The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1895-01-01
BAN OF THE CATHOLICS.
The Leader of One Order Objects
TO the Decree,
BUT 1T is LIKELY TO STAND.
Grand Chancellor Hilcher OF the
knights of Pythias Writes to
Right Rev. Messmer.

ST. PAUL, Mimi, Dec 3l-The follow
ing letter was mailed 10 this city to-day.
being given to the Associated Press at the
same time:
ST. PAUL, Mimi. Dec. 81, 1894
RIGHT Rev. s. g. Messmer. Green Bay. WIS
RIGHT REVEREND SIR: Your interview dated
Green Bay WIS. December 90. and reported In
the Chicago Tribune, in regard TO The decree OF
the Roman church putting the ban on the Odd
Fellows and the Knights OF Pythias Is entitled
to special consideration from the fact that you
offer an argument in justification OF the pan.
Your argument is stated as follows:
''There never had been any objection to
Catholics belonging to the lower degrees OF any
of these secret societies. In those degrees men
are only banded tOge her for mutual benefit
and pleasure. But In the higher degrees the
principles and teachings OF these societies are
distinctly anti. Christian and contrary to the
principles OF the Catholic church. II the lower
lodges were separated from the higher circles
of these orders no objection would be made 10
them, but as all are part OF the same organl-
cation they must all come under the ban.''
Your words. right reverend sir, are clear
and explicit, and II your argument can be sus-
tanned they explain fully the ban placed on
these societies by the Pope. But / deny the
charge made against the order of the knights
of Pythias, ana l publicly challenge you TO
prove your assertion. You owe his TO the
American public, 10 your own church. and In
special manner to the societies upon whom
your accusation falls. My demands. made with
the greatest respectsare:
Flrst-That you prove that a radical differ
ence exists as TO the principles and purposes
between the lower and higher degrees of the
Knights OF Pythias-a difference such as 10
make the highest degrees worthy of condemna-
ton while The lower degrees are innocent.
SecOnd-That you prove that in those higher
degrees the principles and teachings OF those
societies are distinctly anti-Chrstidn and con-
trary TO the principles Of the Catholic church.
may add that though beginning reply 10
all these points l hope that you will give spe-
cial attention to your charges that the higher
degrees are antl-Chrstlan-a charge which GER
taluly should not be made lightly. AS your
interview was given to the public press ! con-
slider 1t my privilege and my duty TO give this
reply the same publicity. Respectfully.
j. F. HIGHER,
Grand Chancellor X. of P. of Minnesota.
PIoUA, Ohio, Dec. 3l.-W. C. Richie of
Lima, supreme chancellor of the knigh
of Pythias. and John c. Burns of Mans
field, supreme representative. were in this
city to-day. The supreme chan ceIior said:
THE church is able to take care of its
own business. The Knights are able to
run theirs. We do not propose TO run
theirs nor will they be able to interfere
with u.s."
WASHINGTON, Dec. Glowing to mis-
apprebensions caused by the publication
OF the sta ement that the decree concern
ing secret societies was not final aud was
TO be submit ted to the Bishops to secure
from them their opinions thereon, Mon
signor Satolli authorizes the Associated
Press to make the following brief state
ment of facts: The Archbishops in the
United States have taken counsel with
respect to three societies. namely, Old
Fellows, Sons Of Temperance and the
knights of Pythds. The Arch bishops
decided the whole question should be sub
mltted to the Apostolic See. In a CON-
muuication from his Emineuce Cardinal
Monaco to Monsignor Satolli the action of
the general congregation of Cardinals, to
whom his Holiness committed the Ques-
ton, is made known. The congregation,
after considering carefully the matter,
made decree. This decree his Holiness
fully confirmed and gave 1t complete eff
feet. The decree is, therefore. transmitted
20 all the Arch bishops, Bishops and other
ordinaries in the United States. to be by
them carried into effect.
Monsignor Satolli has acted solely as the
medium for transmission. but in view of
the contradictory and confused reports
eman atng from various parts of the
country the facts are thus briefly stated.