The morning call., 1893-08-21
T" 1T is A SHAME. :"
Father Larkin CritiCiZeS
the Y. M. |.
A Pastor Denounces the Methods Re-
sorted To for Raising a Fair
Contribution.

The Y Dung Mems Institute issued cir
cular letter week ago to pastors of the
Catholic churches in this city asking them
to announce an entertainment for the
benefit Of the Midwinter Fair.
Rev. Thomas Larkin, pastor of st.
Mary's Church on California street,
formed his opinions on this method of
raising money adopted by representa-
tive body Of Catholic young men, so he
astonished the congregation OF his church
at late mass yesterday by stating his
views.
I've been requested to announce to
you," he said, that an entertainment will
be given by the Young Mems Institute in
Metropolitan Hall in aid OF the Midwiuter
Fair l make the announcement not to
show that this entertainment has the ap-
prOval of the church, for do not think this
Is the time to approve or disapprove of this
enterprise, but simply 20 give myself an
opportunity of giving an expression of my
ideas with regard to the Young Mems In-
stitute. | am an ardent friend of the
Young Mems Institute and an honorary
member OF the institute, aud what say is
III a spirit of true friendship and made
with the hope they may learn a lesson
from 1t.
They undertake to give an entertain
ment Ill the name of the Young Mems In
stitu;e. Invitations have been sent to the
pastors OF the city from the grand secre-
tary and emanating from headquarters,
stating that as a Catholic organ ization they
are in active sympathy with every public
enterprise, and as Catholic organiZa tiGn
ready Ia help any enterprise having the
material, social and spiritual welfare of
the community at heart"
Then IL was asked how this statement
w IN ho ,r1Ii fad ba
ticatiOn is in harmony with true Catholi.
spirit. Father Larkin computed that as
Metropolitan Hall seats only 1000 and
tickets for the entertainment are % cents
the total receipts would be at best $3.50
and after subtracting expenses the fair
fund would get possibly $50.
Here are 1000 young intelligent men Of
brains aud superior abilities asking the
pastors of the churches TO announce an
entertainment that 1000 persons might go
10 il and that $3.50 less expenses he given
10 this great Midwinter Fair-40OO Young
men! Why not go into their pockets,
why not assess themselves % cents each If
they want 10 contribute?
But no, those Catholic young men, de-
sirous of showing what a Catholic organi-
zatiOn can do, look to their friends for
help. Brethren, If many of their fathers
knew it they would turn in their graves.
1t looks really sad.
What have these young men done? As
a Catholic organization they are capable
of doing much good; they have been COM
mended by the church. A Catholic miser
is a monstrOsity; he ought TO be in
menagerie. and when dead in museum.
Who wishes TO be identified with such an
organization The idea of 1000 men MAX
ing such an offering at the expense OF
Others and as a Catholic organization and
as representative Catholics! They have
my sympathy, my pity! hope they have
yours.
What may We expect few years henceo
They are the coming men. VIII they help
us along with q two-bit entertainment. Is
this the way the churches have been
built, sustained?
observe it is none of my business to
commend or disapprove of this great enter
prise. We are living here, our in tereSts are
wrapped up in the community There ia
no reason why we cannot cooperate with
all religions or questions of public impor-
tance. But see how we treat everything
We are a series of small villages held to-
gether by bands OF railroad iron. This
haggling and getting round, getting fivs
cents from one, half dollar from a widow
it is a shame!
'Look at the young men. They want
to build hall and ask some wealthy Cath
olics 10 build it for them. 1t is a shame.
There is no unanimity among them; they
are jealous. suspicious OF one another
afraid some one will steal few dollars
thew may contribute. There is more spirit
among the English speaking people of
Milpitas. What have said is in the kind
liest spirit. and speak that they may be-
come better mem"