The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-13
OFFICERS ARE CHOSEN
AND THE FEDERATION OF CATHOLIC
SOCIETIES ADJoURNs.
VIII Meet In Chicago Next JuIy-TO
Have No Connection with the
Hierarchy or Politics.

CINCINNATI, Dec. 12-The American
Federation of Catholic Societies. after
session of three days, this afternoon ad-
journed 10 meet in Chicago July Is, 1902.
After the final adoption last night of the
new constitution and the election of Of
fcers this morning this, the last day, was
II Ostly devoted to the consideration of plans
for field work. The committees met after
the adjournment of the convention and the
executive board concluded its session this
evening
The national officers are: President T. B.
Minehan. Columbus, o.; vice presidents. l..
j. Kaufman. New York: T. II. Cannon
Chicago. and Daniel Duffy, Pottsville Pa.
secretary. Anthony Matre. Cincinnati
treasurer. II. j. Fries, Erie, Pa; marshal
Christopher OBrien, Chicago; executive
board. Nicholas Conner, Iowa; Gabriel
Franchere. Illinois; E. o. Reardon, Indian
apolis: George w. Gibbons. Pennsylvania;
r. II. Mcclure. Pennsylvania; NJ. p. Mon
ney. Ohio. and - Fabacker, Louisiana.
The convention closed amid scenes of
jollihcatiOn over the completion OF a gen.
eral organization of the Catholic laity
that has been in progress the past year.
While distinguished prelates have not only
Endorsed, but also cO-Operated I'm starting
written law that the organization is not
10 be connected with the hierarchy or with
politics The name of Father Joseph
Pfuger, of Buffalo. was elOquently pre-
sented for membership on the executive
board. Bishop McFaul Immediately took
the stage and insisted that the trainers of
the constitution contemplated no clerical
connections officially with the federation
and he insisted that it was distinctively
confederation of laymen. All of the Of
ncers and members of the committees are
laymen. The only exception is that of the
spiritual adviser. and all Catholic orders
make this exception, even the amateur lit
erary societies.
1t is said that the changes in the national
officers was largely due 10 the OPPOSITION
10 all having political aspirations. Judge
Thomas W. Fitzgerald, OF Brooklyn, one
OF the first vice presidents. ex-senator John
J. Coyle, of Philadelphia. the first chairman
OF the executive board, John j. O'ROurke,
or 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 founders or the
federation. While all OF the retiring Of
hcers were thanked in resolutions of praise,
the action regarding ex-Prestdent H. j.
Fries was especially striking. 1t was fol-
lowed by a long demonstration of APP
plause. AlphOnse KOelble. of New York. in
eulogizing Fries. said the latter could have
been reelected president, but that Fries
himself said public speaker, like Nine
han, who Is lawyer. was needed. and he
refused ito make the race. Fries was
was the only Of the new officers
elected by reclamation. In framing the
constitution some trouble was experienced
with those representing other than Eng
disappearing societies. The Irish and Ger
man orders are well represented among the
officers. Gabriel Franchere, of Chicago.
was elected on the executive board as a
representative Frenchman and other ma
tionalities were represented on the COM
mittees.
The new constitution was so amended
that members of the executive committee
on law, finance and arbitration will also
be members eXOfficiO of the executive
board. OF which the officers are also ex-
officiO members.
The election OF Anthony Matre. who is
principal in st. PhlOmena parish school
In this city, as secretary means that the
headquarters, at least until next July will
b in Cincinnati President Minehan OF
Columbus, and Secretary Matre are situated
only a little over three hours ride apart
and expect 10 be in conference frequently
There have already been many applications
by telegraph for copies OF the new cOnstf-
tuition and the officers and executive board
expect TO circulate large numbers OF them
very soon