The National tribune., 1893-03-23
A QUESTION SETTLED.
Tie r-in-Chief Writes n Letter
About Catholics and the GAR.

The Chief Writes n Letter
About Catholics and the GAR.
HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC,
ATJuTANT GENERALS OFFICE, Z
MILWAUKEE Wis. March II, 1898.
The following explains itself:
REVEREND AND DEAR SIR:
In n late Issue Of The Fond du Lac Reporter read
the following; purpor'ing 10 be your exposition OF
the relations between the Grand Army OF the Re
public anu the Roman Catholic Church:
THE CATHOLICS AND THE GAR.
Rer Father KeeRan's Eloquent Tribute 10 The FeioraE
Boys in Blue.
"FoSp Dc Lac REPORTER: / am called upon
10 explain the position of The Catholic Church in
relation 10 the Grand Army of the Republic. 1
know very little about the circumstances which
lead to this request, further Than that some clergy
man objected 10 the GAR assisting in body AT
The funeral of a conrade If this be true. 1t would
be similar 10 a which occurred In one of our
neighboring States but few months ago A clergy
man not long in this country, refused TO admit the
As soon the Bishop OF the diocese was informed
of the action of his priest he immediately ordered
him TO make pubic apology.
ITO premise, the Grand Army Of the Republic
il never classified by The Church among secret or
forbidden societies, but invariably in her councils
and synods where such secret societies were dis
cussed and DEGREES passed against them, the de-
crees close by stating, These restrictions do not
amply to the Grand Army OF the Republic The
reason for this The G. A r. is considered simply
National organization. 1t has and deserves
10 have the respect and honor of the Church and
Government The Church well as the Govern.
ent love 10 cherish iolism and with her love of
country is superseded only by love Of God. Being
the mother of many Children, rich and poor, she
does formulate one burial service Tor Gen
sherman, who laid to rest with full military
bonors, and different one Tor some obscure pTl-
vRte.
Personally love the idea OF fellowship which
pervades the 6. A. r. What more touching sight
can we witness than these old veterans, who
stood shoulder to shoulder in the front of battle
fighting for fircside and country. bearing one of
fi.afs.r ,hnr sai los ACC
the flag he often fought under, and Ills mortal
remains surrounded by his now aged companions
of the loBg-extinGuisbed campfires. The Church
gives her blessing such devotion, and in every
country honors the heroes and patriots OF lie
country.
AS long as the @ A. r. remains as Il at present
s. and always has been organization OF patriots
for the perpetuation Of our National institutions
and free Government, so long the members can
rest assured that obstacle will ever be raised
against them by the hierarchy OF the Catholic
Church"
For This timely u,terance desire. behalf of
the 500 600 members of the Order and of the other
500. 900 who yet not within its ranks, but who
eligible, 10 ibsnk you.
At the National Encampment held IN Portland,
Me-, March Is, 1885, Commander-in-Chief John S
Kounlz. Toledo, O.. incorporated in his nddress
report OF committee consisting of Comrades W;
New York, and john G. LiGehan, OF New Hamp,
shire which report Contained the following para
graph
In fulfillment Of the duty assigned me I CORE
sponded with other members of the committee,
and thereupon addressed letters 10 the Priniaie.
the Most Rev. Archbishop Gibbons now Cardinal
of Baltimore, and Archbishop Ryan, OF PhilRdel-
piis. stating TO them that while did not expect
TO ask any Endorsement ecclesiasti cal approval
of our society. were anxious 10 have its nature
understood that il might be known TO ali
fessors that Catholics might, lawfully and with
good conscience. be members thereof
In Response 10 their kindly suggestions / fur
nished simple explanations. written and printed,
showing that association was for the noble OBJ
jects of cultivati among its members the spirit of
Fraternity. Charity
temporary. j also conversed with other Arch
bishops, Bishops and theoiogians, and have the
pleasure to inform you that il was the opinion of
every with whom i conferred that the society
of the Grand Army of the Republic.
anized and conducted is not in the ecclesiastical
meaning Of the phrase ~ secret society,", aud
that Catholics inay with all good conscience be-
long TO IT,
I congratulate our Order that In the opinion OF
such dispassonnte judges. we have buiIded
intended. association co broad. liberal and just
that II may be worthy the great Republic Tor which
we have peried our lives. and for which many
have shed their blood. congratulate you also FOR
happily having undertaken the work of eiciting
these expressions Of opinion so important to the
honor sDd future welfare of our Order
w. :. RosECRAEs.
Chairman Of Special Committee.
These friendly expressions from you and other
distinguished members of your Church are of so
much importance the G.. A. r. and other veterans
ali parts of our Nation with the hope that it may
lead many who have not yet done SO. 10 join the
Order. Very respectfully, yours,
A. @. WFISsERT, Com lander in-Chief GAR.
To FATHER KEENAN,. Fond Du Lac, Wis.