The Irish standard., 1896-10-10


successors. Bishop Keane, it Is expected,
will be made an archbishop with see
in this country or live at Rome.
On the same day Washington dispatch
said:
The current belief among some Of the
prominent Catholics of Washington is
that one of the reasons for Bishop
Keane's resignation may be found in his
cooperation with Archbishop Ireland in
fostering the liberal spirit as against the
old regime. These same persons say that
the German Catholics of the country are
antagonizing the archbishop and every
body having anythinge to do with him
for his attitude on the parochiA school
question.
The officials at the Catholic legation
here and Cardinal Satolli decline to make
any statement in regard to the resigna-
lion and declare that the news was mat
ter of utter surprise to them.
Following these comes this intelligence
from New York.
Bishop Keane, rector of the Catholic
University of America makes the fol-
lowing statement concerning his with
drawal from the head of that institution:
"Since my withdrawal from the rector
ship of the Catholic University of Amer
lea will probably be regarded by con-
siderable portion of the American public
as matter of some interest to them, and
since unauthorized statements are apt to
be misleading, l. deem it my duty to state
briefly and clearly the facts Of the case.
"On Sept % + received through his
sminence, Cardinal Gibbons, letter from
our holy father Leo Kill, OF which the
following is translation:
"'To our beloved brother Joseph
Keane bishop Of Ajassa: Venerable
brother, health and apostolic benediction.
est is customary that they who are
appointed to preside over Catholic UNI
yersjties should not hold the. office in
perpetuity. This custom has grown UP
through wise reasons and the Roman
pontiffs have ever been careful that it
should be adhered to. Since, therefore,
venerable brother, you have now presided
for several yelrs over the university at
Washington, in the first establishment
and subsequent development Of which
YOU have shown the laudable zeal and dill
igence It seemed best that the above
mentioned custom should not be departed
from. and that another whose name is to
be proposed to us by the bishops should
be appointed 70 succeed you in this hon
orable position.
In order, however, that In your re-
signing this office, due regard may be
had to your person and dignity we nave
determined to elevate you to the rank OF
archbishop. Being solicitous for your fu-
ture welfare. we leave it to your own
free choice either to remain in your own
If you choose the former, we will destine
for you some archepiscopal see, by vote
of the bishops of the United States. If
YOU prefer the latter, we shall welcome
YOU most lovingly and will place you
among the consultors of the congega-
ticn of studies and the congregation Of
the propaganda, in both of which you
could do much for the interests Of religion
in the United States. In this latter case
We would also assign you suitable rev.
enue for your honorable services.
4 Trusting, venerable brother, that you
. will accept this, our administrative act,
with hearty good will, we most lovingly
bestow upon you the apostolic benedic-
ton as pledge of our paternal affection.
".Given at Rome, from st. Peters, this
4 18th day of September, 1896, in the, 18th
year of our pontificate.
II, LEO XIII, Pope
.'The next day mailed to the holy
4 1GIl9T b reply, VI WulSA SAO ASAAC"AAA0 AZ
a translation:
1.-THE Catholic University of America,
Washington, Sept 80, 1896. Most Holy
Father-His Eminence, Cardinal Gibbons
Yesterday handed me the letter in which
YOUR holiness has made known to me
+ that nv administration of this university
now comes to an end and that another
rector is to be appointed.
5,.".Without a moment of hesitation l
accept the will of your holiness In the
matter as a manifestation OF the proYsd-
ence of God, and from this instance Ire
sign into the hands of his eminence, the
chancellor, the office OF rector with all
rights thereto attaching.
t"Thanking your holiness for the free
dom of choice granted me, I choose to
remain in my own country, and more
pver without any official position what
soever, in tranquility and peace.
"'Your holiness most humble son IN
Christ. JOHN J. kE IAN
Bishop Of Ajassa. z
supplementing The letters, Bishop
]. Keane says: IT welcome my release from
the Office Of rector Of the university with
profound gratitude both to the divine
providence and to the pope. While I al
ways regarded it's duties as a labor Of
hye. they had grown to be far beyond my
strength and abilities, and the deliver
Il ance from the burden is a response to
B many many prayers was too loyal a:soldier
Ss1 rs ask to be relieved from my post no
4 matter what it's difficultfes, but Feeling
that my nine years Of strain and solici-
sSstude III the work had brought me close
"a the end Of my brain nerve powers.
II as fully ready to welcome what has been
III done IL shall now enjoy some months
! 81 needed rest on the Pacific c0ast, leaving
4 alll plans for the future TO aElatter date
course, no one needs to- be assured q
II the action of the holy cher Il
ted not onl y kindness
n allled Idea !: I: I: !; AMI : '|;;ss
;Sss
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