New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-07-10
PRICE THREE CENTS.
BALLOTING AT THE MASSES.
FATHER KILLEEN ASKS HIS FLOCK TO VOTE
FOR OR AGAINST HIM.
THE BAYONNE PRIEST SURPRISES HIS PARISH.
IoNERS-THE RESULT ANNOUNCED AS 1878
TO 94-A LIVELY MASS MEETING

IoNERs-THE RESULT ANNOUNCED AS 1879
TO o4-A LIVELY MAss-MEETING
IN THE AFTERNOON.
| There was intense excitement among Roman
Catholics in Bayonne. y. j.. during the masses in
St Mary's Star of the sSea Church yesterday
morning over the remarkable request of the Rev.
Thomas W. Kill,en that his parishioners should
ballot for or against him. An organized meeting Of
several prominent members of the church had
been held few days before TO take action against
Father Klleen hoping to secure his removal as
a remedy for alleged existing evils.
Father Klllccn astonshed those present at the
masses by inviting them to attend public meet
ing in Brady's Hall at o'clock yesterday after
noon for the purpose of obtaining the opinions
Of the parisloncrs about the troubles which have
broken ont afresh. After giving notice that .
circular sent out had been handed TO him, Father
Killeen denounced ex-POstmaster Thomas Brady
and Recorder Patrick W. Connolly, two of the
most successful business men III Bayonne After
upbraiding them in severe terms. every one pres
ent Was invited to cast his or her ballot on the
| important issue. The ballots in favor of Father
Killcen were printed on light-bue tinted paper,
and on them was cross, while those against him
were on white paper and slightly smaller, and a
circle was printed on them. Martin Cassidy and
Killeen acted as telers
Ballots were taken at the four masses At the
0 80 o'clock mass many children yoted One
hour later a number of parishoners reported that
they could not find ballots against Father Killeen
Nlessrs Brady and Connolly were present and were
invited TO act tellers at that mass their first
appearance, when most of the balloting had been
done. Being taken by surprise and dissatisfied
with what they considered unfair voting, both
refused to act and were not represented. Tho
result announced 1878 in favor Of Father
Keen to 9i against him. 1t is said that there
are 5000 parslioncrs
The promised mass-meeting was held in Bradys
Hall at the appointed hour Judge Connolly presid-
ing About 300 persons were present, most OF
whom were men. A motion TO admit reporters
prevailed The meeting did not represent the
parish fully. and bosterous occurred. SEQ
retary William Mann read the minutes of private
meeting for the information of the assemblage.
When the chairman asked for their adoption
point of order raised by John J. Hickey, q
friend of Father Killeen. that they were not the
property of the meeting. Judge Connolly decided
in his favor, and asked those present to act as
gentlemen, quietly and honorably. Chairman Con-
nelly explained that the organized movement had
been open and above board Mr.. Hickey offered
resolution, /" That we repudiate the statement made
to the pastor that majority wanted him removed,
and cite the figures of the ballots taken at the
masses to-day" During dispute which followed,
Jack" Flynn threatened TO shut up Richard
Walsh for interruption. Mr. Flynn demanded 70
know who counted those ballots. Mr. Hickey re-
piled that men who would swear TO the vote
counted them
ExPostmaster Brady one of the leaders in the
movement, commanded the respect Of the as
IL. 4.
ment of his position, the substance of which was
follows:
[ wrote letter TO Father Kileen end would like 70
YOU hear it read The letter refers to the action
taken the private meeting and to the scandaous talk
of the community about church affairs. My action
since my resignation lustee has been conservative
feel bound work for better ligous protection Of
children and myself. NJ opinion is that the
jorty Of the Iarishioners with 1 not here
say anything against Father Killeen's character.
Father Klleen rcfers to my ignorance and audaci;y.
We don't try to rigeon.hoe this thing. No re.
grct> 1t more than l. offer my nesh and blood In
defence Of the Church. Great appauel. L forced
10 iIHe my children out of the parochia schools for
better education not account OF the ore
teachers. For thirteen years l a trustee. When
| approached Father kleen three years about the
school question: resigned trustee. my being
that did like the progress made in arithme etfe
geography and grammar. Father Kleen said the oh.
ject Of the schools to maintain religion OF the
Church that reading and writing sufficient In.
structon.
Nothing would drive me from Father Killeen but tho
education OF my children He refused TO go into details
with and refused provide further education. NV
relations with Father Keen have been such could
have had his ockctbook and thing he had years.
II I've had the audacity ahead when / thought
rgho can't help It. Father had one curate
years and during the years he's had nye
What's the reason all these men had TO leave, Father
kieen had housek'eper who domneers all
who come 70 this parish, (Crrs OF Put her out" Ap
ulaII Ia tg.nttn Hop.fp.
curate and that she cainot mere oscr that A.
ono reason otter his refusal q advance education as
another In years II appaars Father Knleen and
were inseparabla, and l thought The hardship for
paying for that edhce falls few and we ouch, 70 GOT
the other parshiOner in the fold The church has
been more like museum than church for four or five
Sundays.
There reports that Father Connolly the late cur,te
La, been ordered out OF the conf, sona and been called
drunken oafer II Father Kiccn had the goodwill s
tn Bishop, which lac once had. the Bishop would have
transfer d he cuiatc upon simple request belieye
there's been some deception IN placing st. Thoma,'s
Church where IL il. ST. IL nry's. A prcst who
Is relative OF Father ,cnmliy from Buffalo told me
that Father tornely withdrew to trout L. and went
10 Buffalo to rccup rate have r.t bit Of preju
dice against Father Kien With reference TO the voting
in the church to-day, all ask IS fair play Let Us have
petitions sian'd by pari'honers eNprss their opinion
after due notice. and decide by little children voting
won't object 70 your keeping Father Kieen II mo.
orIty want to remain will join in artiy. Gentlemen
u has not been fair, the voting to-day. / you TO
recognize my right.
Mr., Hickey, who for years has beea credited
with being the personal representative of Father
Iillcn. then spoke. He characterized most OF
he statements made by Mr.. Brady as reckless
md unfonndod, saying that graduates from the
DarOchial school were just COOL as those from
The public schools. While in the Board of Eiuca-
ion Mr.. Hickey tried 10 have the Blbl, removed
rom the public schools. Recording the trouble
between Father Killecn and his former curate
he speaker insisted that tn, latter had apologized
o the rector and begged him not 10 bring the
natter before the Bishop.
Chairman Connolly proposed that another meet
ne be held 10 give all 4 Chanc" 10 be present
Mr.. Hickey defended the failure of Father
ilcen 10 give notice of the hall)ting in the
hurch. saving It's all the better no cleo.