St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-09-22
THE GERMAN CATHOLICS.
Committee of Clericals Mapping
Out the Business.


BUFFALO, N. Y, Sept. 21.-Behind
closed doors this afternoon there went
into session in this city twelve apostles
OF the much talked of 'Priesten Yer.
ein," or German-American clerical
union. 1t was the first Of the series OF
meetings of the congress of German.
American Catholics. All day long the
trains entering Buffalo from every direc-
ton had brought each substantial con-
tlngent OF delegates and spectators for
The congress, the street decorations of
bunting and evergreen were being add
Ell to stands upon which to witness the
professions, we're rapidly in course of
construction, and from appearances
when the little meeting of twelve be-
gan, the German Catholics, for the time
being at least, had complete possession
or the city. Vicar General Won Muhl-
slepen, of st. Louis, president of the
Vereln, called the meeting to order
The business was the scrutiny OF doc
uments, resolutions and motions which
there was an intention on the part Of
any one to bring up in the proceedings
OF The various sections of congress. The
dozen men to whom this task was COM
United were without exception priests,
and all members of the clerical union.
Six were officers of the union at large,
including President MuhISiepen and
Secretary E0eber, the latter also St.
Louis Clergyman. The remaining half
dozen present were Buffalo members of
tile vereln, the most conspicuous of
whom was Rev. Father Hoelsener, tbs
chancellor of this diocese. No one else
was admitted to the meeting save per-
sons who desired to submit in writ
ing matters for the consideration of the
committee OF censorS.
One delegation alone. that from
Rochester, numbered 1,5QO people.
Among the distinguished guests was
tie well-known Bishop Wigger, of New
Jersey, whose attitude Oh the school
question and similar burning topics
have frequently attracted wide atten-
ton. Tue liveliest interest was mani
tested as to what extent Bishop Ryan,
OF Buffalo would participate in the con-
gres. His sudden disappearance from the
public ceremonials yesterday was at
trlbuted to illness, and that reason was
the only one quoted in this morning.
papers.
An effort will be made at the present
congress to unite the clerical and lay
elements of the church. A most inter
esting feature of the convention was the
monster torchlight procession this even
ing. About 10000 men were in the line
The parade marched through the prin
cipal streets of the town, passing in re-
view of the right reverend bishops al
Music hall. Along the line of march
the German Catholic residences and
many other places. both business and
private. were profusely decorated and
Illuminated.
Before the censorship meeting ended
the number within had greatly in
creased, aggregating several score. All,
however, were priests and members OF
the clerical union. So far as could be
aseertained not single layman sput in
an appearance to submit anything to be
passed upon. Nevertheless the com
mittee remained in session over two
hours. 1t was explained that the lay.
men acted in the matter through theil
respective clerical representatives anC
that personal attendance OH the part OF
| lay delegates before the censors was
unnecessary. 1t is definitely known
| that not all the papers passed upon
were allowed to reach further stage
than the waste basket. One of thu
priests said that whatever appeared in
harmonious with the purposes of the
congress was excluded and that the
priests determined to steer clear in thu
public proceedings of all aggressions
and accusations. ~