The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-09-24
THE GERMAN PRIESTS
Oppose Secular Schools and
Interference With Greed.
REMARKABLE PLATFORM.
Outlining the Policy for Clergy and La ity
Catholic Congress Recommended
Secret Meeting at Buffalo.

BUFFALO, Sept. 23.-Tonight ended all
connection of the laymen with the fifth
congress of German-Amercan Catholics in
the final meeting. Tomorrow is exclu-
sively for priests, is to be held in private
and will, it is thought, be the most i'm
portant of the series, as it is the one at
which the question is TO be settled as to
whether the widely-commented upon cler-
ical union will continue under the leaders
that have given it fame or will select new
chieftains. The principal work in which
the laymen participated was in voting the
unanimous approval Of the platform. the
framing of which was guided largely, if
not altogether, by the clergy.
Replies to invitations to be present at
the congress were read tonight from a
long list of prelates, including Archbishops
Corrigan, Ryan and Riordon and Bishop
McQuade, of Rochester Archbishop Cor
rigan stated that his reason for absence
was ignorance of the German language.
Almost breathless attention was given to
Cardinal Gibbons reply to the invitation.
He wrote:
While prevented by important engagements
from being present, want to assure you OF my
deep interest in your proceedings. / regard the
German element as the most important factor in
the development of our country. As citizens
and as Catholics they have gained an enviable
reputation. have no doubt the deliberations
will be marked by allegiance to the holy father
and by a sense of moderation for which your
countrymen are noted
Interesting papers on general topics
were read during the evening. The plat
form, as presented tonight, like all portions
of the proceedings, was in German. The
following is the translation prepared by
three OF the most prominent priests in the
congress:
We, the Catholic Germans of the Unitad
States assembled in our fifth congress. offer
most devoted affection to the supreme head of
the holy church; express gratitude for the holy
fathers blessing, and promise anew and for
all time tilial and unfailing fealty With d.
light the congress embraces the opportunity of
pointing out publicly and distinctly its position
on the so-ealled Roman question. the temporaI
power OF the pope deeming il our duty TO make
this public laration and encourage Catholics
to fearlessly defend these rights As free Ameri-
can citizens We will not tolerate any interior
ence with the free expression of our views on
THIS extremely important church matter The
false supposition that it is not opportupe to dis
euss openly the Roman question in our country
could only De explained by want of
courage IN showing our truly Catholic couyic-
lions. The entirely free exercise of the hipheS.
apostolic power is intimately connected vvi,h
the welfare OF the entire church. 1t is peces
ssry 10 secure and accord that freedom within
the full meaning of the word The nona1s
recent excellent encyelieal OF most iuportaDt
ana burning topics, especially on the condition
OF labor, have proved sufficiently that the entire
freedom OF the holy see would be OF the prentast
Importance to society, suffering already fror,
many ailments In the present century. With
commence We leave il to Divine Provi.
denee to point out by what means the
restoration of papal independence will be
brought ABOUT by secular power. In the mean
uihe we Will never cease 10 courageously sus-
tam the hoiy father-eveEy one TO strike with all
legal and legitimate means TO regain the free
oom Que the successor OF 81. Peter. For reasons
Polticai, circumstances have prevented the
adoption of these resolutions in Europe since
We are not hampered by political prejudice
anu lnIrigues, We believe our country ia
tae proper place for holding such n non.
gress, and as Catholics we consider il our
duty to adopt the resolutions of our brethrs,,
In Europe, believing the time has come for tba
holding OF an International congress yvbioh
should be convened for the purpose of siding in
the restoration OF the pope's temporal mower
no time ioF holding such congress could ha
more opportune than the occasion OF the World's
fair at Chicago in 1888. We submit this for ,ha
consideration aud approval of all our brethren
IN the Catholic faith, 10 our bishop. his err
nence Cardinal Gibbons, of Baltimore. and Ca.
sovereign pontif Leo XIII.
We offer, holy father, the sincerest thanks for
the excellent encyclical on the labor ouestion
as ialIhiui children OF the Catholic church we
oSI upernuons TO state that We shall use
All our EFFORTS TO execute practically the min
eipies therein laid down, aud secure them the
recognition OF the public at large, believing
tuern 70 be the solution of this most important
question OF the day. Liberty, based on
the natural and constitutional rights
Vi educating our youth, is boon
which We demand, and we must emphatfcaIly
oppose every interferenca with that lihartr =