Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-05-31

not a single Catholic Tory, not a single
Catholic that faltered IN ms aiiesaahce
to the cause of American independence.
Even among the native Indian tribes
there were found Catholics to aid in the
glorious cause Orono, the Catholic chief
of the Penobscots, was commissioned an
officer by the Continental Congress. and
with his tribe rendered invaluable aid
along the Canadian frontier.
Then Father Charland spoke OF what
the Catholics had enjoyed along with
their fellow countrymen in the way OF
the honors that the nation had 10 bestoW
upon them; judges, congressman, Gov
errors. generals and all oinces that tley
aoy filed from the close OF the Reyolu-
tionary struggle up to the War OF the
Rebellion; of such men as fancy, Cas-
ton. Ewing, O'connor, Campbell Shields
and Harvey. Then he spoke OF the war
of secession and showed the attitude OF
the American Catholics toward the gov
eminent giving as the roll of honor the
names of the Catholic general oiieers OF
the Union army, those of sheridan. Don
Carlos Buell. Rosecrans, ora, Newton.
Revere. the grandson of the Boston pa
triot Paul Revere. Scannon. Tyler. son
of President Tyler, Stanley, Sturges,
Rear Admiral Harwood Stone, Foster
Rear Admiral Beaumont, A. w. Whlpple,
Halpine. Graham Muliigan, Meade,
Francis Meagher Ramsey, Sands Com
modore John Guest and Gen. Phil kear-
some moments, the speaker said:
lis there a soul SO dead 10 gratitude
as to refuse homage 20 the memory OF
these ilustrious Catholics whose names
are written over the portals Of immortal
fame. or so base as to desire the degrade
ton OF their offspring baptized in the
blood of liberty? 1t Is an established fact
of history that the proportion Of Catho-
lies in the Union army was double tn.
proportion which Catholics bore TO the
ar nf
.000.G00 Catholic soldiers indicated their
right to civil and political equality. in
every battle that was fought. in every
defeat that was suffered. in every victory
that was won. No blood flowed more
freely or in richer torrents than theirs
Foremost to volunteer. they followed the
flag Of the Union With answering 10y
atty and undaunted courage. from the
firing on Sumpter 10 the surrender at
Appomattox.
The speaker then touched upon the
service OF the Sisters of Charity on the
field. and upon the fact that when the
fate of the Union hung in the balance.
Abraham Lincoln, greater than whom no
man ever lived. selected to represent be-
fore the people of the Old World the
true issues In the contest Most Reverend
John Hughes Catholic archbishop of
New York. as his ambassador The
President of the Southern Confederacv
appealed time and again to the Pope Of
AT home and abroad Catholics from
Pope to peasant were loyal to the Amer
lean Union. 1t should not have been
otherwise. The Catholic church makes
ii imperative upon her children to obey
the powers that be and to respect the in
stitutions of the land of their birth or
adoption. No one can possibly be a good
Catholic who Is disloyal TO his country.
In religion we are Roman Catholics. but
in politics we are Americans; recogniz-
t,.ry th.t~t txr iAr of nt,r
land and ever ready to shed our blood.
If need be- for the defence OF our flag
against any foreign power. whether
Catholic Protestant of inhdel
Hence our enemies are those who know
Us not, for were they acquainted with
our religious tenets and seriously to
mediate upon the principles of the
American constitution, they would not
fail to recognize and admit that the in
fluence and action of the Catholic faith
and morality are in every way favorable
to the letter and spirit of the constitu-
ton Then the speaker said that there
were especially two constitutions that
could move tremendously together the
constitution of the United States and
that of the Catholic church. for they
have the same high conception of the
human race and the same love of liberty.
In closing, Father Charland said:
'Hence a custom so laudable and patr-
otto. | exhert you to continue. and IN
a real pleasure for us to welcome you
here on this memorable occasion. As
Catholics We are no strangers among
you. We were with you on the field of
battle. both as priest and layman. We
are still with you in life's great contest.
cheering you on toward that one victory
yet possible eternal salvation through
Jesus Christ. AS we lent you a willing
hand in the struggle of old, we are ready
to afford you the same aid. and there
fore. while welcoming you and our other
honored guests. we bid you all God
speed. Go forth, then, soldiers of the
Grand Army. go forth accompanied by
the patriotic ladies of the Relief Corps
and by the worthy Sons of Veterans des-
tined to perpetuate to future genera
tons the memory of this day. Strew
with flowers the graves of your departed
comrades. and may their sweet fragrance
ascend a messenger of love to Gods
mercy seat, and draw down upon you and
yours untold benedictions."
The choir sang Regina Coel' and
Rev. FIR. Bergeron offered prayer. after
which the congregation withdrew.
The choir sang Regina Coeli,' the
band played a selection, and the vast
audience departed well satisfied that
they had heard the Memorial address of
their lives. and many were the pleasant
things said about II.