The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1899-03-03
Leo XIII Issues an Address to
Americans.
IN A LETTER TO GIBBONS
Several Matters Explained to the
American Prelate - The
Hecker Doctrines.

LONDON, Feb. 22.-The Rome cor
respondent of the Times says
Generally speaking, the @ncyc,ica,
is regarded as qualified condemna-
ton OF the Hecker doctrines. II would
be erroneous to suppose tina. il con
dennis or directly affects Cardinal Glib
bons, Archbishop Ireland or the group
of enlightened prelates who have so
largely contributed to the spread OF
Roman Catholicism in the United
o,ates.
1T is partly the utcome OF a deep
laid, long-matured intrigue. and IL this
is the only result OF twelve months
plotting il is clear that the latter will
strengthen rather than weaken the po-
sition CT the American prelates whom
the intrigue was intended TO over
| throw.
Throughout the bitter phases OF the
bitter conflict which preceded its pub
lication the Pope displayed n prudence
and perspicacity astonishing in man
of his age placed in a position where
unbiased information is no; readily
forthcoming"
| ROME. Feb. 21.-The Osservatore
Romano publishes tonight a letter
from the Pope TO Cardinal Gibbons say
ing:
| If the term 'Americanism' signifies
a quality peculiar to Americans and
usages adapted TO their customs. then
We have nothing to say against 1t; but
if it denotes the opinions expressed in
convinced that the American Bishops
will be the first to- reject them.
The Pope's letter especially reproves
opinions concerning the relaxation OF
discipline and the non-observance OF
doctrinal points as a preteXt for at
tracing dissenters TO Catholicism. the
direction of souls by inspiration o. the
Holy Ghost, Independent of priestly
control; the diversion of virtue into
active or passive criticisms OF the old
religious orders, and concerning I'M
usual methods Of preaching Catholic
ism to dissenters.
| The letter. which occupies five col
ums in the Osservatore Romano. be-
gins by lauding Cardinal Gibbons and
the American Catholics. Abiding to
the many proofs of good will he has
given them in the past, the Pope wishes
them to see in the present document
proof of his affection for America.
| While he makes it clear that the let
ter is one of warning and correction
with reference to the Life OF Father
Hecker,' his Holiness carefully dis
| tinguishes between the doctrinal as
poets of the new theories and ques-
tons of practical discipline and strong
| ~ urges the impossibility OF any
change in the former.
| While admitting the church has al
ways recognized and acted upon the
necessity OF adapting certain points OF
discipline to modern requirements. IL
rests with the church. the Pope points
out. and not with individuals. to- de-
termine how and when such ad1pta-
tons can be made.
All virtues" says his Holiness.
must necessarily be active. The con-
tempt shown by iunovators for what
they are pleased to call the passive
virtues has naturally led TO n CON
tempt Of religious life as suited only
to the weak and as an impeachment 20
Christian perfection and to the good
of the community"
This error the Pope energeicllly
condemns, declaring it 'injudicious 20
the religious orders and in contr1dic-
ton TO his tory
He reminds the Americans OF their
Indebtedness to the religious orders.
both active and contemplative.
The letter arouses deep interest in
Rome. The Liberal papers declare that
it constitutes a solemn manifestation
of the intransigent spirit OF Catholi-
cism," and predict that it will produce
an immense effect in America.