Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-03-14
ARCHBISHOP IRELAND TO POPE.
Views on the Latter's Pronounce
ment on Americanism.

NEW YORK, March 13.-Copies Of the
"Osservatore Romano" containing the
full text OF the letter that Archbishop
Ireland addressed to the Pope in acknow-
ledgment Of the latters pronOuncement
upon "Americanism, have been received
in this city. IL is understood that Arch
bishop Irelands letter was published at
the immediate instance Of the Holy See.
The letter is in French, and the full trans
lation IS as follows:
Most Holy Father
Immediately on reading the letter which
your Holiness has just addressed 10 his
Emnence, Cardinal Gibbons. and to the
other members Of the American Episo-
pate, hasten to thank your Holiness for
this act of esteem and love toward the
Catholics OF the United States as well as
our entire American nation.
New light has come; Observation-Disclosures
are no more. Now we can even define the
errors which certain ones" have wished
to cloak with the name Of American
ism and define the truth which alone
Americans call "Americanism."
Moreover, so clear and precise are the
distinctions and explanations given in the
apostolic letter than the danger, which
was not understood by all the people Of
the United States-a danger which |,
myself, l confess, did believe might
9rise-is no longer possible.
Seeing the astounding confusion Of ideas
and the subsequent controversies start
ed. especially in France, about the
book, "Nie du Pere Hecker," the extent
OF which can be measured by the apos-
tOlic letter. | can no longer be blind TO
the fact that IT was a necessity for the
chief pastor to raise his voice to enlighten
and pacify mems minds.
Assuredly with all the strength of my
soul j repudiate and I condemn every
opinion which the apostolic letter repu-
dates and cOndemns-all those false and
dangerous opinions TO which. as the let
ter says. certain persons give the name
OF Americanism." | repudiate and / con-
denim those opinions without any excep-
ton literally, as your Holiness repudiates
and condemns them, and l repudiate and
condemn them with all the greater readi-
ness and heartfelt joy because my Cath
Ollie faith and my understandings OF the
teachings and practices of the Holy
Church never for a single instant per-
mitted me to open my soul TO such ex-
travagances The whole Episcopate Of the
United States I'm their own names and
i'm the names Of the people, are ready to
repudiate and condemn those errors. We
cannot but be indignant that such an in
jury has been done to our bishops, to
our faithful people, 10 our nation, In de-
scnating by the word "Americanism,'
as certain ones have done, such errors
and extravagances as these.
Most Holy Father, 1t IS the enemies Of
the Church I'm America and the faltnless
interpreters Of the faith who Imagine"
that there exists or who desire 70 estab-
lish in the United States a Church differ
ing IN one iota from the Holy and Uni
versal Church. with other nations recog-
nize, and which Rome itself. infalible
guardian Of the revelation OF Jesus C-rlst,
recognizes or can recognize.
Begging your Holiness graciously 70 ac-
Ccpt this expression OF the sentiment of
my love and devotion, and to bestow upon
me the favor of the apostolic blessing, 1
have the honor 10 be your Holiness's de-
voted son, JOHN IRELAND.
Archbishop of st. Paul.