Johnstown weekly Democrat. (Johnstown, Cambria County, Pa.) 1889-1916, 1889-11-22
A NOTABLE GATHERING-THE GREAT
CATHOLIC CONVENTION.

It is doubtful if any body of men more
distinguished and learned ever assembled
in this country for any purpose, or in the
interest of any cause, than that Of the
Catholic prelates who met in general con-
vention in Baltimore this month What.
ever may be said with reference to the
illiteracy of the lay element of lis re-
ligious organization, its priesthood is de-
servedly distinguished for its thorough
and classical nowledge. TakinD its pre-
latical order through and through, from
its Novitiates up to its celebrated Cardi.
nails, it ranks prominently among the
most thoroughly educated body Of men
in the world. An accredited priest iu the
Catholic Church has worked his way up
to the time of being invested with priestly
orders and prerogatives, through com
plete series of literary and ecclesiastical
studies, ranging from seven to nine years.
A thorough classical training is a sine qua
non in assuming the high functions of
the priestly Office.
This late Convention of the Catholic
clergy of the United States, and distln.
guished representatives from foreign
countries, was one of the most noted
events of this year. The atten-
tion it attracted by its pro-
ceedings, it's learned discussions
Of mootcd points IN church polity, and
its bold stand IN favor of temperance and
unequivocaI denunciation of saloons and
the whole saloon system, have been mat
tiers of comments by ull the leading
dailes.
Perhaps the most notable feature OF the
Convention was its visit to Washington
City, to participate in the dcdicatory
services of the Catholic University, and
the reception accorded its distinguished
members, by not only the municipal
authorities, but by our Chief Executive
and his Cabinet. At the banquet table
Cardinal Gibbons, was fanked on the
right by President Harrison, Secretary
Blaine and number of Cardinals and
Archbishops; and on the left by Secre-
taries Window, Tracy, Noble, RusB and
Attorney General Miller. Speeches were
made by Mr.. Blaine, President Harrison
and others.
While in Washington many of the dis
tinguished visitors attended. and spoke
at, one of the largest Temperance meet
ings ever held in the city. The meeting
vas held in a large rink and under
The auspices of the st. Matthews
Temperance Society. Among the speak
grs was Archbishop Ireland, of st. Paul,
Minnesota, who was received with loud
and prolonged applause, the entire as
semblY of thousands rising as he ad-
yanced to the platform. Among other
things, he said : We must take hold of
this vice of intemperance which darkens
the mind, corrupts and depraves men, be-
fore we can do any good for the peonle
We are ready to make and change laws
until we come TO acts which affect lager
beer and whisky, and then we stand back
afraid. Afraid of what Why. of
brewers and saloon keepers. There
are times when heroic measures are need
ed to meet great calamities, and now a
heroic measure is needed to head off this
giant evil. Unfortunately the slate
makers meet in saloons, and men are Sc.
lected for positions for the reason that
they are acceptable to the liquor interests.
Men say, that is, drinking men
say they wanted liberty to drink or not to
drink, but my observation has been that
such men have an abundance of liberty to
drink, but somehow no liberty not to
drink. | favor high license, because it
lessons the number of saloons and men
not having liquor at their doors, which
they have by the multiplicity of saloons,
would not be tempted by SO many gilded
signs"