The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-26
The pope's EncyClica'.

certain ProteStants. of the United
States after reading of the letter of
Pope Leo XIII. addressed to Cardinal
Gibbons, of Baltimore. There can be
no doubt that this letter was prepared
for the signature of the pope by the
hand of one who. while fully cognizant
of the desire of the representatives of
the Church of Rome in this country
to broaden its sphere of usefulness
through the process of that liberalism
which characterizes the treatment by
this nation OF every religious creed. was
at the same time a devotee of all the
fundamental principles and accom-
panying eXactions of the original
church of Christ. as founded by St.
Peter.
But when we reach the pontifical
throne, whereon is seated the reputed
successor of ST. Peter. whose signature
must be attached TO the declaration, it
must be remembered by all that cir
cumstance has not afforded to it's oc-
cupant opportunities for that breadth
Of view of all the world and the con-
ditiOns existing therein which have
been enjoyed by the earnest and loyal
laborers in the field provided by the
opening up Of this great republic, with
all it's advantages of weights and
measures in things holy as well as in
things temporal. The Vatican is prac-
tically cloister. and its walls are sim
ply the temporary resting places of
sunbeams escaping from the great
wealth of glowing light which wraps
the entire world In it's beautiful folds.
To Pope Leo XIII, who. as head OF
his church. has throughout his extend
ed reign commanded the respect of all
Christendom by his moderation, Car
dinal Gibbons. Archbishop Ireland and
other American prelateS of their dis
tinguished type are mere laborers in
the vineyard. But these men have
which has never been inhaled by the
supreme pontiff They have touched
the nerves of that liberal thought
which combines independence with
federation. They have lived and toiled
through the dark periods of prejudice,
with its unreasoning hostility, and they
have issued forth as conquerors, with
virtuouS living, common sense and
thorough patriotism combined with
strict fidelity to the principles of their
church as their only weapons.
There has been no national attempt
to "Americanize" the Roman Catholic
church; neither has there been any
desire to do SO. The growth of that
church in the respect in which 1t is
now held by the people of this coun-
try has been gradual, and due wholly
To the quiet labors of it's best repre-
sentatives. No concessions III the di-
rection of less stringent laws have been
solicited by any UNCONVENTIONAL COM
munion of Professionalism, and, it Is
fair to say. there never will be.
Neither is there likely to be any ten
dency to organized conflict against the
rights and privileges the Roman
church now enjoys in common
with all other religious creeds,
except as a few bands OF
fanatics may now and then endeavor
to create agitation for political ends.
But the level sea of American senti-
ment will never be excited into violent
disturbance by the launching of such
feeble craft upon it's bosom. On the
other hand the recorded history Of the
Roman Catholic church since it's foun-
dalton has afforded permanent assur-
ance to it's most intelligent devotees
that the spirit of the nineteenth CEN
tury renders impossible Of realization
any dream of linking the power of any
state with that of any distinctive
church. The spiritual and thu secular
will remain eternally divorced in all
future matters of governmental control
in this country, so long as the republic
shall continue to exist.
The question Of PROSECUTING Ameri-
cans is one which alone concerns the
priesthood On the one hand and the in
dividual on the other. There are pos
sibly many Protestants who would ac-
cept the Roman Catholic faith were
more liberal conditions accorded The
church affords many attractions to
people Of the highest intellectuality 1t
is a venerable institution, and once
within its fold one may find that it is
possessed of all the liberalism by
which a rule of correct living should
be measured. 1t demands faithfulness
on the part of those identified with it;
but ST. should any Christian church
worthy of existence. But that 1t repre-
sents in a higher sense than any other
communion earthly power for the for
givenesS Of sin is a point that must al
ways be questioned in every land
Briefly stated the pope's letter yields
nothing to the liberal element of the
church in the United States, but stead
tasty adheres to its historic doctrines,
not, however, Dramatically, but reason
ably and in the spirit of kindness. 1t
conveys no rebuke to the advocates of
the embodiment of broader principles,
but rather commends them for their
fidelity to the church and their efforts
to advance the field of its usefulness.
It is, in some respects, delightful in
it's beauty of reasoning and demonstra-
ton, ard in all respects instructive in
the history and doctrines of the
church. It's superlative dignity, COM
blned with it's simplicity, must COM
mend it to every one; and it fairly
reflects the worlds estimate of the vir-
tues and nobility of character of the
venerable sovereign whose signature it
bears.
Archbishop Ireland who is now in
Rome, hastens to record himself as in
the fullest sympathy with the doctrinaI
exposition contained in the encyclical.
A