Waterbury Democrat., 1901-11-21
ANIMAL MEETING TO-DAY.
Federation of Catholic Societies Will
 Be Discussed.

Federation of Catholic Societies Will
 Be Discussed.
 Washington. Nov 21.-The archbish- ops of the United States composing the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic church in this country ,are holding their annual meeting at the Catholic uniysr- Sity to-day.
 ThSse expected to be present are: Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishops Corri- gan of New York, Williams of Boston, Feehan of Chicago, Elder of Cincin- natl. Keane of Dubuque, Katzer of Milwaukee, Christie of Oregon, Kain of St Louis. Riordan of San Francisco, Bourgale of Santa Fe, N. M., and Ire land of St Paul, AIinn.
 One of the most important questions to be brought up for discussion and final disposal. and which is of vital .n- | terest to the Catholics throughout the United States, is undoubtedly the ques- tion of the federation of Catholic soci- cities of America This project, the most notable exponent of which is Bishop McFaul. has for over a year been a topic of universal interest and keen debate.
 The question of the order of the Knights of Columbus will also be dis cussed. There seems to be much diff ference of opinion among the clergy in regard to this organization, some of ] them holding that it is q secret society and therefore should not be tolerated l by the church. while others argue that | it is only q beneficial organization. Bishop Jansen some time ago would not permit the Knights of Columbus ! to organize in his diocese, whereupon | the matter was brought to the atten- 2 U s1,. .fT z1 C.. zs-1 1 ion. The papal delegate will announce his decision in the matter after it has been thoroughly discussed by the archbishops.
 On December 10 convention of rep ] resentatiyes of the leading Catholic societies of the United States is to meet at Cincinnati. It is expected that over 1000 delegates will be pres ent. The aim and purpose of the con- vention is the organization of the pro- i jected federation. the election of off cers and the formulation and adoption of q constitution and bylaws.
 There is every reason to believe. however, that the convention of arch l bishops next Tuesday will advise against the organization of any such l federation. It is declared to be ] practical certainty that the convention will issue clear and unmistakable expression of its sentiments on the subject.
 I Cardinal Gibbons. it is stated on re liable authority. has ill private freely declared himself as entirely against this federation. as well as against any Catholic orders that even bear sem i blance to q secret organization. He holds that general federation of American Catholics for any other than purely religious purposes would at the 1 present time be more detrimental than useful to the cause of Catholicism in I this country. Most of the archbishops are with Cardinal Gibbons i'll the mat l ter
 Another important subject which will be brought up for discussion is the status of the Catholic church in the insular possessions of the United ] States.
 Inasmuch as the archbishops arc honorary trustees of the Catholic uni. versity, matters pertaining to this in stitution will also be submitted and 1 discussed.