Rock Island daily Argus., 1892-11-18
BAN OR BLESSING
Roman Catholic Prelates Dis.
Cussing Secret Societies.
A QUESTION THEY WILL DECIDE.

ArehbishoP Ezatzer Wants a Clear Dcfini-
milton on the Subiect-Shail the odd FeI-
lows and Other Similar Organizations
De Forbidden to the Fa.ithful?-The De-
efsion of the Baltimore Council Quoted
Indian Childrrn-A Matter Uncle Sam
viii Probably Hear About.
NKw YORK, Nov. 1s.-The second DAVIS
session Of the annual conference OF the
arehbishops OF the Roman Catholic church
began at 10 o'clock yesterday morning at
the archiepiscopal residence Cardinal Glib
bons presiding. All the archbiehops or
their representatives were present, as was
Archbishop Satolli, the papal delegate.
Again the deliberations were carried on
behind closed doors The major portion Of
the time, it is learned, was occupied in the
discussion Of the question Of the condem-
nation Of certain secret societies. The de-
bate referred chiefly to the Odd Fellows,
numbering about 10000 in the United
States, and the Sons Of Temperance. whose
roll includes about 10000 members.
Katzer Brings Up the Question.
Archbishop katzer, of Milwaukee,
brought the matter to the attention Of the
council by presenting the petition Of the
German Catholic Central society of the
United States, which was adopted at Du-
buque, Ia, September last, asking the con-
ference TO clearly define the designation
"secret society in plain and unmistakable
terms, rs some doubt has been raised in
the minds OF some Of the church authori-
ties as to whether the societies named come
ia hn yf ha J,v.n L.
planning his position Archbishop Katz.r
said that it is absolutely not true that the
Free Masons is the only society forbidden
by the church. and that, consequently,
Roman Catholic may join any other lodge
or society except the Free Masons
The Definition of IA Council.
He quoted from the injunction of the
third plenary council at Baltimore as
follows: "That all former DEGREES of the
Roman pontitTs against all societies CON
S1euned by the holy see are to remain in
full force, according 10 the tenor of the
constitution "apostolicGe sedis" and the
meaning Of the Roman pontiff; that the
Free MasOns and the CarbOnari are excom-
municated by name; that all other socle-
ties, though not mentioned by name are
excommunicated if they are of the same
nature as the Masons and the Carbonari
that is all those societies which openly
or secretly plot against the church, OF
against the lawful government of the state
other Societies Condemned.
"That all societies are communicated
which have their own minister or chaplain
their own (religious) ritual, and their own
reliCiOus) ceremonies, in such r manner as
thereby to become a heretical or schismatic
sect: that any society which requires its
members, be it under oath or otherwise,
not to reveal its secrets to any one, not even
70 the ecclesiastical authority, that is, the
bishop; or which demands, be it by oath or
mere promise, from its members a blind
and absolute obedience, is forbidden under
grievous sin" Besides the above the faith
full are admOnished to avoid all societies
which in the judgment of the bishop are in
any way dangerous to faith or morals
The Council VIII Take Action.
According to Archbishop Katzer the so
ciety of Odd Fellows has within late years
gained q large increase of membership from
Roman Catholic ranks on the plea that
they are not Free MasOns, and therefore not
a society forbidden by the Roman Catholic
church. The council of Baltimore has ap-
pointed the college of the archbishops OF
the United States az the only competent
tribunal in the matter of secret societies,
he argued. and it is the duty of the present
conference to determine exactly the cues
tion at issue. The majority of the council
conceded with the opinions expressed by
Archbishop Katzcr, aud appropriate action
will be taken.
Indian School Children.
The only phase Of the school question
touched upon at the session was that Of
the treatment of the Roman Catholic In
dian children in the western reservations
who have been compelled TO attend nOn-RO-
man Catholic schools despite the protests OF
their parents. Right Rev Bishop y L.
Chapelle, the coadJutyr and representative
of Archbishop .l9aiuJo, Of Sgnta Fe, was
the principal speaker on the subject and he
called for SOM" decisive action ou the part
of his colleague.
FOULEcT SORT or ROBBERY.