Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-04-24

OHM y AIarsss Il 10 or
lens Celebration.


Washington, April 23.-The presence
Of Archbishop Ireland in Europe at this
time led to efforts among leading mem
bers OF the diplomatic corps here to
have the eminent American divine pre-
side at some notable church occasion.
AS ssresult it is learned that the Arch
bishop will deliver the principal dis
course at the Joan of Arc celebration
on May 8th, at the old French town OF
Orleans, which gave the name of the
Maid OF Orleans" to the girl saint and
soldier. The exercises will have both a
religious and national character, bring
ing pilgrimages from ali parts Of Eu-
rops and having the special benediction
of the Pope 1t was thought at first
that Archbishop Ireland would take
this occasion to correct the misappre-
tensions which have arisen through
Europe as to "Americanism." as set
forth in Father Heckers book. The
errors on the subject are ascribed main
ly to the mis5ranslation of the book
by French able, so that it was felt
to be appropriate that the correction
and calculation of true "Americanism
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 dis
course would be confined strictly to re-
ligious themes, dealing with the in
spired character of Joan of Arc. While
this may not give the discourse the sig
nificance at first expected, yet the be-
lief is expressed by those familiar with
the arrangements that the fervOr and
patriotic impulses of Archbishop Ire
land may lead to some discussion of the
American theme which has been so
prominent in church affairs of late, and
in which he has been one of the fore
most figures.
Catholic Church affairs also have been
attracting the attention of diplomatic
circles of late in connection with the
attitude of Italy in taking part in the
Cars disarmament congress if the
Pope also was to take part. Because
of this controversy the invitations is
sued by the government at The Hague
were delayed some weeks, and in cOnse-
Quence the British foreign Office with
held the official announcement of Sir
Julian Pauncefote's selection as one of
the British delegates. The State De-
partment also was in the same guam
justed. AS explained by leading dip
lomatic official, the position of Italy
was similarto that taken when the tenn
poral power of the Pope was denied
and finally oyerthrown. In opposing
the Pope's representation at The Hague
Italy held that the sole authority of
the Vatican related to moral and social
affairs, and not material or political
questions between nations. In behalf
of the Pope it was urged that Italy al
ready recognized the material and polit-
ical authority of the Pope by admitting
the appointment of ambassadors to the
Vatican from France, Spain, Bulgaria,
Portugal and some other countries
Pending the settlement of Italy's OBJ
jections there was much perplexing de-
lay in arranging the details of the con-
gress. 1t was finally determined that
the Pope would not be represented, this
decision, it is understood, being acqui-
esced in by the Vatican Since then
there have been intimations that the
French delegates to The Hague will in
directly represent the Vatican, but it is
said in the best posted political par
ties that the surmise is wholly unwar-
raDtpd