The herald., 1896-08-26


ality and morality upon religion. If all
men were actuated by these principles
it would matter little what party is in
control; it would matter little what pub
lie policy that party adopt. When
all men respect the rights of all
result even Of mistaken pol
icy, for conscience, morality and relig-
ion will correct 1t. Now it is simply
childish to say. leave religion to the
church, the home, the Sunday school"
In our present civilization the school has
more to do with the forming of the char
acter and belief of the child than all
other agencies combined. And expert
ence shows the result. Religion, l care
not what be the denomination of believ-
ers, is great and profound system-it is
philosophy-and TO suppose that the
child at the tender age of Its school
years, can be made familiar with that
philosophy, in the time left it. when its
strength has been taxed almost beyond
endurance, for four or five hours of
study and as many of recitation. for five
days in the week. is simply to expect an
impossibiity. When l say this govern
ment rests upon morality and morality
upon religion. 1 do not say 1T
rests exclusively upon the Catholic
religion--as such by a distinctive sys
tenn But I do say that every positive
doctrine taught by any of the denomi.
Catholic truth. In this sense it does
rest upon the Catholic religion. But
what l want to be clearly understood is
that we say Catholic education for
Catholic children, Methodist educat ton
for Methodist children, Jewish educa-
ton for Jewish children. and -relig-
ious education for children of non-be-
levers, because these are the equal
rights of all these. parents and children
guaranteed by the common constitu-
tion. 1t was this that Washington
meant it was this that Webster meant
when he declared this nation Chris
tian nation.
All these denominations were repre-
sented here when Washington spoke
all were represented in the work of
founding the government
The early development of education
in our coundry was religious-and our
forefathers never imagined any other
system possible and compatible with the
nations welfare Whenever conscience
fails this country fails; and Washington
tells us that conscience is based on
morality and morality is religion.
The Catholic cannot teach Methodism,
and the Methodists cannot teach Ca
tholicism, but both can teach the child
morality and religion as each under
stands it, and each will be forming the
consciences of the nation. l believe in
the right of the non believer to have
his child taught without any religious
bias if he so desires it. I do not say it
is the best for the child or the public,
but it is the only way possible where
men differ as we do. This being the case
it is difficult to see how our position can
be honestly construed TO conflict with
the letter or the spirit of our constitu-
ton. which is simply warrant for equal
rights to all men.
Nor am l asking that government
should appropriate money for the teach
ing of religion. / believe that Catholics,
Methodists. Jews and unbelievers should
educate their own children whenever
able to do so. without anybody's help.
Nor am here decrying non-sectarian
system of education. l believe non
sectarian system is a necessity in order
to protect the rights of the non-believ-
ers But I believe with the best think
ers which l hold as sacred as those OF be-
levers. But believe with the best think
ers of this and of every age that nom
sectarian system for all is not the pest,
and how any Christian can think that
it is is puzzle to me. Complete educatlon
is the education of the whole man. and
the whole man is physical intellectual
and moral.
The nation Is fast coming around 70
the position of the Catholic church.
The evidence of this is found in the 1act
that an effort-+s being made all over the
country to force religious teaching INTO
the non-sectarian schools. rms Is
clearly in violation of the principle
but it simply shows that whilst pro
claiming the principle. men feel that IL
is not correct for the whole people.
Webster proclaimed in one or MS
ab,est speeches the sentiment that eN-
cry church spire points to place Where
are taught the spirit of this free coun-
try and the principles upon Whlch II
rests And If the churches are rot men
ace to the country. but buiWark 10 IT,
it is difficult to see how school mousse
where secular and religious knowledge
is imparted, could be so regarded.
Following the address there was
selection from Erminie, vocal SOLO, |
pas list der tag des Herren," by Mrs. !
Nicolas Lamb, accompanied by Prol'
Knell.
A violin solo by Prof. F. F. Wismer was
we'll received. ., !
the audience with a vocal selection, |
spanish Serenade Because / Love You,
Dear. was another selection by this |
charming singer The other features
of the program were contributed py the |
orchestra,
The evening was prousht 10 cloae
by the ladies serving light refreshments
and the people being allowed an lnspec-
ton of the rooms.
The building is a two-story frame
structure, 47x120. The walls are finished
in Alpine plaster, the woodwork being
of Oregon pine. The assembly hall is
43x67, with a seating capacity of 1900,
and has two tiers of windows on either
side, which makes it exceptionally well
ventilated and well lighted. On the
same floor are reading rooms The bal
cony runs across one end of the hall and
in the rear of this is a coinmodioUs ban
quet hall, a small meeting room and |!
kitchen.
a portion of the ground floor will be |
used as dormtories to afford accommo- |
dation for boys and girls from the coun-
try who wish to attend the Sisters
school. There is a sood-sized stage in /
the assembly hall. The painting on the |
curtain is a realistic marine scene and !
is the work of Prof. Bartholosbi.
The building was erected by the men, !
bers of St Joseph's Society. The hail |
for the purpose of renting out for vari |
Gus kinds of entertainments, with the |
exception of dancing, the proceeds to go |
to St. Joseph's church.
Terminals New Manager