Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-06-28
BISHOP KEANE TALKS.
Some Things He Said In New York on Timely
Topics.


Topics.
Bishop Keane, rector Of the Catholic Uni
versity, was interviewed in New York yesterday
to the Harvard commencement to receive
the degree OF LII. ID. TO be conferred upon
him. In answer to question as to what he
thought of the pope's recent letter to the
bishops, Bishop Kesne said:
There is only one thing to be said about IL.
II is the most remarkable document ever sent
out by pope in support of his Official repre-
| sentative j never remember having seen any
thing so strong and conclusive. IL IL very fiat
tering to the delegate, of course. though il is
only what he expected and what we all expected
from Leo MIL"
"What is the legal force and practical signif-
icance of the letter?''
"To set all controversies at rest the pope
declares that the DEGREES of the most recent
council are the general rule for ordinary
circumstances. Schools must be built and per-
fected wherever the conditions are favorable
The DEGREES are not set aside by the PROPOSE
tons. hut supplemented. We have taken a step
forward to meet new circumstances. When
schools cannot be built according to tho mind
OF the council, then instead Of remaining in
| enforced idleness, pastors must exert them
selves for .he religions training of the children
in the public schools"
.''Do YOU believe the worlds fair IN ould be
kept open on sunday" asked the reporter
Il believe the fair should be opened on
Sunday afternoons. Two ideas rule the Sun
day-homage to God and mans rest To
exclude altogether or leave in the shade the
religious element of the Sunday would be TO do
God an injustice, and il would also be an in
Justice tn exclude the idea of rest for man from
the Sunday. There is certainly room for re-
hgious duty and decent recreation on that day.
The most serious objection to the opening
OF the fair on Sunday is the fact that 50.0 900
men must be employed on the grounds seven
days OF the week. Then. the observance Of
Sunday in Chicago is a different thing from
what you are accustomed 10 in the east.
Sunday recreation must not be mistaken
for license. We do not want European
methods of keeping the SUNDAY. The day
should ever remain sacred and not be allowed
90 fall to the level of an uproarious civic holt
day. The public should make the authorities
in Chicago understand thft approval OF Sunday
opening does not mean approval of all the
denominations that officials may tolerate on
other days"
THE CONGRESS OF RELIGIONS.
''You have been sharply criticised for your
connection with the great congress OF re-
ligions."
The criticism will not stand" said the
bishop with energy. THAT have anything 20
do with it is owing to the decision of the arch
bishops at their meeting last fall. was deputed
! 10 look after Catholic interests at the
| congress. L certain we shall make q
very creditable appearance at the most
interesting gathering OF men this country and
century have seen. just think OF It. For two
weeks and a half the earnest representatives OF
many forms of religious belief will explain to
their audiences the relation which their creeds
bear to man and the great problems OF life.
III Is not controversy we seeking, but
comparison. All religions claim TO be able to
explain mans destiny and to aid him in
I I. Il il IN Ia
this claim in favored temples before believing
crowds and another to maintain ii before
the doubling world. Catholics have much to
hope from full and fair explanation Of their
beiiefs to the audiences that will assemble at
THIS congress. Theirs is the historic church,
and no other has greater power for good at this
moment or greater willingness to use it for the
people"