The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-25

Catholic Clergy VIII Not he support
ed by the GOvernment.


CHICAGO, Dec. 24-The Washington COR
respondent OF the Record says: A good
many letters of inquiry have been received
here from persons who quote religious
weekly, published at Chicago, as authority
for a statement that Cardinal Gibbons,
Archbishop Ireland and President McKin-
ley have entered into compact whereby
President Mckinley is to furnish funds
raised by direct taxation to sustain the high
dignl,aries of the Catholic Church and all
Catholic institutions in Cuba"
Secretary Gage, who has charge of the
collection and disbursement of revenues in
Cuba and the other former Spanish colonies
now under the control of the United States
says there is no truth in the story nor any
foundation for it. He says that such thing
has never been discussed, and he does not
believe it has been suggested. On the cen
trary, he declares, from the beginning
the prelates of the Catholic Church have ad-
vocated the entire separation of church and
state and the establishment of relations be-
tween the government and all religious de-
nominations exactly like those which pre-
vail in the United States. The moment the
United States flag had been raised in Cuba,
Porto Rico and the Philippine islands the
Catholic Church there ceased to be a state
institution and became dependent upon vol
untary contributions from individuals for
its support, and unless Congress should or
der otherwise which is not likely, that sys-
tenn Will never be changed. The President
has not entered into compact or contract or
agreement or understanding with Cardinal
Gibbons or any other representative or the
Catholic Church 1t is possible, and be-
leved, however, that the cardinal and the
other ecclesiastics in this country will assist
and
MES as soon as possible"
Attorney General Griggs prepared the in
of the three colonies. The relation be-
tween the Catholic Church and the new
government in Cuba" said Attorney Gen
between the Catholic Church and the gov
eminent in Illinois, The church no doubt
exercises a great moral influence on that
more, because the people are all Catholics
and have higher regard for the teachings
OF the priests than they do in TINS country,
but from the time we take hold down there
the financial assistance that 1t received
from the public treasury will cease. There
has never been any. understanding, inten-
ton or expression, either in Cuba or Porto
Rico or the Philippines"
At the War Department the officials in
dorse what Secretary Gage and Attorney
General Griggs say, and relate an incident
which occurred in Porto Rico a few weeks
after the occupation of that island by our
forces. delegation of priests waited upon
at Ponce, and informed him that their reg
ular monthly subsidy "~om the government
was due and they needed funds. lie replied
that he sylnpathized with their situation,
but it was better he should tell them frank
ly they could never expect to receive any
more money from the government. No in
structions had been sent him from Washing
ton on the subject, but the contribution of
public money for religious purposes was con-
trary to the spirit of American institutions,
and would not be tolerated. His act was APP
proved by the department, but when Arch
bishop Valdez realized the situation he re-
signed and returned to spain, and by order
Of the Pope, as has already heen stated in
these dispatches, Archbishop Chappelle, of
New Orleans. has been placed in charge of
the diocese of Porto Rico, with instructions
to reorganiZe it on the American plan.
General Henry had good Geal Of trouble
with the priests in Porto Rico BEFORE Arch
bishop Chappelle's arrival, and was COM
PEELED to notify them that if they did not
submit to the inevitable lie would he COM
government authorities understand that the
Catholic Church caI 10 more THAI any ether
agency in reconciling the people 10 the eX-
listing situation, and it is known to be the
plan Of the Vatican to cal lack to Spain
all priests, monks and friarS who ore rot
willing to enter heartily into sympathy with
the new order Of things and replace Tho m
with young and progressive priests who rave
been educated in the United States, ana are
patriotic America as;- but they do rot eX-
pect and never nave expected ~ ma FtiaI
assistance from the gove.nne Mt.
The instructions tc General Brooke, who
will be governor gen ral Of Cuba. ord to
General Otis, who Will he governor general
of the Philippines will lie regarded IS con-
fdential, because many things in them could
not be given to the public Without irter-
fering with their application.