The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-18
FOR A CATHOLIC FEDERATION.
A Plan to soIfdify Church Societies
for United Action.

n Plan to SOitdify Church SOcfe tics
for United Action.
| NEW YORK. June IA project that
has for its object the federation OF sl1
the societies in the United States composed
| Of Roman Catholic laymen is being dis
cussed in Catholic circles throughout the
| country. 1t is understood that influential
ciergymen and iayInen are interested in
the scheme.
According to the plan proposed. all
Catholic societies are to become affiliated
in one great union. although each separate
organization is to retain its individuality.
The idea is to have all the members of the
societies subject to central direction. so
that they may all work together whenever
necessary for any special purpose, political
or otherwise
Bishop McFall. of Trenton, has warmly
supported the project. He has lately pre-
pared an address on THE Influence of
Catholic Societies" that Is being circu-
lated extensively in support Of the fedora
ton idea. The Bishop says in this ad-
dress:
I'm recent letter to the national con-
vention OF tie Ancient Order OF Hiber-
mans, 1 suggested union Of our societies
saying:
1T seems to me that our societies COM
posed Of Catholics should endeavor to
touch at certain points. so that while each
retains its identity and pursues its own
aims independently Of other organizations
there may be bond of union enabling
them. in given circumstances. to exert a
concerted influence. This influence shouid
be felt in our State Legislatures and in
the National Congress-wherever bigots
attempt the invasion Of our rights
/. Il was careful to state that it was not
my intention to advocate Catholic po.iti-
cal party. This. think. would be unwiss
for many reasons. Neither do l think that
we should unreasonably emphasize our
claims for justice. We are American citi-
zens. entitled TO certain rights, and these
we must possess. Bigotry should not he
allowed to deprive US of the exercise and
enjoyment of any Of them. We ask 70
favors; we beg for no privileges: but we
insist that our religion shall net be made
an obstacle to the attainment OF our con-
stitutiOnal rights.
I'VE are II COG, eco in American. yet how
small IL our influence! What representa-
ton have we In the State and National
affairs when we measure 1t with the pro-
portion We bear to the whole population Of
the country? / was about to say that we
are sumost = uouentity 50 lar as exesClSiES
any influences in connection with NATIONAL
policies Is concerned. Would II not te
better to be divided between the two
great political parties? For generations
we have been casting our votes fer cur
fellow citizens, never asking what a mans
religion was. and, as a rule. simply re-
quiring that he belong to certain political
party.
st has not been with this impartiality
that We have been treated. II Cstholic
presumes to stand for any political office
that same individual who has enjoyed tie
benefit Of our suffrage may. perhaps. be
the first to cry cut: Don't vote for him;
he's Catholic 1t is. Of course. TO b, i
understood that we must be guide1 b.
principles, that our ballots must be cast
conscientiousiy. Any other vote is I'M
worthy Of free man This. however,
will not prevent US from SO overwhelm-
ing ignorant. presumptuous bgctry, when
found in either party, that not one OF its
candidates shall ever dare raise his head
for political Office in America