Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-04-08
Card t. the Public.
To ne Editor Of The Register.

To ne Editor Of ne Register.
SIR: In the Wheeling Daily REGIs-
TER Of April &. 1891, the Rev. c. NJ.
Afford. Of the Third Presbyterian
church Of this city, is reported to have
said: I'VE sincerely pity the Italian
people. Ninety-nine out Of every hun
dred belong to the Romish Church, and
have been taught from infancy by the
canoncal law OF that church that he
who kills one who is communicated
is no murderer in a legal sense, also
the execution OF Papal commands for
the prosecution OF hcreticS, causes re-
mission Of sin. when they are taught
by the church that there is no
sin in taking the life Of one that
is excommunicated or Protestant,
it is no wonder their hands are red with
the blood OF their neighbOr.' Such
declarations are simply false, and /
should prefer to accuse the man who
uttered them, il he did give utterancc
to them, OF gross ignorance Of the doc
trines and teachings OF the Catholic
Church than to apply harsher terms.
Yet ignorance in minister Of church
I'm matters about which he attempts 10
instruct intelligent persons is feeble
palliatiOn OF a wantOn and unprOvoked
attack upon religious communi-
ty comprising all classes and
existing in all countries. The motive
that inspired such an attack by min
lister OF church is unhapplY appar-
ent. The man proclaiming, from 4 pull
pit or anywhere else. anything defama-
tory should be sure OF the fact or facts;
otherwise he would be, in the eyes OF
the community and before the august
court OF all honest aud honorable men.
guilty OF gross wrong, and subject him
self to harsh criticism. Now, let me say
to the public:
First-The Catholic Church does not
teach in either canoucal law or any
where else any such doctrine, and
| defy Rev. Mr.. Afford to pro-
duce any competent proof OF
his unwarranted assertion. And, as he
is reported as saying that such teaching
is by the "CanOnical Law / to-day
place in the REGISTER Office a copy Of
the "CorDtS Juis Cnnouici' Tor public
examination. and to give the reverend
gentleman an opportunity to prove what
he Mas, opine. recklessly asserted.
Should he fail to do 50, leave him and
his defamatOry utterances u the proper
Judgment of the public.
Secondly-The Rev. Afford would
have his hearers from the pulpit aud
the public generally through the press
regard the Catholic Church as responsi-
ole for the murderous doings OF the
Mafia organization and kindred societies.
Denyingas have the teachings IN ques-
tion attributed 10 the Catholic Church, |
also deny and utterly and Indignantly
rcuel the charge that the Catholic
Church IS responsible for the crimes Of
the Malta.
l. the Rev. gentleman ignorant OF the
fact that the Catholic Church prohibits
all such societies 10 her members under
the seyerest penalties? Is be not aware
that she condemns with her whole au-
thority such societies as plot m secret
against God. and revealed religion, and
the well being Of civil society and lndi-
yidual rights? Has he yet TO learn that
she Is tOuutUufb ~ thAHl h"'- N'rt'.''
on account OF her lneX0rahie discipline
and teaching in regard 20 all such socie-
ties2 Has the Rev. gentleman adverted
10 the fact that his assertion j. provo
cation to bad blood In the community
What possible good does 10 effect Isitnot
an attempt TO stir up strife and seek ao-
toriety in 4 reckless disregard Of tho good
Of the community, AID direct injury 70
the Italians. whom he says he sincerely
pities." Down, then with the Matia, not
6nly In our glorious republic, but
wherever It exists. But down, a.>o, IN
the name Of God and 10 The name OF
honesty and decency. With unwarranted
defamation by whomsoeyer uttered
The former Is charged with fQg. mur-
der. assassination, etc, the latter j.
guilty OF the robbery Of that good name
and fclF fame which are dearer ~ the
individual and TO the community, civil
and religious, than purse or even life
I tself.
NE who steals my purse steals rash. Us
something nothing;
Twas mine, us his GSd has befn slave 20 thou-
sands
Rut ..e .rA. glches from me my good mama
4 bs me Of that which not enE!ches slm
And makes me poor indeed
Respectfully.