The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-04-24
CELEBRATION ON MAY 8
MEMORY OF THE GIRL SAINT TO
BE HoNORED.
Diplomatic Circles Interested in the
Differences Between Italy and
the Vatican as to the
Peace Congress.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

WASHINGTON, April 23.-The
presence of Archbishop Ireland in Eu-
rope this time led to the efforts
among leading members of the diplo-
matte corps here to have the eminent
American divine preside at some not
able church occasion. AS a result, it
is learned that the Archbishop will de-
liver the principal discourse at the
Joan of Arc celebration on May 8 at
the old French town of Orleans, which
gave the name Of the Maid of Or
leans" to the girl saint and soldier
The exercises will have both a re-
ligious and a national character, bring
ing pilgrimages from all parts Of Eu-
rope and having the special benedic-
ton Of the Pope.
1t was thought at first Archbishop
Ireland would take this occasion to
correct the misapprehensions which
have arisen through Europe as to
"Americanism," as set forth in Father
Hecker's book. The errors on this sub
ject are aScribed mainly to the mis-
translation of the book by a French
able, so that it was felt to be appro-
pirate that the correction and elucida-
ton of true ''Americanism" should be
national occasion. Quite recently,
however, the leading church authori
ties in this country have made known
that Archbishop Ireland's discourse
would be confined strictly to religious
themes, dealing with the inspired char
acter of Joan of Arc. While this may
not give the discourse the significance
at first expected, yet the belief is ex-
pressed - those familiar with the ar
rangements that the fervor and pa
triotic impulses of Archbishop Ireland
may lead to some discussion of the
American theme which has been so
prominent in church affairs of late and
in which he has been one of the fore
most figures.
Catholic church affairs also have
been attracting the attention of diplo-
matt circles of late, in connection
with the attitude of Italy in refusing
to take part in the Cars disarma-
ment congress if the Pope also was to
take part. Because of this controversy
the invitations issued by the Govern
ment at The Hague were delayed some
weeks, and, in consequence, the Brit
ish Foreign Office withheld the official
announcement of Sir Julian Paunce-
totes selection one of the British
delegates. The State Department also
was in the Same Quandary until the
controversy was adjusted. As ex-
planned by leading diplomatic official,
the position of Italy was similar to
that ta!on wh>n the temporal power
Of the Pope was denied and finally
overthrown. In opposing the Pope's
representation at The Hague, Italy
held that the sole authority of the
Vatican related to moral and social af-
fairs and not material or political
questions between nations.
In behalf of the Pope it was urged
that Italy already recognized the ma
terial and political authority of the
Pope by admitting the appointment of
ambassadors to the Vatican from
France, Spain, Bulgaria, Portugal and
some other countries.
Pending the settlement of Italy's OBJ
jections, there was much perplexing
delay in arranging the details of the
congress It was finally determined
that the Pope should not be represent
ed, this 'ocision, it is understood, be-
ing acquiesco in by the Vatican.
Since then there have been intimations
that the French delegates to The
Hague would indirectly represent the
Vatican, but 1t is said in the best
posted diplomatic quarters that this
surr17;-.- ia wholly unWarranted