The National tribune., 1892-11-24
Corps, but by all who pay attention to the
war and its history.
IRISH AND GERMAN CATHOLICS.

IRISH AND GERMAN CATHOLICS.
There seems to be no abatement of the
feeling in the Catholic Church in this conn
try between the Irish American and the
other elements of foreign extraction. The
German element takes the lead i'll oppnsi-
ton to the Irish influence, and seems to
have the cordial support of the Polish and
Bohemian elements. Probably, also. the
Italians, who are becoming strong influ-
ence in the Catholic Church, will sidn with
| the Germans against the Irish. So far the
advantage seems to be with the latter, who
are in favor of Amercanizing the Church
and putting it more distinctly in harmony
with American life and institutions than is
desired by the other elements, who cling
stubbornly to the ideas of them fatherlands
Cardinal Gibbons and Archbishop Ireland
represent the progressive ideas Of the Irish
American Catholics, ard it is believed that
the Pope is in harmony with their views.
He discountenanced the movement set on
foota couple Of years ago by the antiIrish ele-
me- mt to have Bishops of their own nationali-
ties appointed over the foreign-born Catho-
lies in the United States and he gave counter
ance to Archbishop Ireland's plan of allow
ing Catholic children to take advantage OF in
struction in the public schools. The matter
of the strained relations between the IRISH
Americans and their fellow Catholics was
one which called for the most serious con-
sideration by the Conclave of Archbishops
held in New York last week. What action,
if any, was taken has not transpired, fur
Their than that the following resolutions
were adopted on the school question:
First-RcsoIred To promote the erection of Cath
Ollie schools. thst there may be accommodation
In them, if possible, for all our Catholic children
according to the DEGREES of the third Plenary Coun-
Gil of Baltimore and the decision of the Holy See.
Second-Resored. That to children who at
present do not attend Catholic schools, direct
in addition, that provision be made for Sunday
schools. and, also, by instruction. some other
Qay OF uayS OF me week, anu Oy urging pareats W
teach their children the Christian doctrine at their
homes. ~
Sunday and week day schools should be under
the direct supervision OF the clergy. aided by the
intelligent lay teachers. and when possible by the
members Of religious teaching orders. ~
This, it is claimed, is a substantial victory
for Archbishop Ireland, inasmuch as it will
permit the attendance Of Catholic children
upon the public schools, provided their
parents see that they obtain proper religious
instruction in their homes or elsewhere. If
this be the correct Interpretation of the
resolutions-and ii seems TO be so-it at once
removes source Of much disagreement be-
tween the American people and the Catho-
lie Church. The priests have heretofore, as
rule, denounced the public schools, and
inflicted penalties upon parents who sent
their children to them. Now, while the
parochial schools are still to be preferred for
Catholic children, and Catholics are urged to
build and maintain them, yet theyare AT libes7i
ty to send their children to the,Asbiio sciioolseI
if they are given religious instruction else
where. No one can object to this 1t is the
duty of every parent to see that his or her
child has proper religious instruction, bat
the State has no right to say anything as to
what that instruction shall be. In many
cases the result of this system will be to
give the children elementary instruction in
the parocllial schools, and send them to the
public schools, as they grow older, for more
advanced education.