The Portland daily press., 1893-12-06

and Others engaged in educational work
regardless of differing religious or politi-
cal faiths. Both the great national
parties, the Republican and Democratic,
as tar back as 1876 in their platforms
recommended such an amendment to the
constitution of the United States.
Almost every religious organization in
the country (there is only one notable ex-
ception) has passed resolutions in favor
of this measure. So those who favor it
are in fairly good company.
Mr.. MCGOWAN quotes on his side of the
question Cardinal Gibbons who. he says
has been styled an American of Ameri-
cans" Let me present the words of one
who was an American of Americans. "
These are the sentiments of General
Grant:
Encourage free schools and resolve
that not one dollar of money appropriated
to their support, no matter how raised,
shall be appropriated to any sectarian
school. Resolve that neither the state
nor the nation nor both combined shall
support schools other than those
sufficient to afford every child growing
up in the land the opportunity of a good
common school education unmixed with
sectarian, pagan or athelstic tenet.
Leave the matter of religion to the
family altar, to the church and to the
HllNdtD SCuOOl WnlCn 10 SuppOi oCet Olut1S-
ly by private contributions. Keep the
church and state forever separate"
But Mr.. MCGOWAN finds the climax of
my sermon in what was said concerning
our local board. He quotes the state
ment that those who are chosen from the
Catholic church to places of trust in
school affairs should give unq1testioned
loyalty to our principles of education. :"
Mr.. MEG owan deems such sentiment a
pPjfi old hap f,f ho
board and an impertinence. ] sympa-
thize with Mr.. McGowan's feelings in the
matter, and by no word of mine would
show personal disrespect to the gentle
man in question. But l beg to remind
Mr.. MCGOWAN that it is no impertinence
for one of our poorest citizens to criJicize
the official acts of the President of the
United States. A member of the school
board, as such, is amenable to the pub
lie. and should be glad to have the
people know how he represents their in
terests. Every member should be I'M
guestionabiy friend to the public
school. That seems reasonable. For in
stance, no man should be chosen who
would be in favor Of disrupting our sys-
tenn ty dividing the school funds. A
member of the school board should be
friendly enough to our public schools to
give preference when employing teachers
to those who are graduates of our public
schools and training schools. That has
not been done. as Mr.. MCGOWAN knows
very well. There are numerous teachers
in our common schools who never went
i'm until they went to draw a salary. The
mem bers of the school board who have
thus offended do not show their love for
the institution. As to what the effects
have been, information can be probably
secured at the North school. -
f Now, Mr.. MCGOWAN, | have said as
little as / could under the circumstances.
hope it is sufficient. 1t was not my
purpose to stir up religious hatred,
and | hope you will allow yours tc
settle. Professionals and Catholics alike
love their children, and seek the best
thing for Them; If the parochial schools
were better we would want them. But
in the light of what has been written, il
isssnot surprising that we do.not favor that
which has made record as failure in
so many lands
Sincerely yours,
MATT. S. HUHGES.
Portland. Decem Der 5, 1893.