The times., 1899-07-29
IRELAND,S RETURN.
The Archbishop Says Old Church
Questions VIII Not He Revived.

Questions VIII Not He Revived.
New York. July 2S.-Archbishop Ireland
Of st. Paul arrived here this morning on
the White Star Line steamship Britannia
after a three months sojourn In Rome,
France. Belgium. Ireland. and England.
While in Ireland the Archbishop visited for
a week his old home in Kilkenny. His
principal stay. however. was in Rome.
where he had an interview with the Pope
regarding the conditions OF the Roman
Catholic Church in America
When seen on the Britannia this morn
ing. Archbishop ireland was apparently in
excellent health and spirits. He is man
OF medium size, thick set. and with hair
nearly white.
With the exception of a large signet ring.
he wore today no conspicuous sign OF his
high office. He declined to be interviewed
on ecclesiastical questions. s-ying that he
had not been in touch with the persons and
events in this country during the past few
months. OF his voyage he said:
In spite of the fact that the voyage was
one day longer than usual We enjoyed 1t
thoroughly. 1t was a delightful trip. The
weather has been pleasant, and we were
comfortable throughout the entire passage.
| have been and am still in excellent
health and spirits.
No" continued the Archbishop 81 real
ly could not think of discussing the ques
tions and alleged controversies of the
Catholic Church that have appeared in the
press of both England and the United
States in the past year. Then, too, II did
say anything. it would be cabled back to
Europe and there be misunderstood caus-
ing trouble and annoyance TO all concerned.
America, you see, is now new territory to
me. l must first renew my acquaintance
with the people, get in touch with them
and with the affairs of the Church and
country. 1t is then possible that l may
have something to say.
THE old questions, though, are forever
closed and l will never again discuss them.
I can assure you that these controversies
have been amicably settled and / would be
the last one to renew them. The Pope,
when l saw him. was in excellent spirits
and seemed to be enjoying good mental
and physical health
The Archbishop was asked to examine
clipping containing his interview on Amer
ioanism in the Catholic Church of this
country which had appeared on June 2i in
the New Era" a Church paper published
in London. Il think that have not been
misquoted," he remarked. However, as l
said. all those questions are now closed
and / must emphatically refuse to open
them"
The chief questions to which the Arch
| bishop referred were those of the supposed
| difference of opinion between Archbishop
ireland and Archbishop Corrigan regarding
the meaning OF the Pope's recent letter on
Americanism; the criticism of the French
clergy in relation to the growing independ
ence of American Catholicism and the
true attitude of the Catholic Church of
America.
do you think that the attitude of
Bishop Potter and other Protestant clergy
men with regard to a liberal construction
of the Bible will tend to drive Protestants
into the Catholic church," was asked.
''Ah. that is a very. very delicate sub
ject." replied the Archbishop, and l would
not attempt to answer it until | knew
something regarding the state OF religious
affairs here. You will therefore have to
excuse me-
What is new in American" continued
the Archbishop. turning questioner him
self. I see you have buried Ingersoll. No.
no. he added. hastily, Il have nothing
whatever to say about him; have formed
no opinion"
| What. in your journey abroad, i'm
| pressed you most?" was asked.
II was most impressed. think with the
| contrast between the masses in Europe and
the masses in this country. The American
poor are better off in every way. You will
find them more intelligent. and their sur
| roundings are certainly conducive to
| greater happiness.
"Yes. | was much interested in the work
/ ings OF the Peace Commission, and am OF
the opinion that its work will not lack for
| good results. Lord Salisbury's refusal to
| sign the agreement until the powers not
! represented in the Conference had ratified
| the agreement simply indicates the
shrewdness of the Premier. lie wants to
force the Transvaal into an agreement
! don't you see?'
What opinions or sentiments regarding
| this countrys relations with the Philip
/ pines did you notice abroad?'
THE feeling generally in Europe, as /
gathered it, is that America should finish
up that Philippine campaign" The Arcn-
! bishop said this with emphasis. If the
trouble keeps on he continued Europeans
| will get the opinion that we don't know
how to handle these people. What irri-
tates them in Europe is that we haven't
| been able TO libarate the Spanish prisoner.
! After putting the Span.ards out we have
been prevented from liberating them our
selves, and that gives Europeans bad
! opinion of us"
What IS the feeling there as TO tbs
| future of the Catholic Church in the island:
under American domination?"
The opinion of Catholics in Europe is
| that the Church is far safer under Amsri-
can dominion; that the rights of the Church
will be much better guarded by Americans
than by native government in the Phil
ippines, and that il is really in the inter
| est of the Church that America should
suppress the rebellion
"How is the Pope?'
THAT is a question put to every visitor
to Rome. The Holy Father is remarkably
we'll His mind is as clear as ever. There
are more old men in Europe than there are
in America. They take better care OF
themselves there If they work they work
| Systematically. The Pope is as much in
terested in all questions of the world as
ever. OF course he is approaching his
ninetieth year and there comes a time when
old age becomes incurable."
Archbishop Ireland said that he had only
one programme-to get to st. Paul as soon
as possible He had not, however. set a
day for his departure. and could not say
whether he would visit Washington before
going home.
Seats for Snieswomen.