The times., 1899-07-03
DIR. zAHM REGRETS HIS BOOK.
Asks That His Wori. Called "EyoIu-
tion and Dogma" BE Recalled.


New York. July What threatened to
be a bitter controversy in the Roman Cath
olic Church in this country has been set
tied by the submission to the authorities
in Rome of the Very Rev. DR.. John A.
Zahm, Provincial of the Fathers OF the
Holy Cross, an order of priests which is in
charge of the University of Notre Dame.
Indiana, and conducts a college affiliated
with the Catholic University in Washing
ton.
DR.. Zahm has been one OF the most out
spoken advocates in the Catholic Church
of the theory of evolution. few years
ago he issued book called Evolution and
Dogma that was severely criticised in
many quarters. The views he set forth, 1t
was declared by his critics. were contrary
to Catholic doctrine. 1t became known re-
Gently that a commission of Cardinals in
Rome was examining his work and a de-
cision was expected soon.
But DR.. Zahm himself now comes for
ward in a letter in which he asks that his
book be withdrawn from sale. Among
well informed Catholics this action is re-
garded as an evidence that the Roman au-
thorities do not approve his work on evo-
luton and that he has decided to submit
to their judgment. DR.. Zahm's letter,
which was addressed to one of the trans
lators of the work, Alfonso Golea. follows:
Noue Damc Ind. May 16 1899
Ny Dear Alfonso: / have learned from unques-
tionable authority that the Holy See IS adverse
TO the further distribution Of Evolution and
Dogma" and | therefore beg OF You to use all
your influence TO have the book withdrawn fcom
sale. You have probably fOrCseen this result
and il will therefore cause YOU surprise . .
However. we both THANK God that we
labored only for his honor and glory in giving the
work 10 the public. As for myself, it will cause
me no pain to see the fruit OF much toll con-
signed to Oblivion. God rewards the intention,
and our intentione were good
Mr.. Golea has made this public an
nouncement:
l. too, Join with the illustrious DIR. J. A.
Zahm as translator of his Evolution and Dog
ma" and | ask my true friends neither to read
nor to give further publicity to my poor version
OF Ire aforementioned book, in obedience To the
desire of the Holy See, and l am always ready
to retract when called upon.
DR.. Zahm. since the publication of "Evo-
luton and Dogma has had to stand some
of the most bitter attacks ever made in
any Catholic controversy in this country.
He is known as a friend of Cardinal Glib
bons. Archbishop Ireland and Archbishop
Keane. and the enemies of those prelates
in the West united in assailing him. He
was called not only a liberal. but even
hereto. Not long ago. in reply to these
critics. he gave assurances of his Cath
olicity. He then said:
My views may not be looked upon with favor by
all in Rome. / do not expect much, and |
really 90 not care for the approval Of everyone
But | know that every eminent of science
throughout Europe is in perfect sympathy with
my views. | venture TO say that the twentieth
century will not be very old before nine out OF
every ten thinkers will he cvolutionists, as op-
posed to believers in special creation.
On the visit Of Monsignor Martinelli the
Apostolic Delegate. to Notre Dame last
May DR.. Zahm was outspoken in declaring
his loyalty to the Pope.