The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-12-01
LOST THE MITRE.
Story of Politics in the
Church.
HOW MATT WAS ELECTED.
Archbishop Riordan's Brother
Turned Down.
BOOKED FOR A BISHOPRIC.
BOOKED FOR A BIsHoPRIC
Though Backed by High Church
Dignitaries the Power of the
Jesuits Beat Him.

CHICAGO, Nov. 30 The Post says:
RumOrs of disaffecuOns in Bishop MaIzf
Denver diocese and bis consequent resIg-
| nation have brought to light remarkable
story of ecclesiastical politics in which
Father Riordan, pastor of ST. EizabeLh's
Catholic Church OF this city and a brother
of Arcn bishop Riordan. was deprived OF
the bisbopric alter he had practically had
the honor conferred upon him. The epis-
cOpacy IN question was the very one which
Bishop .MaIZ is shown to be endeayoring
to resign and to which 1T is possible Father
Mcclure of st. James Church may be ele-
vated in the near future. The story goes,
and is now for the first time made public,
that there were two candidates for the see
in Denver. These were Father Waters of
Lafayette, Ind, who is now dead, and
Father Riordan. The latter was the choice
of the majority of the powers in the
church and everything presaged his cleo
ton. Archbishop Ireland cast his inf1u-
ence for Father RiOrdan aud made his
best efforts to aid in obtaining his nOmina-
ton. His assistance was Of no small
moment and in itself would ordinarily as
sure the consent of the church 10 eleva-
ton of any man to the Office.
Father RiOrdan was nor entreDched be-
hind Archbishop Ireland's support alone.
Re was favored by Cardinal Gibbons him
self The distinguished prelate, it is said
did not hesitate TO enter the breach and
declare himself for Father Riordan. He
let il become known that his support was
with the Arch bishops brother, and was
apparently not unwilling that his stand in
the matter be broached to those concerned.
When il was learned in this city that
Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishop Ireland
and other dignitaries of the church desired
that Father Riordan be elected to the
Denver diocese, 1t was regarded among
| Catholics here who had knowledge of the
premises that such action would eventu-
ally be taken. Indeed, Father Riordan's
| fir rends were greving that he was to leave
Chicago, although they were pleased at
| his advancement TO the bishopric. Father
Riordan was given the strongest recon-
mendation to the supreme authority in the
Eternal City. 1t is also a fact known
among the best informed chnrchmen here
that Father Riordan's appointment had
been given papal sanction.
| The order Of procedure in an appoint
ment to a bishopric is as follows: The
candidates are considered by the suffra-
| gans, the suffragans recommending three
in this order: 1-dignus; 2-dignior; s.
| dignissimus. When the three names are
written opposite these degrees of approba-
tieu, the pontifical powers supposedly
choose one for the Office Very frequently
he range of nominations is not
confined to the list furnished by
the suffragans and the papal choice
| l.
posed.
Ii will be seen that such was the case in
this instance, as it is alleged none of the
three men sugg est ed by the suffragans
were appointed to The Denver bishopric.
When the plans for Father Riordan's ap-
| pointment were thought to have been con-
summated and his friends here were
even preparing to testify their affection
| for him before his departure there was
sen sation upon the announcement that
another had been named in his stead.
This was Bishop Matz. He had shot over
the heads of the suffragaus, and it is
claimed through the help of the Jesuits
| had succeeded in obtaining the nomlna-
ton. That there was great disappoint-
ment because Father Riordan was not
| given the vacancy is not to be doubted.
| He had great popularity both here and
| in Denver, and nearly all the preIates in
the West hoped for his elevation.
Naturally there was some regret at the
outcome. 1t was even limited that 1t re-
suited in dissensons in the higher circles
| OF the church. However that may be, the
choice may become most aSsuredly con-
ducve to the best interests of the Denver
diocese, as recent events have shown.
Upon Bishop Matz's entrance into the
church direction in the Colorado metrop-
oils there was instituted what might be
termed, so it is alleged, an ecclesiastical
| boycott Rich members of the laity de-
clned to contribute to the church funds
so literally as they had hitherto, aud
finally debts grew and the finances be-
came sadly embarrassed. On this account,
| the story is. Bishop Maz resigned; but
his resignation was depende upon his
appointment to another see. 1t is stated
that the condition could not be met, and
| that Bishop Matz will be forced to stay
| in his present place or resign uucondition-
ally. From the terms of the document it
| is evident that Bishop Matz wished only
to be transferred from Denver, and it is
| also shown that there were reasons for his
dissatisfaction with his episcopacy.
By this strange and unexplained manip-
u!ation OF "church machinery Father
Daniel ]. Riordap, one of the most re-
| .pacted and best liked Of the Catholic
clergy in the West, was deprived of an
| office which he would have invested with
dignity and whose duties would have been
discharged with the ability which is promi-
nently his.
| Archbishop Ireland was at the Grand
Pacific Hotel to-day, but declined to talk
about Bishop MatZ or Father Riordan's
candidacy for the episcopacy. His Grace
of 81. Paul also refused to discuss the re-
cent attack made upon him by Bishop Nc
| Quad of Rochester.