The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1893-09-13

Windy City, no longer Porkopolis, let
us christen her with another name
Thaumatopolis, the city of wonders, the
city of miracles.
"But while other visitors have come
to contemplate with admiration the
wonderful works Of man, with the image
of man stamped upon them, you have
come here tocontemplate man himself
the most wonderful work of God, with
the image of God stamped upon him.
Others are studying what man has
accomplished in the material world
You are to consider what man can accom-
plish in the almost boundless possibili-
ties OF his spiritual and intellectual ma
ture. You will take counsel together to
consider the best means for promoting
the religious and moral, the social and
economic well'being of your felow-citi-
zens.
at is true indeed that your delibera-
tons will not be stamped with the
authority of legislative enactments like
the proceedings OF Congress and the de-
crees of national council. Nevertheless
they will go far toward enlightening pub
lie opinion and molding and shaping
public thought on the great religious,
moral and social questions of the day.
"When l look into your earnest and
intelligent faces / am almost deferred
from imparting to you any words of ad-
monition. But may be pardoned for
giving you a word OF advice. In all your
discussions be ever mindful of the gold
en- saying of st. Vincent Lerins: In
necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in
omnibus caritas' I'm essentials, unity;
in doubtful things, liberty; in all things,
charity. Happily for you children of
the Church, you have nothing to discuss
in the matters OF faith it is determined
by the Divine Legislator, and we can not
improve on the creed of him who is the
way, the truth and the life,
"But between the calm and luminous
region of faith and the dark chaotic re-
gion of error there lies a vast field for
free discussion. Ishould be very sorry
that any member of this Congress should
attempt to circumscribe this free space
by erecting his little fence Of ipse dixits
and saving to all others: Il am Sir
Oracle; thus far you shall come and no
farther"
The Cardinal, continuing, urged that
all the proceedings be marked by cour-
tesy and charity, and by spirit of chris
tan forbearance toward each other,
never descending to personalities. He
added:
"The edifice OF oral and social improve
ment which you aim to build can never
be erected on the ruins of charity. Per-
haps the best model OF courtly dignity
and courtesy that / could set before you
is the Hon. Gladstone, the Grand Old
Man."
The reference to Gladstone evoked
tumultuous applause. In conclusion,
Cardinal Gibbons said
"God grant that our fondest anticipa-
tons of your labors may be realized and
that the Invocation to-day of the divine
blessing, which is so full OF hope, may
be crowned at the end OF your sessions
by tie deum full OF joy and gratitude
for the success of this Convention"
THE PoPE's BLESSING.
At the close OF his address Cardinal
Gibbons read the following from Pope
Leo, giving his blessing TO the Congress
Leo KILL, Pope: To our beloved SON
James, by the title of Sancta Maria in
Trastevere, Cardinal Priest OF the Holy
Roman Church, Archbishop Of Balti-
more
Beloved SON Health and apostolic
benediction. II has afforded us much
satisfaction 10 be informed by you that,
in the coming month OF September, a
large assembly OF Catholic gentlemen
will meet at Chicago, there to discuss
matters ofgreat interest and importance.
Furthermore, we have been specially
gratifed by your devotion and regard for
us in desiring as an suspicious beginning
for such Congress our blessing and our
prayers.
This filial request we do, indeed, most
readily grant, and beseech Almighty
God that by his aid and the light OF his
wisdom he may graciously be pleased to
assist and illume all who are able to as
semble with you, and that he may enrich
with the treasures OF his choicest gifts
your deliberations and conclusions.
To you, therefore, our beloved son,
and to all who take part in the Congress
aforesaid, and 10 clergy and the faithful
committed TO your care, we lovingly in
the Lord impart our apostolic benedic-
ton.
Given at Rome, at st. Peters. the 7th
day OF August, in the year OF our Lord
1893, and OF our pontificate the sixteenth.
LEO Kill, Pope.