The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1893-06-21

while to others 1t seemed that the pro-
positions partially abrogated the dlsclp :
linary law concerning schools enacted uy
the Council of Baltimore. aud they
feared that the diversity OF interpreta-
tions put upon them would engender
sad dissensions which would prove detrl-
mental to the Catholic schools.
FALSE INTERPRETATION.
After carefully weighing the matter.
we are intimately convinced that sucn
interpretations are totally alien from the
meaning of our delegate, as they are as
suredly far from the mind of this Apos-
tolic See. For the principal PROPOSE
tions offered oy him were drawn from
the DEGREES of the Third Plenary Council
of Baltimore, and especially declare
that Catholic schools are TO be
most sedulouslv promoted, and that
it is to be left to the judg-
ment aud conscience of the Ordinary
to decide, according to the circumstances.
wnen it is lawful and when unlawful TO
attend the public schools. Now. If the
words of any speaker are so to be taken
that the latter parr of his discourse
shall be understood to agree. anu not
to disagree, with what he had said before.
it is surely both unbecoming and unjust
SO to explain his later utterances as to
make them disagree with the preceding
ones. And this Is the more true since
the meaning OF the writer was not at all
left obscure.
"for while presenting his proposirio MS to
the disringuishen meeting in New York,
he expressly declared (as Is evident from
the minutes) his admiration for the zeal
manifested by the bishop of North
America in the most wise DEGREES
enacted by the Third Plenary Council OF
Baltimore for the promotion OF the
Catholic instruction of the young. He
added, moreover, that these degrees. In
as far as they contain Qeoeral
rule of action. are faithfully
to be observed. and that
although the public schools are not to be
entirely condemned, (slnce cases may oc-
cur as the council Itself had foreseen. in
which it is lawful to attend
them), still every endeavor should
be mads to multiply Catholic schools,
aud to bring them to perfect equlpment.
But in order that, in matter OF SO grave
Importance. there may remain no
further room for doubt or for dis
sensions of opinions as we have already
declared in our letter of the 23d OF May of
last year to our Venerable Brethren, the
Archbishop and Bishops Of the Province
of New York, 80 we again, as far as need
be, declare that the DEGREES which the
Baltimore Councils, agreeably to the di-
rections of the Holy See, have enacted
concerning parochlal schools, and what
ever else has been prescribed by the
Roman pontlffs. whether dire city or
through the sacred congregations. con-
corning the same matter, are to be stead
fastly observed.
PLEA FOR UNITY.
Therefore we confidently hope (aud
your devotedness to us and to the Apos-
tolie See increases our confidence) that
having put away every cause
of error and all anxiety you
will work together, with hearts
cho wit For hn
W ider and wider spread of sthe Kingdom
of God in your immense country. But
while industriously laborpg for the
glory of God and the salvation OF the
souls entrusted to your care,
strive also TO promote the well
fare of your fellow citizens and to
prove the earnestness nf your love for
trusted with the administration OF the
government may clearly recognize how
strong an influence for the support OF
public order aud for the advancement OF
public prosperity Is to be found in the
Catholic Church.
know for certain that you will not only
communicate to our other venerable
brethren in the United States, this our
mind which it hath seemed good
to us to make known to you,
but that you will also strive with
all your power that, the controversy be-
ing not only calmed but totally ended, as
is so greatly to ne desired. the minds
which have been excited by it may peace
fully be invited in mutual good will.
meanwhile. as pledge OF our affec-
tion, we most lovingly in the Lord bestow
upon you and upon our said venerable
brethren, and upon the clergy and faith
full people intrusted to your care, the
Apostolic Benediction.
"Given at Rome. from St. Peters, on
the 31st dav of May, in the year 1898, the
sixteenth year of our Pontificate.
LEO XIII, Pope"