The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-06

charge that Mr.. McNelis was known TO
speak i'll of Catholic priests.
The trial before the bishop took place one
night in his residence, the house now occu-
pied by the Rev. Father Gavisk. McNelis
and his accusers were there, score of his
enemies seated in the dimly-lighted parlor.
The bishop, dignified and austere, his fine,
classic face set in stern lines. walked in
and took his seat at desk. The trial pro-
ceeded, with McNelis acting as his own at
torney. He questioned his accusers rigidly
as they were called on to give evidence by
the bishop. 1t was growing late and the
last of the accusers was being questioned.
McNelis was putting rapid queries when
the opportunity offered. Suddenly the pro-
ceedings were interrupted.
stop, stop. stop!'' cried a voice pitched
high with intense feeling, and out of the
darkness at the far end of the parlor
stepped Father Bessonies. On his face was
an expression of anger. Stepping toward
McNelis's accusers he began to speak. "You
are wrong-Nelis right; you are wrong
Nelis right he almost screamed in broken
English. The bishop wheeled his chair
about, an expression Of amazement, not to
say annoyance. passing over his face. But
the trial was over, for Father Bessonies
had given his decision.
WANTED INFORMATION.
Bishop Chatard then expressed a desire
to know more about the Hibernians. 81
can't talk to you while these men are here"
said McNelis. Send them away and you
shall know all about it," A moment later
he had the satisfaction of seeing his &C.
cusers file out of the room at the request
of the bishop. In the hours interview that
followed Bishop Chatard was given a thor
ough insight into the workings of the Hi
bernians. That's a good organization, and
like it." said he at the close of McNelis's
explanation. The State president left the
house elated. He and Father Bessonies
We're stanch friends. and later they con-
graduated themselves on the result of the
trial ~.
Whether 1t was because of prejudice
received at the time of the McNelis trial
or whether he afterward heard things that
displeased him regarding the Hibernians.
1T is a well-known fact that Bishop Chatard
never became enthusiastic over the organi-
cations. 1t is said that to-day the Indian
apolis diocese is the only one in the coun-
try that does not recognize the A. o. of A.
H. Father Bessonies loved the society,
and 1t was one of the cherished hopes of
his life that the church in this city might
recognize 1t as a powerful and righteous
Catholic society. Some of the stanchest
friends of Bishop Chatard are leaders of
the Hibernians In Indiana. They are yet
hopeful of bringing about a better under
standing between the bishop and the or
| ganization. I'VE believe Bishop Chatard to
be a just man. said one of the members
recently, "and we believe he feels he is
| right in his opposition to this organiza-
| ton. On the other hand, we feel that we
are right, and we hope soon to convince
| the bishop that the organization is worthy
| of being recognized" Many Hibernians feel
| that the bishops opposition arises through
| his having confused the society of Hiber-
mans with some other Irish organizations
| that have been much discussed in recent
| years.
Perhaps no man in Indianapolis mourned
| the death of Father Bessonies as keenly as
| Patrick McNelis. The grand old man." as
| he might be called, loved McNelis and be-
lieved in him throughout his tribulations
while at the head of the Hibernians. Years
| ago before he became feeble the old priest
was frequent caller at the McNelis home.
In earlier days when McNelis was a
younger man he kept a saloon on West
| Washington street and he and his wife oc-
| cupied an adjoining house. 1t was one of
| Father Bessonies's delights to visit the
McNelis home and have his lemonade. The
| old priest a strict temperance man
| all his life, but he loved his glass of lemon
| ade with the straws and the cherries on top.
| His good old face would light up at the
| sight of it and his joyous ringing laugh
| when McNelis would twit him about being a
| drinking man. was a tonic to those about
] him.