The herald., 1894-06-11
LETTER BAG.
THE HERALD under this heading prints com
munications. but does not assume response
bility for the sentiments eKpressed.l

The A. p. AS and the Schools.
EDITORS HERALD The committee on
resolutions In the Republican conven-
ton, recently held in this city. were too
mild entirely in expressing their senti-
ments on the school question.
They shoald declare themselves in a
vigorous and straightforward manner in
favor of the compulsory education OF all
children. AZ read this plank in the
platform of the convention there seems
to be a mystery about 1t which is diff
cult for any one not an A. p. A-ist or O
Catholic to understand.
The words "We favor the compulsory
attendance OF children in our public
schools" may be construed In various
ways.
The A. P. Artists, who were in the
majority in the convention, may insist
that no child ehall be educated by the
Sisters of Charity, but that all must at
tend the public schools, and those that
don't wish to send their children to any
school may claim to be exempt If the
sentiments expressed ny the above reeo-
luton were embodied in a state law.
The public schools are making greater
progress than any other branch of the
public service, and the "hobby" which
few "cranks" are making OF the ques-
ton can do no good, but, on the con-
trary, 1t is liable to injure the cause of
education in general.
Intemperate bigotry, no matter how it
may be disguised, will injure any cause
with which it may be allied. 1t is
bound to create bitterness and suspicion
among friends and neighbors, and it can
add nothing to the strong and healthy
public sentiment that supports our pub
lie school system.
II the A. p. AS would confine them
selves to Safeguarding the Catholic
priests and Sisters of Charity, which
seems to be the principal occupation of
their parent order in Ireland and Cam
ada, no American need be alarmed by
their existence in this country; but
when they undertake to control eau
cuses, primaries and conventions, and
gain sufficient strength to insert their
kissing in the platform of a political
party, they are very dangerous, because
no great political party can be destroyed
without injury to its country, and death
will stare any party in the face that will
dare carry this serpent in its bosom.
am Protestant Christian and cam
not understand how any man of self
respect can take solemn oath to de-
prive millions of our citizens of their
political rights, or how any man who
claims to be gentleman can sacrifice
his right to be frank and fair ameng his
neighbors and fellow citizens. The re-
porte, rumors and infamous lies which
have been in circulation during the
last three months on the streets OF this
city, for the purpose of increasing the
membership Of the A. P. P, are dread
ful. Oofins full of repeating rihes are
said to be carried into all the Catholic
churches in this city; two-thirds of
the Office holders In the court house are
said to be Catholics; all the Common
wealers who are marching on to Wash
ington are said to be Differed by the
pope's emissaries. These reports and
others equally as ridiculous are circu
lated in this city and county for the
purpose OF making fools mad. Men who
believe these reports are very danger
Gus. They will hardly confne their
operations to the caucus and conven-
ton, but may burn schools and churche s
may Ihhsanshifsatto o1dffashioned - Know now
nothing riots. Let us hope that the
patience and forbearance of our Catholic
fellow citizens shall prevail uatil this
Incorporate wave which is passing oven
our country has run into the political
slums and sewers that readily absorb
whatever is vile In every community.
Yours respectfully,
A REPUBLICAN,