The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-12-17
Opposition to Him Is Opposition to the
Head of the Church at the Vatican.
His Views on the School Question We're Those
Of Leo. and They VIII BE Carried 0ut De-
spite the Protests of Few Prelatea
HEAD OF THE CHURCH IN AMERICA.


Archbishop Ireland Explains the Mission OF
Mgr. satoIIi and His Dutics.
ST. PAUL, Mimi. Dec. 16-When asked
to-day as to the mission of Mgr. Satolli,
and the extent of his powers, Archbishop
Ireland replied that, In view of the contra
dictory reports put into circulation regard
ing Mgr. Satolli, and of the uncertainty
into which, in consequence. the public
mind has been thrown. ne is not now un-
willing to speak, however persistent no
was heretofore in his resolve to be silent.
He said: Mgr. O'Connell, who had been
especially chosen by the Pope to accom-
pany Mgr. Satolli to America. and to in
troduce him into his new surroundings.
sails from New York tomorrow, returning
to his duties as rector of the American Col
leRe in Rome. His work in America is fin
ished, and his departure has no further
significance. Mgr. Satolli remains, and
will remain with MS for o good while to
come. The report that he has been
recalled by the Pope. or Is likely to be soon
recalled, Is simply absurd. This report. as
others revealing o similar animrs, are the
Inventions of parties who suffer defeat
from his presence, and would be delighted
If. by creating public opinion adverse to
his influence. they could in some manner
force him to retire from the country. But
those parties kno v neither Mgr. Satolli nor
Leo XIII. Mgr. Satolli represents the
Pope Opposition TO him is opposition to
the Pope. Disrespect to him, criticism of
him, is direspect and criticism of the Pope.
He was sent directly by Pope Leo to speak
to the archbishops assembled In New York
the mind of Leo on the school question. !e
Is sheer nonsense to say that he was ad-
mitted by courtesy to the conferences. He
told the arohbishops. as the official report
of the conference asserts, that he spoke In
the name of the Pope and declared the
thoughts of the Pope. - :,
This school question had for more than
q year agitated the church In America.
Amid the din of controversy the appeal to
Romo was loud. the CRY went out ceaseless-
ly that Rome should speak and that moth
ing else could re-establish peace. So Rome
resolved to speak. and spoke through
living accredited representative. Those
who were sincere in their appeal will now
be silent and satisfied. The country will,
without difficulty. see that all attempts to
minimize the authority of Mgr. Satolli. or
to evade the force of his words, arc simply
the dying protests of unrepenting errors.
gThe address of Mgr. Satolli had been put
lnJc his month by the Pope before he left
Rome, and since has been reported to the
Pope verbally and has received his ap-
proval. This is q positive. undeniable
fact. The controversy Is finally settled.
WILL SETTLE ALL DISPUTES.
"Mgr. Satolli has also received ample
powers to settle all disputes between
bishops and priests. A copy of his powers
has been sent to his bishop. In each case he
10 to have two assistants chosen from emf
nent members of the clergy. and his de-
cision is to be absolutely without appeal
The authority with which he Is invested is
unusual; but this shows that the Pope puts
unusual confidence In him.. Considering 9
the fact that there are In theU nited States
nearly ninety dIOceseS we need not be sur.
prised to hear that numerous church
cases are awaiting settlement some
of them very important and far-reach-
ing In their bearingo. 10 MAINTAIN, as
heretofore. the court of last appeal IN re.
mote Rome Is to render very difficult and
tedious the proceedings leading to o con-
clusion. The Pope has conferred boon on
all parties concerned by placing for q
time at least, supreme tribunal In the
country itself. 1t is easily seen that no
prelate occupying himself a see in Amerl-
ca, however high placed otherwise, could
serve as Judge in cases where bis brother
preiates are eutangled, and where Occa-
eionaliy he might be himself entangled.
Some important cases are already before
Mgr. Satolli.
5The Papal representative has the fur
tber mission to inform himself accurately
about American ecclesiastical matters in
general and to report thereon regularly to
Rome. As time goes on, new emergencies
arising, he will receive other specific pow
ers My own impression ls that. beginning
as ablegate he Will soon be invested with
the title and all the extensive powers of a
regular delegate apostolic. Whether, after
Ia
this may occur, he will have o successor.
the Pope has not yet decided. Much in
this regard will depend on the work which
Mgr. Satolli during his delegation may lind
coming to him. and on the degree OF good
his presence and action may bring to the
church.
$50 far Mgr Satolli's mission has been
productive of much good to the church in
America. Despite the petty squalls of con-
tradicti0n arising for time In certain
ecclesiastical storm-centers, be has brought
to US peace and tranquility, and he has in
spired Cath olics with greater confidence in
the zeal and watchfulness of the Holy See
for their spiritual interests. The ablegate'e
personalquallties,h hislntellectralp perspicac'
ity. his tirmness of character his prudence,
the fruit of Roman diplomatic schooling,
have been large factors in making up his
success. But, over and above all else. we
find the causes of this success in the wis
dom of Leo and Mgr. Satollis docility ia
his lessons
THE SCHOOL QUESTION.
"The address on the school question GOV.
ers, in it's brief enuncietions. the whole
ground, and with n master pen marks out
the provinces of church and state. To the
church, and to her alone. belong religious
instructions; but there is, and there can be,
no objection that the state lay claim tc
busy itself with the secular part. The
American people will find. assuredly,
naugnt to gainsay in these propositions.
There can be no room left for the old-rime