Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-04-21
The Fact That He Aided n Washington
Institution Causes Comment.

Institution Causes Comment.
The announcement of the Rev. Father
James MeMahon's gift of $780, 900 to the
new Roman Catholic University at Wash
ington, ID. c., caused great interest among
both clergy and laity Of New York, says
the Recorder of that city. Inc OPINION was
freauently expressed that in view of the
fact that funds for the new Catholic Semi
nary of New York were so greatly needed
il seemed unfortunate that Father Nc
Mahon had gone abroad for an object Tor
his charity.
This and a report that some time ago the
aged priest had offered TO build o church
up town under certain conditions, which
Archbishop Corrigan had refused to accede
TO, finally gave birth to q rumor which
quickly gained wide circulation among
Romanists. 1t was in effect that Father
McMahon's money had gone to Washing
ton in consequence of the strained rela-
tions which had for some time existed be-
tween himself and the Archbishop.
Somewhat unwillingly Father Mcmahon
consented to reply to the rumor, denying
entirely its truth. have no knowledge
of any strained relations" he said. Ger
tainly i have no ill-feeling toward the
Archbishop, and have no knowledge of
his having any toward me. In fact, it
could not be unless he is hypocrlte, for
| his own actions in this matter show the di-
rect contrary. have not spoken hitherto
concerning this matter and do not wish
publicity, but though / still hesitate to do
| so, perhaps it will be better for me to tell
what has taken place. Before confirming the
| gift placed the matter before the Board Of
| Directors of the University for their consid-
| Grafton, although Rector Keane assured me
| that il would be unnecessary. According
| ly on April Sth my proposal was acted upon
| and have here letter from the rector OF
| the University giving an account OF It's ae-
| ceptance and the proceedings at the meet
| ing. 1t, as you see, states that the gift
| was received with unqualified approval
and accepted by a unanimous vote. The
/ Archbishop is q director on the board ana
| the letter says: Il am happy to be able
to state that the Most Rev. NJ. A. Corrigan,
1 Archbishop of New York. who was present
| at the meeting. expressed TO the board his
| cordial approval OF the step which you
propose That does not look very much
as if he was displeased by my action.
The letter then goes on TO state that q
t, power of attorney will be given me and
that viii be asked to continue IN charge
! of the property. l would give $4,000 TO
be relieved of that task, for il involves a
great deal of work, but | suppose, having
controlled it for so long, can attend to IL
better than any one else. The remainder
of the letter speaks of an arrangement by
which / am TO have home at the Univer-
sity for the rest of my life. Yes. l am 60
ing to avail myself of this privilege. l
need rest. For over forty years l have
labored in New York, most of the time
| right here in st. Andrews, and during all
| that time / have never missed Sunday
work. But am not going yet-not for a
| year OF two. think.
There is no truth in the statement about
the church story, though / can see how the
report started. Several years ago ! offered
nine lots | owned up town as q site for a
church. but when the Cathedral was build
| ing and IL was thought the expense would
| be too great, told them il the offer was
| not accepted would sell them for Sl2Q, coo.
| They laughed at me. but three weeks later
/ did it. There were three lots in the rear
| also that intended TO give for parish
school aud these | afterward sold for
$eO, 900, so the Church here lost more than
was supposed by refusing my otfer."