St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-04-01
AGAIN THE CATHOLICS.
Church and state Discussed by
the Methodist Ministers.

CnurCn anu state D1SCuSSGu ny
the Methodist Ministers.
The Methodist ministers had another
lively discussion at their meeting yes
tereay, introduced by paper read by
W. q. Rice, pastor OF the First Metho-
dist church, on the "Relation of the
Churc h to the Public Schools" In his
opinion the public schools. which had
! originally been intended to teach but
the rudiments of learning, now taught
every branch, with the exception of
theology, which had the dlrecG effect of
excluding, or doing away with the prl-
vate church schools entirely. He
thought that it was bad state of affairs
and that the church in future should
take such action as would take from the
state the power to the entire guidance
of human life. He did not care to say
much in regard to the reading OF the
Bible in the public schools. 1t was the
historical studies they pursued that had
a tendency to supplant all religious
church should give its entire support to
the common public schools and do
all in its power 10 insure a
good attendance, and should insist
that they teach at least morals and man
ners, If not religion. He condemned
the idea of having the high schools sup
ported by the state, and thought that
the higher branches of education should
be self reliant and religious. In his
opinion it was not manly for any one to
acquire the higher branches of educa-
ton at the expense of the state. State
high schools and universities tOstered
class distinctions and great injustice
was direct result, because only few
could take advantage of them, although
they were supported by the whole peo-
pie. In his opinion the church should
be placed in charge of the high schools
be supported entirely by voluntary con-
tribution. The church should be placed
in position to give to every citizen an
education that would enable him to cast
an intelligent vote.
Rev. L. Nj. McCleary was on his feet
at once with disagreement Of the
sense of the paper. He thought that
the state was well able TO give the
higher education, and that it got back
all that it expended in the better class
of citizens with higher type Of brain
power for the states use.
Rev. g. M. Heard said that he was
much troubled because the pupils were
drilled in the heather classics and all
the denominations of heather life, while
they were pr ohibited from study Of
the New Testament. He said that he
was willing to accede that much to the
claims of the Roman Catholics. This
last sentiment called for various eX-
preSsions of assent from the ministers
| assembled.
Rev. 0. T. Burgess felt called upon to
make some remarks bearing upon the
| last remark. ''The Catholics" he said,
''propose to den0unce the schools as
| Sectarian, and thus get the Bible out,
and then denounce them as infidel and
| get the Catholics out. Professionalism
can have no fellowship with that species
| of religion which Seeks-to control the
| government. The education carried on
by the Catholics is shame to this coun-
| try. The Catholics themselves admit
that ignorance is the mother of de-
| votion. This city is controlled by
| Catholics, with the exception of two
officials. Catholicism is at war with the
| spirit, genius and institutions of our
country. Money should be appropriated
| to educate these ignorant peOple.''
Mr.. Higgins rose to state that, in his
opinion, the great trouble might be laid
at the door of jealousy. Each Protest
ant denomination wanted its own doc
trine taught in the schools, and either
of them had no more right than had the
Catholics. 1--WE may talk about the
Roman Catholics" said he, TALL we
please, but so long as we Protestants
are divided into sects this talk don't
amount to anything. The public school
| system should be maintained at any
cost, even if we have to sacrifice our
own Methodist schools"
Mr.. McClary arose again and defended
| the Professionals. whom he thought were
| as united among themselves as were
| the Roman Catholics; or, at least, they
were agreed on the fundamental prin-
| ciples.