The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-05-01
CORRIGAN TO THE POPE
THE ARCHBIsHoP's REPLY TO THE
PAPAL BRIEF ON AMERICANISM.
Only One of the Catholic Hierarchy In
This Country Who IndOrses His
Holiness's Letter in Full.

NEW YORK. May IA dispatch to the
World from Washington says: The text
of the letter which Archbishop Corrigan,,
of New York. addressed to the Pope in reply
to the Papal brief on ,Americanisn' reached
this city few days ago. Its transmission
has caused a sensation in Catholic circles.
1t shows that the archbishop alone. of the
entire American hierarchy Endorses in full
the Papal brief. Cardinal Gibbons in his re-
ply to the Papal admonition repudiated
certain doctrines and said he was not aware
that such teachings passed current as Cath
Ole doctrine. Archbishops Ireland and
Keane said practically the same thing, as
did number of other prelates. Even such
leaders of the German party Archbishop
Katzer, of Milwaukee. and Bishop Horts-
mann. of Cleveland. solemnly protested to
the Pope that the errors which he had
designated as 'Americanism' had no place in
the American Catholic Church. Catholics
her think thas the New York prelate did an
other remarkable thing in signing the letter
in the name of all the suffragan bishops Of
New York province. According to the usual
etiquette each bishop has the right to re-
ply to the Pope In his own name. 1t is
known here that at least four of the suf-
fragan bishops do not indorse the senti-
ments in their archibishop's letter.
Another matter which causes comment Is
the recollection of the fact that Archbishop
Corrigan gave the imprimatur. or ecclesi-
astical sanction. to the book on Father
the present disturbance. The churchmen
say that it is supposed that when prelate
formally indorses a publication he stands
sponsor for its soundness. They are there
fore surprised that Archbishop Corrigan
should now refuse to defend the doctrine
which his previous action caused to be
spread broadcast among American Catholics.
The archbishop's letter Is iR part as follows:
words the feelings of admiration, of JOY and
of gratitude with which our heart has been
penetrated towards your Holiness in read
ing the mastery and admiraple letter,
which you have deigned to address to US
on what. for some time past has been des.
ignated under the name of "Americanism.
1t is with the greatest wisdom that your
Holiness has united into one group the
to pass for good Catholic teaching under
the spacious title Of 'Americanism
We receive then, and accept for ourselves,
our clergy and for the communities and for
congregations which, with US. work for the
salvation of souls as we'll as for all faith
full. your Holinesss doctrinal letter 'Testem
Benerolentee' We accept it. and make it
our own, word for word and sentence for
sentence. In its regard We shall
never make, ror shall We ever permit that
others depending from us, either directly
or indirectly, should make any reservation
or regeneration. Your Holiness has spok-
en- the question is therefore ended.
I'VE can say also that the monster which,
In order to obtain lasting abode, TO ac-
quire the rights of citizenship among us.
assumed to itself the fair name of Ameri-
canism, has on its first appearance been
struck down dead. But II Is To you that the
glory of this happy result is due. If your
Holiness had not opportunity come to our
aid with your admirable letter, how nu-
merous might have been those who, through
ignorance rather than through malice,
would have been caught in the trap.
And now, with our heads high, we can re-
peat that We are Americans as truly as
any one whoever he may be. Yes, we are