The San Francisco call., 1896-10-05

facts should be properly understood. He
accompanied it with the following state
ment:
Since my withdrawal from the rectorship of
the Cath Ollie University of America will prob
ably be regarded by a certain portion of the
American public rs matter of some interest
to them, and since unauthorized statements
are apt to be m misleading, deem it my duty to
state briefly and clearly the facts in the case
On September 90 l received through his En-
inence NJ r. Satolli, letter from our Holy
Father, Leo XIII, of which the following is a
translation
To our. Tenerabls Brother, John Joseph heanc
Bishop Of Ajasso-VENERABLE BROTHER: Health
and apostolic benedicuon. 1t Is customary that
they who are appointed to preside over Catholic
universities should not hold the Office in perpe-
tuity. This custom has grown up through wise
reasons. and the Roman Pontiffs have ever been
careful that IL should be adhered to. Since there
fore. venerable brother, you have presided for
several years over the university at Washington,
in the first establishments and Lbsequent develop
ment OF which you have shown laudab ble zeal and
diligence, il has seemed best that the above
mentioned custom should not be departed from
and that another tatfve, whose name Is
be proposed 10 us by the Bishops, should be ap-
pointed to succeed you in this honorable position.
In order, however that In your resignation of
this Office due regard may be had to your per-
sonalty and your dignity we have determined TO
elevate you to the rank OF Archoishop. Being
your free choice either 10 remain in your country
Or if you prefer it, to come to Rome. If you choose
the former will destine for you some archi-
episcopal see by vote OF the Bishops of the United
States. II you prefer the latter shall welcome
you mo t lovingly, and will place you among the
Congregation OF the Propaganda in both Of which
you could do much for the interests of religion in
the United states. In the latter case we also as
sign you suitable revenue for your honorable
maintenance.
you will accept this, our administrative act, with
hearty good will We most lovingly bestow you the
apostolic benediction as pledge Of our pattern al
Given at Rome, from ST. Peters, this 18th day
Of September, 1885, In the nineteenth year of our
pontihcate LEO XIII, Pope.
The next day mailed the Holy Father re-
ply, OF which the following is translation
THE CATHOLIC UNIvERsIrY OF AMERICA,
WASHINGTON, Sept 19, 1895.
Most Holy Father: His Eminence, Cardinal Glib
bons, handed me the letter in which your Holiness
has made known to me that my ad m nstration OF
this university now comes TO an enu and that an
other rector is to be appointed.
Without a moment of hesitation I accept the
will OF your Holiness in the matter as manffes-
tation of the providence of God and from this in-
stant resign into the hands OF his emnence the
chancellor. the office OF rector, with all rights
thereto attached.
Thanking your Holiness for the freedom of
choice granted me, choose to remain in my own
country, and moreover, without any official po-
sition Whatever in tranquility and peace. Your
Holiness most humble son in Christ,
JOHN ]. KEANE, Bishop Of Ajasso.
l welcome my release from this Office of
rector of the university with profound graf
itude both to Divine Providence and to the
Pope.
While always regarded its duties as labor
OF love- they had grown to be far beyond my
strength and ability, and deliverance from the
loyal soldier to ask to be relieved from nv
post no matter what its difficulties but feeling
that my nine years of strain and solicitude in
the work has brought me close to the end of
my brain and nerve powers, was fully ready
TO welcome what has been done.
shall now enjoy some months of greatly
needed rest on the Pacific Coast, leaving all
plans for the future to later date. OF course
no one needs to be assured that the action of the
Holy Father Is prompted not only by personal
kindness toward myself, but also by earnest
sollcltude Tor the best interests of the univer-
ity. He believes in rotation in Office" as all
sensible men must. He knows the evils of
allowing any Official especially the head OF a
university. to fossiliZe at b S post, and in this
all must acknowledge his wisdom. His en-
lightened prudence, and that of the trustees
who have to present the nominations, win be
sure to select rector in every way fitted to
guide the work to fuller and fullest success.
From the peaceful retirement which trust
have somewhat earned shall ever watch its
progress with unabated interest. And / ap-
peal TO all whom my efforts In behalf of this
university have ever reached to continue their
interests and their zeal in this new change for
the good OF the university and to make 1t what
by right 1T must be- the crowning glory of
Christian education in America.
The university Is now in charge of the
vice-rector, the Rev. Father Garrigan. who
will direct it's affairs until rector is se-
lected. The vice-rector, speaking of
Bishop Keane's retirement said that the
faculty and all the students were very un-
willing to part with Bishop Keane, who
was beloved by all.
Tomorrow the fall course of the uni
versity begins ana the rector will then
formally announce his retirement.