The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-22

sisted by a numerous group Of consult
ers. chosen from the most brilliant schol-
ars in the Catholic world the United
States being represented in this excellent
body by the Very Rev. Dr. Grammar. Of
the Catholic University Of this city. "En
regard TO studies" said great student
and churchman, Pope Leo has already
reared a monument Of fmperishabIe
fame by the successive acts OF his pom
tifcate"
a great French writer has left on rec
ora his belief that in the long series OF
the Popes there are not many TO De
found whose action has been more pow
erful and more beneficent than that Of
Lee XIII. He possesses in a supreme
degree the knowledge OF the times i'm
which his lot is cast and OF the wants
of the church in the acute crisis through
which it has been passing since his cleo
ton.
The First Man in Europe"
Ten years ago it was said of him that
since the death OF the old Emperor VIII
liam / of Germany, Leo XIII has insen-
sibly taken in the imaginatiOns of men
the position and prestige of the first man
in Europe At the very beginning OF his
pontifcate he opened communications
with the sovereigns and rulers of the
world.
The history OF Europe tells Of the sep
aration that existed between Germany
and the Papacy. at the close Of the reign
OF PiuX TX. A persecution OF a bitter
character was waged against Catholics
in that country. Leo XIII attempted to
induce the leading parsonage in the
state. after the Emperor-that is TO say.
Prince Bismarck-to reconsider with a
view to improve the relations between
the two authorities. The answer OF Bis
marck is historic: I'VE will never go to
Canossal" And history has told of the
success Of Leo's efforts and the gradual
yielding Of the iron chancellor until he.
as was said. went to Rome and sought
the interposition OF the Pope TO avoid an
unequal contest with Spain on the ques-
ton that arose between the two powers
regarding the Caroline Islands Thus the
most modern OF POpes was called upon
by the most modern OF chanceIlors 10
decide political question. Just as il
the Middle Ages and their modes were
still in vogue.
Comparative harmony reigns now be-
tween the Vatican and Berlin. and per
haps no ruler in Europe appreciates T.eo
XIII more highly than the Emperor OF
Germany.
Attitude Toward America.
The sympathy which Leo XIII has
shown to America is generous. Listen
ing to the arguments of Cardinal Glib
bons, he refused 10 issue the condemna-
tion sought TO be obtained against the
Knights Of Labor. In the preparation OF
his encyclical on labor Cardinal Glib
bons was one Of the authorities from
whom the Pope sought information.
In regard to other questions Of mo-
mentary interest Leo XIII has ever
acted with the greatest consideration for
the American Catholics. lay as well as
ecclesiastical. The establishment OF
delegate apostolic in Washington shows
HIS appreciation OF the greatness OF the
church in this country.
The present Pope has been remarka-
BILE for the men he selected for the
hOnors OF the cardinaIate. He had
scarcely been one year Pope when ne
created cardinal the great minded man
of keen intellect and unequaled eIo-
Quence. Dr. John Henry Newman And
few years later. recognizing the
virtues and the merits OF Archbishop
u