New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-07-02
A CENTRE OF CATHOLICISM.
INSTITUTIONS GATHERED ABOUT THE
UNIVERSITY AT WASHINGTON

ou,lt around the university, which is being con-
,,antly added to. and which promises ultimately
90 be the most remarkable group OF Roman con-
gregations in the world. II was the Holy Fathers
idea and is contained in the constitution received
from Rome that the university should be the
,entre OF the Roman Catholic communities in
this country: but that it's invitation to affiliate
was so promptly and widely accepted and
that massive buildings should so soon after its
foundation dot the rolling country in its vicin-
ly. were beyond the most sangune hopes of
those interested and prove the wisdom of select
Ing the Capital the home for Romsnsts on
this side Of the water, as Rome is their mother
house in the Old World
Divinity College. called for its founder, who
gave 100000 for the purpose of establishing
theological school. Caldwell Hall. the first build
ing erected. was opened to students in Novem-
Der 1889 with the Right Rev. John J. Keane
S. T. D., formerly Bishop Of Richmond and one
OF the most brilliant and beloved dgnitaries Of
the Church. as rector TO whose great ability,
tagging zeal and magnetic personality the imme-
date success and popularity of the university
are due.
Caldwell Hall is a stately structure of gray
granite and occupies a commanding site. Its
main portion and wings will. when entirely fin
ished form the letter F. Modern ideas mark its
interior arrangement. Wnlcn COMPRISES pesiueS
the chapel, lecture and reception halls living
rooms for the divinity students. so that, while
pursuing their studies. they may live in a reg
tous atmosphere conducive to the performance Of
those duties imposed by their high calling.
In the reception room, TO the right Of the en-
trance, hang the portraits Of some Of the bene-
factors Of the institution the most conspicuous
being the life-size painting by Paczka of the
founder Miss Caldwell. A portrait Of Cardinal
Gibbons president Of the Board Of Trustees, oc-
cupies place over the mantel. the brilliant red
OF his Cardinals gown making agreeable spot
Of color in a room that is rather sombre The
other portraits are those Of the late Francis A.
Drexel, whose daughter founded in his memory
a chair of moral theology; the late Eugene Kelly.
who with Mrs. Kelly, endowed the chairs of
ecclesiastical history and Holy Scripture; NJ. P.
O'Connor Of San jose. Cal. TO whom the univer-
sty owes :he chair OF canon law and the late
Mr. Andrews, OF Norfolk. Va. for whom the
chair Of Biblical archaeology. founded by the
Misses Andrews his daughters is named. Other
chairs have been endowed by Patrick Quinn. OF
Philadelphia: the Catholic Total Abstinence
Union OF America Mrs Celinda b. Whitford. OF
Baltimore: the Ancient Order OF Hibernians OF
America and Colonel p. B. O'Brien Of New-Or-
leans In addition to these chairs. each one Of
fellowships and fourteen scholarships have been
endowed.
Following Miss Caldwells initiative, two years
after the opening OF Divinity College the Rev.
James Mcmahon, Of New York. presented prop
erty valued at $500 900 TO the university, part OF
which was used for the erection and support OF
Mcmahon Hall. where are housed the schools or
philosophy and social sciences 1t is built OF the
same material and after the same architectural
Idea as its neighbor. Caldwell Hall, but If any
khing its exterior is more attractive.
ENTHUSIASM BRINGS RICH GIFTS.
Enthusiasm among Roman Catholics concern
ling the university is general. and the original
gifts from Miss Caldwell and Father Mcmahon
were quickly supplemented by generous contr-
buttons from individuals and institutions for the
endowment Of chairs in the different faculties or
for the purpose of meeting the expenses OF the
university work. 1t is doubtful If any similar In
sttution ever attained such wealth so early in its
existence as the Catholic University now pos
sesses and II bids fair rival in this regard all
OF It's sister universities,
Two years ago the trustees Of the university
erected large and handsome brick building
known as Keane College which stands quarter
OF a mile distant from Divinity College, on the
road TO Brookland. for the accommodation OF
students who wished to avail themselves or the
privilege Keane College is, In fact large
hotel, with all the conveniences OF modern car
avansary, directed. after the manner OF cluo
by a board of governors composed OF TWO OF the
students and two OF the faculty, Of whom the as
Eistant rector DR.. Garrigan. is one. This plan OF
control is generally popular, and has so far
worked admirably.
The widely prevailing impression that the Cath-
Ole University is for divinity students ana Cath
olics only is an erroneous one. The unNersi! 10
planned on broad lines. and students or any oe-
nomination are accepted in all the schools pro-
yided they obey its rules. The faculty contains
men Of high standing with international reputa-
tons for work in the chairs they hold II mas
beon the aim Of the university to find the best
~ .hatber IN or out Of the Church. and
among the professors are two Protes'an's
rou n Wright honorary professor Of social eco
roroics who belongs TO the Unitarian faith. ana
Josiah Pierce assistant professor Of engineering
Tho rec,or Of the university. the Right Kew
rbornee T Conatv is as his name indicates Oh
Irish origin but has lived from childhood IN TINS
country He was educated at the College OF 'he
ToIy Cross by the Jesuits, and later spent eis"'
wears AT the Troy seminary OF the archuiooese
New-York For a number or years Tic was "
the head OF the Catholic Summer ochoo'
Plattsburg. and published The Cathohc oenoo'
Gazette" He resigned the rectorship Oh '"e
Church of the Sacred Heart In "orceS.t,'
Mass 70 accept his present appointment at the
time Archbishop Keane renquished It, Mon
scnor Conaty is a man about fifty years o'u'
possessed Of remarkable executive aoiI'y anu
pleasing personality. He has MADE an ao'ep
able official and endeared hmsef 10 HIS "'
ciates and students. ..o
The Very Rev. Philip J. Garrisaf "'e -
Is New-Engander by birth ana MOI
broad culture His easy manner ana ie'po 49,,
ness invite confidence, and ne is esp o,,-