St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-06-03

which he might choose. After considering
the matter and comforting with Supt Kiehle
and Others both Maj Wright and myself
wrote to President Garfield on behalf of the
it would not be well to offer this opportunity
to the archbishop, TO which letter Presi-
dent Garfield replied in his letter of March
%, calling attention to the fact that large
number of Minnesotans were already on the
programme, and adding that he would be
willing to do anything in his power to grant
our request.
( After consultation in regard to the matter,
Maj. Wright and myself felt that we were
warranted i'll bringing the subject to the at
tentiOn OF Archbishop Ireland, and asking
him if he would be willing to present a paper
to the association on some subject to be Sc
lected by him. The bishop very cordially
I consented to, if so desired. make an address,
land presumed that he shotiid like TO discuss,
as his subject, 1.-The Relation of Parochial
Schools to Public Schools" but would con-
I slider the matter of the subject and advise us
later on. These facts / communicated to
/ President Garfield, and his letter of April
/ in reply to mine placed me i'll somewhat
embarrassing position. as had evidently en-
\ tirely Inexperienced his intention Ill re-
gard to the matter.
l called 10 see the archbishop, but did not
find him in, and being exceedingly pressed
for time, and DESTROYS that the archbishop
should be entirely unembarrassed and lose
none OIL LIS lul6r6SG WHICH, uc udQ So ueuTIlly
extended to us in our whole work, 1 Sent
him the correspondence for perusal, and
begged to be excused for any assumption on
my part. l also asked the archbishop at thai
time to suggest topic (Other than the one
which had been discussed at the last session
of the association upon which he would be
glad to speak thirty minutes i'll order that II
possible might arrange for the place on the
programme. The reply of the rchbishop
handed me Ga week or SO afterwards) one
evening just as was leaving the city Tor an
absence of several weeks, and as Maj. Wright
was at that time holding conference with me
in regard to these educational matters,
handed him this correspondence, and asked
him to see Archbishop ireland and endeavol
to have the matter satisfactorily arranged
and really then dismissed the: whole subjec
from my mind.
now learn that Mr.. Wright was exceed
ingly busy the next day. and on the follow
ing morning received a telegram that his son
was very Ill in New York and required his
immediate attendance. AS he had been
unable to see the archbishop. he left the
package of correspondence with Secretary
Sherin, stating that as Mr.. Merrill would be
likely to be home first, he would
leave the correspondence to be hand
Sherin evidently overlooked the matter
nothing whatever having been said to me
upon the subject and Maj. Wright, suppos
ing that the matter had been attended TO by
myself upon my return, also dismissed the
subject from his mind, so that, So far as am
able to learn, no response whatever has been
made to President Garfield in regard to his
last letter, nor to Archbishop Ireland in re-
gard to his communication; thus the ques
ton seems to be lett in very unsatisfactory
manner, and whatever of blame there is in
connection herewith, must rest upon my.
self, and l am willing to and do as
sumo all responsibility for the unfortunate
circumstances in which we are placed, and
exonerate President Garfield from any blame
in the matter.
Doubtless had the matter been properly
followed up there would have been no occa:
sion whatever for any criticism or unkind
feeling on the part of any one, and can but
hope that the archbishop and all other good
friends will accept the apology, excusing the
mistakes made. and take hold with us in
united and harmonious action to secure the
utmost good from the meetings to be held,
and cooperate to the fullest extent in the
entertainment and enjoyment of our invited
guests T.