Richmond daily palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1876-1904, 1901-12-13
The Bars Put Up Against the
Clergy and the Poll
ticianS.
OFFICERS ARE ELECTED
Organization OF the Federation of
Catholic Societies Effected With
Every Demonstration of Accord.
Lack of Connection With the Her.
archy Or With Politics Is Given
Emphasis.

Cincinnati. Dec. 13.-The American
Federation of Catholic Societies, after
session of three days, yesterday af-
ternoon adjourned to meet in Chicago.
July 10. 1902. After the final adop-
ton Wednesday night of the new con-
sfitution and the election of officers
yesterday morning the last day was
mostly devoted to the consideration of
plans for field work. The committees
met after the adjournment of the con-
vention, and the executive board con-
Guided it's session IL the eveaing-
The convention closed amid scenes
of jollification over the completion of
q general organization of the Catholic
laity that has been in progress the
past year. While distinguished prel-
ates hive not only endorsed but also
co-opeIa, ed in starting the federation,
theEt seems TO be an unwritten law
that the organization is not to be con-
nected with the hierarchy or politics
The name OF Father Joseph Pfuger
of Buffalo was eloquently presented
for membership on the executive
board Bishop McFaul Immediately
took the stage and insisted that the
trainers of the constitution contem-
plated no clerical connections official
ly with the federation, and he insisted
that it was distinctively a confedera-
ton of laymeu. All of the officers and
members of the committees are Law
men. The only exception is that of
the spiritual adviser. and all Catholic
orders make this exception even the
amateur literary societies.
1t is SAID that the changes in the
national officers was largely due to the
opposition to all having political as
pirations. Judge Thomas W. Fitzger-
aid of Brooklyn. one of the first vice
presidents. ex-senator John j. Coyle
of Philadelphia. the first chairman of
the executive board: John ]. O'Rourke
of Philadelphia, the first secretary.
and other original promoters were
dropped from official positions in the
federation. They were rendered votes
of thanks for their efficient efforts as
founders of the confederation While
all of the retiring officers were thank
ed in resolutions of praise. the action
regarding ex-President H. j. Fries was
especially striking. IT was followed
by long demonstration of applause.
Alphonse Koe1ble of New York. in
eulogiZing Fries. said the latter could
have been reelected president but
that Fries himself said public speak
er. like Minehan, who is a lawyer. was
needed, and he refused TO make the
race Fries was elected treasurer
without opposition and he was only
one of the new officers elected by &C
ciamation. In framing the constitu-
ton some trouble was experienced
with those representing other than
English speaking societies The Irish
and German orders are well represent,
ed among the officers, Gabriel Fran
chere of Chicago was elected on the
executive board as a representative
Frenchman. and other nationalities
were represented on the committees
The convention closed amid enthusi-
astic demonstrations. all joining in
singing America. after which Bishop
Messmer gave the benediction in
Latin and Bishop McFaul in English.
when the convention adjourned to
meet in Chicago ON the third Tuesday
OF next July.
Prices elegant chocolates in noat