The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-02-25

BY quoting the clause OF the Constitution
relating TO religious freedom. written by
Thomas jefferson. which, he said, Jefferson
YVES more proud OF than anything he ever
wrote OF the Declaration OF independence
Mr.. Cooper's remarks were warmly ap-
plauded by the galleries and a scattering of
Mr.. Eddy supported the provision in the
bill and paid high tribute to the mission
airy work Of the Catholic Church among
the. Indians. while Mr.. Watson. OF Ohio
amendment in brief speeches
A CATHOLIC SPEAKS.
Mr.. Walsh replied with some warmth. He
did not. he said. credit some gentlemen on
the other side with the high patriotic mo-
tives they ascribed to themselves. This
blow was aimed at the Catholic Church.
He was Roman Catholic. and as good an
American citizen as any member on the
floor. (Applause) He assured the House.
however. that IL the appropriation for these
schools was entirely withdrawn thai the
children would be taken care of. The Cath
Ole Church had never undertaken a great
mission without carrying 1t out
Mr.. WalSh's assurance that the church
would take care OF the children was greeted
with applause and induced Mr.. Pearson.
who had offered an amendment 10 increase
the appropriation SO TO read erection
or purchase OF schools" TO then withdraw
his amendment.
Mr.. McLain and Mr. Grosvenor favored
the Linton amendment The latter said he
had no feeling In the matter partisan or
sectarian, but he thought the time had ar
rived when this appropriation, which al
ways produced religious controversy and
contention, could be discontinued without
5eapordizing the interests OF the Indiana APP
propriation-
Mr.. Sherman, chairman of the Indian
committee. tried in vain TO stem the tide
that was evidently gaining strength against
the committee. He reviewed the history OF
these appropriations. They had, he recalled,
originated not with the churches. They had
not asked for the appropriation. The propo-
stion had emanated from General Grant in
$50. and the policy then entered On contin-
ued until two years ago Different sects
have been encouraged TO undertake this
work. II so happened thai the Catholic had
been most active, and something like $780,
Cco had gone TO Catholic schools. 1t had
been deemed wise 10 change this policy, but
the change should not be made In minute.
The church had been encouraged for
quarter OF century. II was fair neither to
the church nor the children TO withhold the
appropriation without warning. Il am not
] like my friend from Ohio (Mr. dGosvernor).
who IL not q member of any church. 1 am
a Protestant, but i do not believe any
church alone points the way TO the heaven,
although 7 do believe that any creed is
better than no creed" Applause) This
appropriation. he concluded, was not used
10 teach the dusky wards OF the Nation the
catechism. bat how to read and write and
count. and he appealed TO the members TO
rise above craftsmanship and above sect
and sustain the committee He then made
a point OF order against the Linton amend
ment, which was overruled by Mr.. Payne,
in fhe chair. amid considerable enthusiasm.
The amendment was then carried-S 10 81.
The Democrats voted almost soidly against
st. while the Republicans were divided. The
announcement OF the result was met with
n storm OF approval from the galleries,
which seemed to sympathize with the ma
5ority on the floor The committee arose
after having completed the bill. excepting a
single paragraph. and. at $40 p. m. the
House adjourned.