Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-01-29


laymen of weight and character; guided
by whose counsel they should endeavor
peacefully to adopt and carry into effect
such measures as may seem most ad-
vantageous to their interests, keeping In
view the rules laid down by us in our en-
cyclical Rerum Novarum. Let them, now
| ever, never allow this to escape their MEM
ory; but while 1t is proper and desirable
to assert and secure the rights OF the
many, yet this is not to be done by vto-
lation of duty; and that these are very I'M
portant duties; not to touch what belongs
to another; to allow every one to be free
in the management Of his own affairs; not
to hinder any one to dispose OF his serv-
ices when he pleases and where he pleases.
The scenes of violence and riot which you
witnessed last year in your own country
sufficiently admonish you that America,
too. is threatened with the audacity and
ferocity Of the enemies of public order.
The state Of the times, therefore. bids
Catholics to labor for the tranquility Of
the commonwealth, and for this purpose to
obey the laws, abhor violence, and seek
no more than equity or justice permits.
Duties of Journalists.
Toward these objects much may be
contributed by those who have devoted
themselves to writing, and in particular by
those who are engaged on the daily press.
We are aware that already there labor in
this field many men of skill and experience
whose diligence demands words of praise
rather than of encouragement. Neverthe-
less, since the thirst for reading and
knowledge Is so vehement and widespread
among you, and since, according to Cir
cumStanceS, 1t can be productive either of
good or evil, every effort should be made
to increase the number of intelligent and
well-disposed writer's who take religion for
their guide and virtue for their constant
companion.
And this seems all the more necessary
in America, on account of the familiar in
tercourse and intimacy between Catholics
an6 hos rho
Catholic name-a condition of things which
certainly eXacts from our people great cir
cumspection and more than ordinary firm
ness. 1t is necessary to instruct, admon-
ish, strengthen and urge them to the
pursuit of virtue and to the faithful OBJ
servance. amid SO many occasions Of
stumbling, Of their duties toward the
church. 1t is, of course, the proper func-
ton of the clergy to devote their care and
energies to this great work. but the age
and the country require that journalists
should be equally jealous in this same
clause, and labor in it to the full extent of
their powers. Let them, however, serious
ly reflect that their writings, If not posi-
lively prejudicial to religion. will surely
be of slight service to 1t, unless in concord
of minds they all seek the same end.
'DiscOrd to BE Avoided.
"Those who desire to be of real service to
the church. and with their pens heartily TO
defend the Catholic cause, should carry on
the conflict with perfect unanimity. and, as
1t were, with serried ranks for they rather
infiict than repel war If they waste their
strength by discord. In like manner, their
work, instead Of being profitable and fruit
full becomes Injurious and disastrous,
whenever they presume to call before their
tribunal the decisions and acts Of bishops, |
and, casting Off due reverence, cavil and
find fault, not perceiving how great dis |
turbance of order and how many evils are |
OF thnr, ha ind
full Of their duty, and not overstep the |
proper limits Of moderation. The bishops, |
placed in the lofty position Of authority, |
are to be obeyed; and suitable honor, befit- |
ting the magnitude and sanctity of their !
Office should be paid them Now, this rev. |
erence, which is lawful to no one to |
neglect, should, of necessity, be eminently |
in Catholic journalists. For |
come daily into the hands Of everybody. |
and exert no small influence upon the opin-
ions and morals of the multitude"
I'VE have, ourself, on frequent occasions,
laid down many rules respecting the duties
CT good writer. many of which were
unanimously inculcated, as well by the |
third council of Baltimore. as by the arch
bishops in their meeting at Chicago, in the
year 1893. Let Catholic writer's, therefore,
bear impressed in their minds our teach
II gs and yours on this point, and let them
shall be thereby guided. if they, indeed, de-
sire, as they ought to desire, to discharge
their duty we'll.
Indians and Negroes.
Finally, we cannot pass over in silence
those whose long-continued unhappy lot |
implores and demands succor fro1a men
Of apostolic zeal. We refer to the Indians
and negroes who are found within the
confines of America, the greatest portion
of whom have not yet dispelled the dark
ness Of superstition. How wide a field for |
cultivation! How great a multitude Of hu-
man beings to be made partakers of the
blessings derived through Jesus Christ!
Meanwhile, a presage Of heavenly
graces and testimony Of our benevolence,
we most lovingly in the Lord, impart to
athren and q |