The Irish standard., 1897-12-25
HARMONY IN THE A. Q. H. RANKS.

The split which has existed for some
years in the Ancient Order of Hi
Gernlans has fortunately been got rid
OF by the representative men of both
wings who referred the, cause OF disturb
ance and division to Bishop McFaul, Of
New Jersey, for arbitration. The points
In dispute are given fully OH the first
page and were substantially as follows:
First, whether the organization in the
United States should be subordinate to,
or under the jurisdiction Of, the order In
Ireland; and second. whether member
ship OF the order should be permitted
to persons Of Irish descent through one
parent or be limited to persons with
both parents CT Irish stock.
1t can readily be seen that these points
admitted Of much argument and that
there were grave grounds for the dis
agreement Of patriotic men. Many rea-
sons could be urged for either the
adoption or rejection Of the points in
controversy. and it is not at all sur
prising that the differences were debated
pro and con for several years without
arriving at any unanimous decision.
Happily. the leaders of both sections
We're actuatcd by patriotic motives and
had only the good Of the order at
heart. Hence it was that they mutually
resolved to refer the vexed question for
solution to distinguished prelate of
the church, and agreed to abide by the
decision he rendered.
The arbitrator to whose decision the
leaders of both sides promised to bow
IN submission was Bishop McFaul, and
well did he discharge the onerous and
delicate duty imposed upon him. After
long and careful investigation of the
whole case in dispute he has submitted
his decision to the satisfaction of both
parties. and to the great JOY and glad
ness of all sons Of Hiberna, whether en-
rolled in the organization or not. The
chasm which split the order in twain
Is now bridged over, and peace,
union and brotherly love once more
prevail among the scattered sons of the
Gael-both at home and abroad. This
is a contamination which has been de-
vcutedly wished for by the best men of
the Irish race. and at this Christmas
time will be cause for rejoicing among
them. The uniiication of the rival
wings of the A. o. Fl. is Il good work
which will be far-reaching in its results.
The reunited order will become more
powerful than ever for church AMI
country, for many who had kept aloof
from the disrupted organization will Join
1t now and swell its scrried ranks.
If the Irish unite" said Lord Charles
Bercsford, they will be Irresistible. !"
They are rapidly becoming united, and
this consolidation of the A. O. II. forces
Will hasten the union between all SEE
lions In ireland. United at home and
abroad In bonds Of brotherly love irish
men can obtain what they could never
obtain when divided among themselves
cannot the parliamentary leaders who
are Keeping their cOuntrymen divided
'"''''
bltrator like Bishap McFaul to nut an
end to their quarrelng? II Archbishop
Walsh or Archbishop Croke will not
satisfy the wrangling leaders why not
call upon Archbishop Ireland, of st.
Paul. to adjust their differences" Hc is
an lrshman by birth and a represent
tative American to boot, and would
make splendid arbitrator Though the
Irish Standard is not the official organ OF
the great metropolitan Of the North
west. 1t ventures to say that If invited
to act rs the pacitlcator of Irish political
factions with the acqtiescence of the
leaders and their unquestioned accept
ance OF his decision, he would for tho
love of Ireland and the unity of its
people assume the duties of peacc-
maker. What do the Irish in ireland
think of our suggestion?