New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-10-11
THE CATHOLIC CONTROVERSY REVIVED.

The suddcn and unexpected removal last week
of Bishop Kcane from the rectorshlp Of the Cath
Ollie University at Washington by the Pope mas
excited widespread comment. and may reopen the
bitter Calcnsly controversy Of three years ago.
The facts are briefly these: Bishop Keane mas
been the first and only rector Of the Catnollc
University. It's policy has been largely shaped by
him. Much of the money already contributed 10
it is said 10 have been given to 1t because he was
M its head Ii is further declared that since his
deposltion some persons who had promised to
remember the University have decided not to do
So The Bishop appears to have been an excellent
administrator His aim has been to make the Uni
versity at once n fountain of religion and learn
ing. loyal to the teachings Of the Church. but at
the same time fully abreast of the scholarship OF
the age In this aim he has had the cordial CO.
operation of distinguished Catholics, and in his
intercourse with nOn-Catholics has earned their
respect and goodwill.
But Bishop Keane is a liberal and to this fact
rumor ascribes his fall He has been one OF the
most active leaders in the so-caed American
wing OF the Catholic Church. He opposed the
Cahensy movement. which. it will be remem-
bered, was an attempt to segregate the foreign
element In the Church. especially the Germans.
failed at the time because Of MonsignOr SatOllfs
opposition to 1t. and the liberal element. at the
head of which were such men az Archbishop Ire
land and Bishop Keane. gained temporary VIC
tory.
But in ecclesiastical. "a in secular politics. MOTH
ing Is certain The anti-llberal or utramOntanc
party. as II may be called, surrendered for the
time. but dll not die 1t had for its leaders some
Ina.
Church 1t has had influential advocates not far
from the Papal throne in Rome. and II has now
apparently succeeded in discrcdling the liberal
party with the Pope. Whether the appointment
of the new Apostolic Delegate is or Is not an III
tramontane victory. yet remains TO he seen. But
there can be no doubt that the deposition Of
Bishop kcanc from the reciorshp OF the instl'l-
ton with whose life he was 80 closely identified
Is a crushing blow 10 the liberals. ana they so
regard IT, Archbishop ireland. impetuous as
usual openly questions its wisdom. and talks
about recleciing Bishop Keane 10 the rcctorship
Il, the meeting of the trustees In Washington on
October u. An uierance like this il almost I'M
prcccdcntcd. and serves TO show the intensity Of
the feeling between the two great parties in the
American Catholic Church.
While both parties are entirely loyal to the
tnrrn me UllIfTfil'fs pflWftU lutlIl
cilablc The uIiramontanes are the tradiionalists
| OF the Church They lay the emphasis on the
ecclesiastical side of its life. and they are In
cllncd to stretch 10 their utmos, limit the dogmhs
that have grown out Of the Papal claims. The
liberals are in favor Of putting the Church in line
with modern thought and modern IDEAS. so far
rs can he done consistently with its beliefs and
principles. They are especially anxious to have
| the Church commend itself To the American pco-
pie and they are therefore. opposed to fastening
| on the American Church any merely National or
race opinions customs OF Europe that would
| ALLEVIATE Americans from the Church. As a rule.
| non Catholics hope for the ultimate triumph OF
the liberals But some Of them who are most
strongly opposed TO Roman Catholicism would
| like the ultranonianes 10 become dominant. be-
cause, In their opinion, the policy OF the ultra
| montanes would weaken and discredit the
Church in this country. while the policy Of the
| liberals would strengthen H.