Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-04-24
ARCHBISHOP IRELAND.
To Deliver the Chief Discourse at the
Joan of Arc Celebration.

The presence of Archbishop Ireland in
Europe at this time led to efforts among
leading members of the diplomatic corps
here to have the eminent American divine
preside at some notable church occasion.
AS a result it is learned that the arch
bishop will deliver the principal discourse
at the Joan of Arc celebration on May s
at the old French town of Orleans, which
gave the name of the Maid of Orleans
to the girl saint and soldier. The eXer-
cises will have both a religious and ma
tional character, bringing pilgrimages from
all parts of Europe, and having the special
benedictior of the pope. 1t was thought
at first that Archbishop Ireland would take
this occasion to correct the misapprehen-
sions which have arisen through Europe
as to 'Amercanism," set forth in
Father Hecker's book. The errors on this
subject are ascribed mainly to the mis-
translation of the book by "a French able,
so that it was felt to be appropriate that
the correction and elucidation of true
"Americansm' should be made on this
memorable church and national occasion
Quite recently, however the leading church
authorities in this country have made
known that Archbishop Ireland's discourse
would be confined strictly to religious
themes dealing with the inspired character
of Joan of Arc. While this may not give
the discourse the significance at first eX-
pected, yet the belief is expressed by those
familiar with the arrangements that the
fervor and patriotic impulses of Archbishop
ireland may lead to some discussion of the
American theme which has been SO promi-
nent in church affairs of late, and in
which he has been one of the foremost
figures.
Catholic church affairs also have been at
tracing the attention of diplomatic circles
of late in connection with the attitude of
Italy in refusing to take part In the cars
disarmament congress II the pope also was
to take part. Because of this controversy
the invitations issued by the government at
The Hague were delayed some weeks, and
withheld the official announcement of Sir
Julian Pauhcefote's -selecfien as one of the
British delegates The Fxate Department
also was in the SANG dqandary until the
by leading diplomatf oAeial, the position
of Italy was similar ITO 4 hat taken when
an s nay Opposing asn tsa
popes representation at The Hague. Italy
held that the sole authority of the Vatican
related to moral and social affairs, and not
material or political 9BestjQns between ma
tons. In behalf of thu, pope 1t was urged
that Italy already reSHgBKed the material
and political authority OF the pope by ad
s mE to the the FRANCE of span
Bulgaria, Portugal and Slime other coun
tries. Pending the settlement of Italy's
objections there was much hperplexing delay
in arranging the details I6f the congress.
1t was finally determined that the pope
would not be represented this decision, it
is understood, being aequiesced in by the
vatican. Since then there have been init
nations that the French. delegates to The
Hague would indirectly represent the Vat-
can put 1t Is said in the best posted diple-
matte quarters that this surmise is wholly
unwarranted.