and
shape civil legislation for the public veal. ln spite
OF rebuff and injustice and overlooking zeaotry,
should seek alliance with non-catholics for proper
Sunday observance. Without going over to the Ju-
daic Sabbath, we can bring the masses over 10 tho
moderation of the Christian Sunday. To effect this,
we must SET our faces sterny against the sale Of in
toxicating beverages Sunday. The corrupting
influence of saloons in politics. the crime and pau
perism resulting from excessive drinking require