The evening times., 1899-05-08
FRENCH ATTACK ON
ARCHBISHOP IRELAND
American Catholics Resent the
Hostility to Him.
Assault May Be Due to His Ameri-
caniSm.
The Splendid Impression Made by
the Prelate in Paris Some
Years Ago.

The Catholic clergy and laity in Wash
ington have become considerably aroused
because of the bitter attacks made on
Archbishop ireland in France, on account
of his being named to deliver the pane
gyric on Joan of Arc at the Orleans cele-
bration. However, the utterances of Jean
de Bonsefon, printed in a Paris newspaper,
and the criticisms of other writers are
not regarded as rejecting in any great de-
gree the opinion entertained by the French
clergy or people. Some surprise is express
ed that If there was such opposition to
Archbishop ireland and to his views and
TO his delivering this address, 1t was not
manifested at an earlier period.
1t was known long before Archbishop
ireland went to Europe that he was Sc
lected to deliver this address at Orleans.
Some years ago he thrilled European Cath
clics. particularly those of the French capi-
tai, by a magnificent address delivered in
Paris. His utterances were greeted with
approval and he was regarded as one OF
the foremost priests in America by
majority of the French clergy. Only one
indication of a change of opinion mas
been given, which was the publication oil
the book attacking the late Father Hecker,
founder Of the order of Paulists. Since
then views antagonistic to those entertain
ed by Archbishop Ireland have been freeiy
expressed in France, but his trip this year
was expected to re-establish his position.
Disguise it as you may said leading
Washington Catholic priest, in discussing
this matter, the epistle of the Pope was
aimed at something which was largely IN
evidence, and that something was what
was and is known as Americanism in the
church. This 'Americanism had nothing
to do with patriotism, but meant the ex-
pansion of the Catholic Church in Amer
lea 1t meant broader ideas for priests,
more liberal views for laity, a more liberal
education for the priesthood, and the tacit
recognition of other creeds and religions.
Father Hecker's idea OF not only con-
vertiug the nom Catholic Christians to
Catholicism but of the Protestant minis
tiers to the Catholic priesthood is one
which has met with condemnation in some
quarters. He thought to build up an or
der composed largely of Protestant minis
tiers converted to Catholicism, who should
labor TO convert Protestants In general.
The order was to be American. in that 4
was to be composed principally if not en-
tirely of Americans While the conversion
of Protestant clergymen is desirable. their
introduction into the clerical circles OF the
church may not bring about such satis-
factory results as anticipated. Each one
must necessarily bring with him few
ideas imbibed while in the Protestant
ministry. 1t would be impossible for them
TO entirely eradicate early teachings from
their minds. Consequently each will have
his Catholicism favored with certain ideas
of his own, and rfiis would have tenden-
cy to weaken the church, which teaches
one doctrine and one faith, unalterable and
Interchangeable.
In the Catholic Church there are, as in
the Episcopal Church. many who advocate
the lowering of the bars to a certain de-
gree in order that entrance to the church
can be made easy for those not prepared
to accept its teachings in the fullest ex-
tent at present. 1t is argued that all they
need is time and then they will accept All
the teachings. This is contrary to our
discipline and to the views of Rome. and
association in religious work with other
creeds is not approved, although tolerated.
To maintain its standing as the one true
church of Christendom the Catholic Church
must stand aloof. Such is the Roman and
European view.
That entertained by believers in Ameri-
canism was somewhat different. They held
the church in the United States could not
be successfully conducted along the lines
followed in European countries. Conditions
being vastly different, the church must
adapt itself to its surroundings. While
acknowledging the church to be the one
true church. they admitted to companion
ship ministers of other churches. Leo
XIII considered they regarded America
too much and the church too little. They
wished for an American church which
should be In charge of American priests,
educated in American schools, and an ever
growing desire was evinced to gradually
escape from foreign influence. This ten
dency to build up national organization
N wa
in Rome and promptly checked.
Rome wants her children to be the
same in all lands, and holds that priests
should be equally willing and desirous of
serving in foreign lands as in their own.
Nationality in the German, the Spanish, |
the French and the Italian church is rec
ognized. but nationality in the church of |
this country is to be frowned down Amer |
lea is developing SO rapidly and the church |
here is growing so strong Rome fears to |
permit too much individuality. Leo XIII |
has himself said the hope of the church |
lay in America. destined to become its |
fairest child. and that child must be kept |
in leading strings as long as possible.
"All the prelates whose letters in reply |
TO the last encyclical have been published |
agree with the Pope that such doctrines |
as he condemns should be condemned, and |
each one denies entertaining any such con- |
victions. They think a mistake has been |
made by the Holy Father, and that no |
one entertained such ideas. but II there |
were any such, they are all equally conf
dent they are not the ones indicated by |
the Pope. Archbishop Corrigan, however. !
frankly admitted there was such a thing |
as "Americanism," SO called, and con-
graduated the Pope on having crushed it, |
He did not conceal his satisfaction that |
the heresy which had SO long had his dis |
approval had at last been condemned"
MANGLED By A MAD DOG