The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-06-24
Bishop McFasis Proposition Net to Form .
Catholic Political Party.


Bishop McFasis Proposition Not to Form q
Catholic Political Party.
To TIE EDITOR OF The SuN-S,r. Will you
kindly permit me to correct. for the benefit oil
your readers. the mistakes and the false logic
employed by Irishman" and Mr.. Mahon In
their communication to The SUN criticisins
the proposed federation OF Catholic societies'
In the first place. thu Right Reverend Bishop
Of Trenton distinctly di,avowed any intention
OF forming a Catholic political party In the
United Sites; such a misinter probation could
come only from one who had spoken without
reading the Bishops letter.
Bishop MoFaul, together with many other
able minds In the hierarchy and among the
Catholic laity. believes that the time has come
for Catholic citizens Of this country to resent
the unjust legislation and unfair discrimination
continually exercised against the Roman Cath
olio Church and its members.
We have little sympathy with those who
would advocate a distinct Catholic party in the
United States on the lines OF the famous Centre
party in Germany. but we do believe that there
is most pressing need for our people TO stand
together a ono man and to bring the full fore"
Of their united strength against those specific
eoN' " hAi' 80 ~" Nhsh eSA WV $1,000
fest,y and ~unJustly hostile 10 us.
Your correspondent uhe Iri>hman depreoates
any plan to secure legislation partial to
Catholics. Let me assure him that neither
Bishop McFaul nor any other Catholic priest
or Bishop In the country has ever expressed
q desire for favors to their Church. We want
no special grants. We ask no favors from Leg
lslatures. from Congress or from the Chief
Eyao,tivo If m co,,ntrv. h,t uva 10 aak nd
demand that the profession Of Roman Cathol-
icsm be not made a bar to our rights as cid
zens OF the United States. Justice. not favori-
tism. Is what we ask for. and It would seem
that such justice will be denied US until the
full value Of Catholic votes be brought home 10
our political rulers. That such a union OF Cath
olio voters should be needed 10 misfortune. but
pray lay the blame where It belongs. not upon
those who would make use Of lawful rights to
redress a wrong. but upon those who have been
guilty Of dealing unfairly with their fellow citi-
Eens.
The term Constitutional is becoming a by
word In our days. We are told that what be-
longs to us Is Constitutional and that what IL
constitutional" will come to US without agita-
tlon; ergo. let US never raise our voice in de-
fence OF the Catholic Church; let Us never bring
the question Of our religion into politics. This
were. indeed, an ideal state Of affairs. but. I'M
fortunately. our Protestant friends are oon-
~inually being swsyed by those pontico-religIous
considerations which. forsooth. should never
enter the mind Of the Catholic vorer, II was
'Constitutiona"a few years ago to give snp-
Fort TO our indian schools; to-day they have no
right to such support. Has the Constitution
changed No. but tho opponents OF the Catholic
Church, peroeivinS that the pro rata appropria-
ton produced infinitely better results In the
Catholic schools. declined Government aid that
they might be able TO cripple our schools and be
able 10 hold up their hands In horror over the
unjust aggressions OF the Roman Church"
On May 81. 1899. Gen. Brooke. u. 8. A.. issued
an order purporting to be q new marriage law
for the island Of Cuba. declaring that for the
| future only civil marriage shall be recognized
In the island. By what right has this repre-
sentative Of our Government decreed that the
| man and woman who plight their faith at the
altar are not married in the eyes OF the law.
although such marriage Ia recognized az valid
In every State and Territory Of the Union. Tho
Archbishop Of Havana has protested against
the Injustice. but his protest has been set aside
by the United States Supreme Court OF Havana.
Cal this measure Constitutional" II you VIII,
II Ia an outrage that calls for the united protest
Of every true Catholic In the land. Nor oan We
Danish the thought that Gen. Brooke would
have turned his attention 10 other matters than
the marriage Law were there n considerable
number OF Protestant parishes In Cuba.
1t is doubtless Constitutional" 10 send reet-
ments to the front with a Protes tant chaplain,
although over 80 per cent. Of the men are ask
Ing for a Catholic priest The fear OF bringing
religion into politics should also close our eyes
to the injustice Of the existence Of over nfty
Protestant chaplains In our army and navy,
while there are but seven or eight Catholic
priests, although one-fourth Of the men are
Roman Catholics.
We are likewise quito sure that the question
Of religion does not enter into the minds OF our
Albany statesmen when they are selecting the
Regents Of the State. yet Is 1t not passing
strange that although the Catholics Of this State
number about ono third Of tho entire popula-
ton, the member OF he Legislature have gra-
ciously accorded US one member-one member
out of nineteen. A truly Just proportioni
In conclusion. / must say that l pity the
freshman" and Mr.. Mahon. the one for his
foolish fear that a concerted movement for
Justice would result In the establishment Of a
State Chur Oh. the latter for his fear Of what
others will think about US. his illusions to
Rome's influence, and his lack Of confidence
in the manhood and honesty Of the Catholic
priesthood and OF his fellow Catholic laymen.
WILLIAM. r. MoGIHEIs. DID.
BRooxLYN. June %.
tn n&~al prono.stio~ NJ Rishoo NcFauI.