New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-11-26
A CATHOLIC SCHOOL CIRCULAR.
APPORTIONMENT OF STATE FUNDS TO DENOMI
NATIONAL SCHOOLS FAVORED.

APPORTIO NMENT OF STATE FUNDS TO DENOMI
NATIONAL SCHOOLS FAVORED.
Baltimore Nov % (SpecaD.--A circular on the
school question said to have been inspired by Mon
signor Satolli and issued by Roman Catholic citi-
zens under the direction OF Cardinal Gibbons, has
been sent to members Of the City Council OF this
city, members Of the Legislature and other city
and State officers. 1t will also be distributed among
Protestant as well Catholic citizens or Balti'
more The purpose OF the circular is to create
sentiment In favor OF the apportionment OF State
school funds to Catholic schools. 1t Is under
stood that these circulars will be distributed IN
every State, the Legislatures of which meet THIS
winter. The Catholic authorities In each OF these
States will note carefully the effect OF the circu-
lars upon the public mind. II thought TO be favor
able to a division of the school fund. bills MAX
ing such provision will find their way into the
legislative bodies.
ut must be understood" reads the circular.
that Catholics are not opposed to the pubic
schools far as they impart good secular
education; but believe that education. to be
complete must rest on religion as the basis OF all
practical morality. Man, created In the image OF
God. has a longing after Immortality and aspira-
lions TO seek first the Kingdom Of God and His
Justice The religious and secular education OF the
rising generation IL object OF the greatest I'M
portancc. 1t will be barrier to impiety and
most eflectual means OF intoxicating obedience 10
the laws. and OF promoting peace anu oruer ia
society The system OF education in England. Ire
land and In the Canadas combines State and de-
nominational schools supported py the puohc
purse" , . -..,.s
have favored UNCONVENTIONAL schools are quoted
President Eliot. OF Harvard Is quoted as 81 having
in a recent address advocated the teaching or
religion In public schools and that Catholics,
Prolestants and Israelites be allowed teachers or
their faith paid out OF the school fund .hter
onoting George Washington as saying that morality
Jannot be obtained without religion the circular
concludes: ,,, l., 80
\"Since II II considered by all that religion Is an
eAsential element OF civilization and the bulwark
OF Ssy!l government. consider that the state IN
It's educational system should have regard for the
right OF parents to accord 10 them the religious
freedom guaranteed by the Constitution AS the
law now stands parents who prefer parochial
schools OF education for their children are
deprived Of the benefit of their taxes as far as ecu
eating their own offspring Is helped by them Iney
are also led from motives OF charity 10 educate the
poor OF their denomination. This threefold tax Is
very onerous. furthermore the system OF educatioh
which the State adopts presents TO our minds a
grievance very much TO be deplored the absence or
religion in the public schools We wish II TO be un-
dersood that II is not purpose 10 interfere win
the public schools We only desire n modnca-
ton OF the present common-schoo system. 80 that
the conscience of parents be respected. and that
the State that even-handed justice be done TO
all citizens. that none be taxed without deriving
thcrefrom a corresponding benefit and that pubic
blessings may be commensurate with pubic bur
deus"