Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-14

consent Archbishop Keane has been chosen
preacher to the English-Speaking colony in
Rome, an Office which he has filled to the
great satisfaction of his holiness, with
credit to himself and with honor to the
great nation which he represents" (Ap-
plause.)
Cardinal Gibbons related how a boatman
with whom st. Francis De Sales and the
bishop OF Belley, were once sailing on Lake
Geneva addressed the former as Father.
Bishop Belley reproved the man and COM
manded him to call Francis monseignedr or
my lord, when Francis reproved the bishop
say ing. Let them call me their father, for
they love me as such. Oh, how much more
good they do my heart than those who call
me monseigneur."
Continuing, the cardinal said:
Some days before his death my prede-
cessor, Archbishop Bayey, was heard to
say: Father Bayley, Bishop Bayley, Arch
bishop Bayley. l prefer Father Bayley.'
He preferred the title of father, because
when he was simply Father Bayley he had
more direct and affcctionate relations with
the people than when he was bishop and
archbishop. (Applause)
Our distinguished guest has exercised
the public ministry in three great cities of
Christendom-as father in Washington. the
capital of the nation, bishop in Rich
mond, the capital of the confederacy, as
archbishop in Rome, the capital of the
Christian world.
His Career Eulosized.
I'm Washington he iabored many years as
a simple priest. He loved God and he loved
humanity. He enlightened souls with his
gifts of eloquence, and he made religion
honored and respected He carried conso-
lation to the broken hearted and the poor.
He proved himself benefactor and a boon
with his charity and benevoience. He
knew there was no religion where there
was no love.
In Richmond a bishop he exercised
commanding influence by his apostolic
ministry, and his name is there enshrined
in reverence and benediction.
And now in Rome he has many official
and important duties to perform.
THUS We see our honored guest was
Father Keane in Washington, Bishop
Keane in Rome. And IL he We're asked to-
night what title he loves best, / think that,
like Francis de Sales and Archbishop Bay
ley he would say without hesitation that
he would prefer the title of Father keane.
Great applause)
And now, my dear friend, on the eve of
your departure from our shores, We wish
you godspeed to the great city where
Providence has cast your lot.
You will tell the holy father how much
he is revered and loved by his spiritual
children of this country and how much he
Is admired and honored by the American
people at large not only on account of his
Intellectual gifts and of his charming per-
sonality, but also on account of the pro-
found interest be takes in every measure
that is calculated to alleviate the wrongs
and to improve the condition of mankind.
And be assured that whenever you re-
visit your ever beloved land of America
you will be always welcomed with open
arms and warm hearts by your fellow
citizens citizens. without distinction Of race or re-
lig1cn, and especially by the people of
Washington, which has been so long the
scene of your useful labors."
Great and long continued applause)
The Attorney Generals ElOqucnce.
Attorney General Mckenna answered the
second toast, 1.-The United States" He
carried his listeners to the very zenith of
enthusiasm by his patriotic declarations.
In the minds of many present he eluci-
dated a problem which had long. puzzled
them by his definition of the United States
Gs diyine abstraction. The Attorney Cen
eral spoke as follows:
The sentiment you propose for my re-
spouse would. in any of its aspects, en-
barraSS the greatest ability to consider.
1t appalls mine. 1t is said that Isocrates,
the great Grecian orator, was fifteen years
composing paEegyric on Athens. A SUBJ
ject not less rich and splendid is seemingly
made the careless or audacious topic of
post-prandial oratory, and In sentences
hastily composed and hastily uttered its
magnificence Is expected to be displayed
and celebrated.
But hope our purpose is not panegyric.
That would be superf1ous. 1t is the affirma-
ton and confirmation Of our patriotism
the Thanksgiving of our hearts for the ex-
istence of this great republic and that We
are citizens Of it. Applause)
This, l take 1t, Mr.. President, is the pur-
pose and meaning of your sentiment and
the phrase, THE United States" is but
the expression of that abstraction we call
our country. Borrowing the thought of
another,-I call 1t an abstraction. Does this
stert!e you? Your first thought Is Of ma
terial things-their abundance and grand
eur. 1t is something more. 1t is a
divine abstraction. You cannot tell what
it is, but let its flag rustic above your head
You feel its living presence in your hearts
Applause.)
The United States"-What does it mean?
A union OF sovereignties-a grand concep-
ton. But it Is more than this. These but
the constituents of a grander unit-a SUI
prcmer sovereignty-the nation. How cid
1t come about? Gods hand was In it. and