The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-01-20

The ceremony opened with the reading
Of the pope's brief appointing DR. Con-
atty as rector. by Professor Shea OF the
university staff
Cardinal Gibbons then delivered the
opening address He referred TO Pope
leo XIII and Bishop Keane as the two
founders Of the university" and also
raid a high tribute to Vice Rector Gar
rigan. He heartily congratulated DR..
Conaty on the auspicious circumstances
Of his appointment and referred TO the
high esteem In which the new rector was
held by men OF high station at his for
mcr home. including the senior senator
from Massachusetts,. Mr.. Hoar, the gov
ernor of Massachusetts, and mayor OF
Worcester. Proceeding, he said:
LET the watchword OF the Catholic
university be: Revelation and science,
religion and patriotism. God and the
constitution of the United States. I
wouid not expunge or alter a single par
agraph, single line or a single word OF
that immortal instrument, The constitu
ton is admirably adapted 10 the growth
and expansion of the Catholic religion
and the Catholic religion Is admirably
adapted TO the genius OF the constitu-
ton. They III together like two links in
the same chain"
The cardinal referred with satisfac-
ton to the fact that the university did
not have to look 60 the government in
order TO shape its action. the only restric-
tion on IL being the limits of it's own
purse He added: Here, thank God. our
government holds over us the arm OF it's
protection without interference with our
Cod given liberties as expounders of
the divine law"
The cardinal closed with an eloquent
plea that all those connected with the
university be indicators. not only OF
religion and science but also Of the civil
and political institutions OF our beloved
country.
1T tho conclusion OF the cardinals ad-
drces. Vice Rector Garrigan stepped
forward and presented the new rector
with the constitution OF the university,
adding an earnest welcome to the new
rector.
Dr. Conaty acknowledged the long
continued applause and then began his
Inaugural discourse, speaking in n
strong. pleasing voice. After expressing
his deep gratitude TO the directors OF
the university, who had recommended
him TO the pope for the high honor Of
the rectorship. Dr. Conaty said that he
had been called to his new post from the
busy sphere OF parochial duties, and felt
unable TO announce any definite plan
Of work until he had opportunity to
study the needs Of n great institution
over which he had been selected TO pre-
side. He paid a warm tribute TO tho
ability and integrity of his predecessor.
Bishop Eeanc. who, he said, had been
called by the pontia 20 a field OF greater
honor and wider usefulness.
Speaking OF the scope OF catholicity OF
the universitys teaching. Dr. Conaty
said:
Truth Is one as God ia ono, whether
II he sought for in the moral or scientific
order There can be no secret In nature
which can offer danger TO truth. Tho
church has always blessed true science
and blesses Il every day"
As Or. Conety closed he was greeted
with hearty applause. while the cardinal
ond other high churchmen extended
warm personal congratulations. The
new rector proceeded 20 the rotunda
below. whore for half an hour he re-
ceived the long line of guests. who wero
anxious 20 grasp his hand and express
their good wishes.