Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-03-10

i'm )air the dignity nor lessen the authority
of these memorable conventions.
The most important debate in the Coun.
ell was that Of the Irfalliblity OF the Pope.
1t may be proper to observe here that the
discussion was rather on the expediency or
opportunencss Of defining the dogma than
on the intrinsic truth Of the doctrine itself.
The number OF prelates who questioned
the claim of Papal Infaiibility could be
counted on the fingers OF single hand
Many OF the speakers, indeed. impugned
the dogma. not because they did not per-
sonally accept II. but with the view Of
pointing out the difficulties with which
the teaching body Of the Church would
have to contend in indicating II before
the world. I have listened in the council
chamber 10 far more subtle. more plaus>
ible and more searching objections
against this prerogative Of the Pope than
l have ever read or heard from the pen or
tongue of the most learned and formidable
Protestant assailant. But all the objec-
tions were triumphantly answered When
the audience in Rhodes listened TO Aes-
chimes repeating the speeches he had pre-
vously delivered against Demosthenes.
the harangue OF Demosthenes their p'aud-
its and admiration were ,edoubed It was
with sentiments like these that the as
sembled prelates listened TO the advocates
of Infallibiity after hearing its opponents.
Besides the theological difficulties. there
were thinly yelled threats Of future
hostility 10 the Church forward
ed TO Rome by some Of the
leading governments Of Europe If the
Decree were enacted: and some Of the
Bishops expressed their fears that the
definition would be followed by schism in
certain countries. Every dlspasslonate
reader. whatever may be his religious con-
victions, must be profoundly impressed. as
l was at the time. with the fearless and
serene conduct Of the great majority. who,
spurning temporizing policy the dictate
of human prudence. were deferred neither
10y specious arguments nor imperial
threats. nor by the fear OF schisn. from
promulgating what they conceived to be
a truth contained in the deposit OF divine
revelation. Since the last vote was taken
IN the solemn session OF July Is. 1870. all
the Bishops Of Chrstendom. without a
murmur OF dissent, have accepted the de-
cisicn as final and irrevocable.
In every deliberative body. both civil,
and religious. there IS always found a
select number who come TO the front and
are conspicuous among their compeers bv
their acquired reputation. their ability. or
their eioquence. The Vatican Council was
no exception TO this rule
Among the prc,ates who took i promin-
ent part in the debates. shall single out
few who impressed me as recognized
leaders in the assembly; though I may say
in passing that there were present many
silent Soons Ike the venerable Arch
bishop McCloSkey. of New York. and the
late Bishop of Buffalo. whose voice was
not heard in the council hall. but whose
influence was felt in the committees
Cardinal Manning was. unCuestlonably.
the most attractive figure among the epis-
copate Of England His emaciated form
ard ceaseless activity suggested play
fu remark made TO him In my hearing
by Archbishop Spalding: Il know not how
Your Grace can work so much. for you
neither eat nor drink nor sleep" He de-
livered the longest Grafton IT, the Coun-
ell. and Yet Il hardly exceeded an hour.
which is evidence of the usual brevity OF
the speeches. The question is commonly
put I'm America: How long did he speak,
In Europe hey ask: What did he say"
Cardinal Manring's discourse was a most
logica! ard persuasive argument, and, ike