St. Paul daily globe., 1891-04-28
Interview With a High Eeeles-
iastieal Parsonage on the
School Question.
States Should Be Persuaded
to Teach the Catechism in
Public Schools.
Decisive Victories for PreSi-
dent Balmaeeda and His
Forces in Chilli.
British Forces Ready to Make
An Assault Upon Imphal
in Manipur.

ROME, April 27.-A correspondent of
the New York Associated Press to-day
had an interview with a high ecclesi-
astical parsonage who is in an excep-
tional position at theVatican and is per-
fectly acquainted with the papaI views
on the school question in the United
States, 1.-The educational question:" he
SAID, sis one of the most important and
delicate questions in the United States.
1t has provoked most ardent discussion
and been the source of many divisions.
1t would, however, be very difficult to
pronounce definitely Oh all the various
interests affected. In this, as in all
questions of a controversial nature,
great tact, cOnsummate discretion and
prudence and a mind eminently in
cllned to Cancellation is necessary.
Absolute and arbitrary solutions are
not applicable to such complex matters.
What seems necessary here from the
Catholic point of view is moderation
and not precipitation, weakness nor vo-
lence. The general course to be pur-
sued is moreover quite manifest. Cath
OlicS in America should have parochial
schools in ali parishes where it is posi-
bic, and where there is sufficient means
to render them equal to the public
schools. Where it is impossible to do
this schools should be estab-
lished in which the catechism
may be taught, or the state
should be persuaded to permit in
struction in the catechiSm outside of the
hours regularly appointed for the ordi-
nary school subjects as is done in Ger
many. One thing, however, is abso-
lutely obligatory; that is, to found no
parochial schools unless they can be put
on a level with those Of the state, for it
would simply end in the children de-
serting them in favor of the state
schools AT present, however Catho-
lies i'm the United States cannot rival
the state schools, as they have not suffi-
cient resources. The decree of the holy
Office in 1875 specifies most particularly
that these parochial schools must. in
every degree, be equal to those OF the
state"
''Do you believe that the demand of
Archbishop Ireland will De acceded to
by The states?''
81 cannot answer you positively on
that point. But one should always en-
deavor to obtain whatever concessions
are possible. Besides. the various
states have shown themselves very re-
spectful towards Catholicism. They do
not appear inspired with a sectarian
ideal. They are equitable. concilia-
tory and tolerant. Moreover. it is to
their interest to show themselves court
eous and favorable towards Catholic
demands. The United States have de-
rived so MANY benefits from religious
peace, and their wise policy has
brought such high renOwn, that thev
cannot depart from these principles.
The states. as well as the Catholics,
should give proof of a desire
for conciliation and of broad
crisis should be permitted for every
crisis would open period of misfortune
an difficulty. The holy see has COM
plete confidence in the zeal. tact and
prudence of the Roman Catholic her
archy in America. 1t has heretofore
followed the path of prudence, loyalty
and patriotism. May it continue so. AS
to the exceedingly absorbing question
of nationality in the West. it is neces-
sary to start from the same principles of
conduct. There should be much pru-
dence and wisdom. and no violence.
The holy see cOunselS conciliation and
paci1icatiou. In any case, time will ig-
evltably settle all snch conflicts. After
one generation is past, divisions and
differences Will disappear. 1t is, how
ever, the duty of all Catholics to range
themselves on national and constitu-
tional ground. The United States would
have very simple means of restraining
conflicts. should any arise, by a law reg
nlating immigration into the states.
But the church does not enter into
these questions, which are quite outside
her province