The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1898-09-02

listers. the pastors Of the various
Catholic churches throughout this
archdiocese, has honored Father
Yorke In the presentation of an address
and testimonial Of gratitude and appre-
citation of the work which he has accom-
plished In the cause of Catholicism. The
honor conferred is one rarely accorded
by the church. and is a tribute which
few, II any, prelates ever receive. -:
Surrounded by the representative
priests of the entire archdiocese the pre-
sentation was made last, Thursday after
noon in the basement chapel of st. Mary s
Cathedral.
The idea of framing an appropriate ad-
dress and testimonial was determined
upon about two years ago, and a commit
tee appointed at the time to make what
ever arrangements that would be found
necessary in having it made. The design
after being outlined and accepted was
sent to Ireland for the purpose Of hav-
ing 1t engrossed. Through various causes
it was delayed In reaching here, and was
not received until few days prior to its
presentation.
The address is beautifully. and artist
cally decorated, being worked in pen and
ink and water colors. Situated ON the
upper and lower borders are scenes OF
Galway Bay and the Golden Gate, May
at Washington; the American eagle and
shield and the harp and wolf dog of Ire
land. On the side borders, giving proIni-
hence and emphasizing the effect pro-
duced by the upper and lower views, are
decorations of American and Irish de-
signs. The entire address is set in a
heavy gilt frame and is mounted on an
easel of dark green and gold.
To more fully express the feeling which
is felt and extended by the Catholic
was presented him for $1,000. The gift
was made in anticipation of a vacation
which he intends taking in the near fu-
ture, and was donated by the various
parishes. -
The address was read by Father Lynch
of st. James Church. 1t was as follows
: The history Of the past two. or three years,
in the stirring events of which you played SC
conspicuous part, makes a very Interesting
chapter in the annals OF our State. Under the
specious guise Of patriotism, men who were
banded themselves together with the avowed
purpose Of depriEing their Catholic fellow
to them under the constitutions of the. State
and Nation. They made lies their refuge and
under falsehood did they hide themselves; and
by nnclean utilization and reckless mendacity
succeeded in supertnducing religious eonten-
ton which. for time, threatened to disrup;
the foundations of civil society and to make
the Church of Christ an alien and an outcast
in a land to which it was the first to bring the
glad gospel tidings and where at peace with
all. 1t had lived and flourished as bav tree
by the running water
Catholics were bewildered' The weaker
brethren among them advocated prayer and
patience. They considered ii .unwse and un-
christian to oppose the campaign of falsehood
by a campaign of truth. They bethought them
of the sweet humility of the early martyrs
but seemed to forget the heroic courage of the
peace and their advice to abide patiently
until the storm had passed away, but the storm
showed no sign of passing Every day saw II
increase in force and fury. Every day from
press and platform, by secret insihuation and
public proclamation, Catholics were accused OF
the grossest crimes against: God and man. till
the minds of even honest and truth-loving men
were being affected by incessant and uncon-
.tradicted misstatements. Disagreeable and
hateful as religious controversy. for the most
part is, It became imperativey necessary that
soever, it might be to the Individual the good
name of the church and the interests OF the
whole Catholic people. demanded this. The time
had come to speak, and the man. You. Rev.
Father, took up the gage of battle and entered
the lists against the defamers of our faith;
=. There is need to tell how bravely and
skllfuly you conducted the controversy nor
to speak of those high intellectual gifts which
have: compelled the reverential fear of the. IL
literate bgot, and won you the respect Of all
who are willing to appreciate true genius
gle Is written every Catholic heart In. the
community. and your name is held in grateful
and prayerful remembrance In every Catboir
home in the land
. We, the pastors of this archdiocese of Sar
Francisco, beg you to accept the assurance; ot
our esteem and love. We rejoice at the fame
which. is rightly yours and we are proud of