The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-03-10
IRELAND'C VIEWS
ON HECKERISM
The Priest Had Ideas Peculiar to
Himself.
EXPRESSED A RELUCTANCE
To Enter Into a Discussion Of The
Delicate Question.
IRELAND's COURSE DURING WAR
Before Hostilities Begun, He Was Pro-
Spanish in Sentiment, But His
American Citizenship Caused
Him to Be Loyal.

ent of the Daily Chronicle telegraphs the
substance of an interview he has had with
Archbishop Ireland in which the latter ex-
plains his attitude towards "Heckerism"
and his course during the Spanish-Ameri-
can war. He describes Archbishop Ireland
as having the stern, benevolent face of an
apostle" and terribly in earnest" re-
marking that the following colloquy may
be taken as a message to his friends and
reply to the misinterpretations which,
though unintentional he considers damag-
ing to great cause. The correspondent
continues:
Archbishop Ireland expressed reluctance
to enter upon discussion of delicate ques-
tions, which, as he observed, only time can
clear up but he said he accepted this OPP
portunity to dispel wrong views and to
give in nut shell the maxims considered
essential to the human-working out
church.
The archbishop then proceeded in this
wise:
Let me begin by disconnecting the new
word 'Heckerism.' 1 knew Father Hecker
well, and, like all other great minds, he
had views peculiar to himself One of these
was the direct inspiration of the holy ghost.
Daring Doctrine
This apparent daring doctrine meant
little more than that Cody help Is not
wanting to those displaying the initiative.
1 frequently told him he was ambiguous
and would be misunderstood, and this has
happened"
Archbishop Ireland, proceeding to explain
the Importance attached to the natural vir-
tues, said:
1--WE maintain especially regarding the
clergy that temperance and truthtulness,
for instance, are so necessary that they
cannot be replaced by any purely devo-
tonal fidelity. An Incorporate priest
sterilizes his mission. A priest who stretches
personal casuitry to provocation and men,
tai reserve only justifies the enemies of the
church in affirmations, which, though false,
are heard far and wide.'
The archbishop then warmly protested
against what he described as the ground
less charge that he is inimiea, 10 the re-
ligious orders. He Said he believed there
was no nohleF f6eal conceivable than the
monastic vows, but he objected to paroch-
ial or educational encroachments of the
regular clergy Chose identified with re-
ligious orders or bound by monastic vows)
upon the secular" clergy" Chose not so
identified or bound. The episcopacy and
its sub-heirarchy were, he said, the real
foundation of ecclesiastical work.
Referring to the attempts that Jesuits
had made in the United States to prevent
the establishment of the Catholic university
at Washington, he said:
Wanted it Themselves
s"They wanted it themselves, but the
pope pointedly warned me not to allow
the American bishops to be caught In their
tolls. My views on this subject are 1denli-
cal with the late Cardinal ManninSs 10
insinuate that Americanism means the
transference of the religious orders TO the
melting pot is a calmuny. They have pro-
duced countless saints and have their own
exalted mission but American Catholicism
requires a priesthood deeply imbued with
natural and civic virtues
With reference to the war, Archbishop
| Ireland said: Before it broke out l was
Spanish but when hostilities commenced
| 1 forgot everything except that L was an
| American citizen, anointed to love and serve
| my country"
He could say nothing concerning the dis
| armament in congress. He might mention
one of two representatives, or there might
be another and higher solution. Il am at
| the double SERVICE" he remarked, "of my
| spiritual office and the imperial citizen
| ship"
| 1t would be impossible to reproduce the
| flowing, sparkling French of the illustrious
| churchman, whose elevation to the cardf-
nalite has only been adjourned by the
pope's illness.
Victory for Americans
London, March 1O-The Rome correspon-
dent of the Morning Post says:
"Since the recovery of the pope the ques-
| ton of Americanism is being eagerly re-
| discussed. The popes letter to Cardinal
| Gibbons was prepared by Cardinal Satolli
| and Cardinal Camille Mazzella (prefect of
| the congregation of Sacred Rights, both
| of whom are strong enemies of Cardinal
| Gibbons and Archbishop Ireland and the
| latter was Of condemnation of all
American tendencies.
The pope and Cardinal Rampolla (papal
| secretary of state) cut, expurgated and
| added to the draft until it was unrecogniza-
BILE by the authors. Neither side Is COM
| pletely satisfied but the real victory re-
mains with the Americans, and 1t is said
| the red hat will be bestowed upon Arch
| bishop Ireland as a mark of the pope's
| approval"