The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-11-21

Washington, November 20.-In accord ance with an understanding reached at the recent meeting of the board of trus- tees of the Catholic university, Cardinal Gibbons today gave the press the fol- lowing official letter addressed to the Catholic clergy:
 Cardinals Residence,
 "Baltimore, November IT. 1904
 'Rt. Rev. Dear Sirs-The board of trus- tees of the Catholic University of Amer lea, at their meeting April, 1904, unani- mously adopted the following resolu- tions:
 Resolved, That his eminence, the chancellor of the Catholic University of America be requested to write and to send to the hierarch of the United States, one month before the first Sunday of ad- vent 1904, a letter of thanks for the in- terest taken in the collection for the university in 1903. and asking them to kindly keep up their generous solcitude for this worthy object by recommending 1t to the rev erend clergy and the laity of their respective jursdction
 Contributions Amounted to $1o5,051.
 Tn pursuance of this action of the trustees, I desire to state that the con tributions received from seventy-six dio 
 response of our clergy and people to the express wish of the sovereign ponttff, Is an evidence both of cheerful obedience to the holy see. and of generous devotion to their pastors. It is also gratifying and encouraging to the trustrees that so widespread an interest should thus be manifested in the welfare of the univer- sity which, as it embodies the highest form of Catholic learning, Is the most .I~t- af 41a h Inv in view of the general good. In the name of the trustees, as in my own, tender you, your clergy and your people, grateful acknowledgment for the share you have taken in the furtherance of this great work.
 with the collection and with dona- tions from various sources the receipts of the university for last year. apart from its regular income. amounted to Sl50, ,S09. Of these funds $6S,743 was em- ployed in the payment of debts SoO,OOO was invested, and the remainder was used to meet current expenses. As result, there was no deficit last year, nor Is there at present any floating debt.
 kniqhts of Columbus Gave $50,ooo.
 ''The amount donated by the Knights of Columbus and not included in the re- ceipts mentioned above, was S5O,OOO This was also invested, making total in- vestment of $100,OO0.
 "The funds were placed for investment in the hands of the finance committee appointed last year d903), and composed of gentlemen who enjoy the highest rep utation for integrity and business ability. The entire amount, therefore, resulting from the collections is absolutely free from complications and risks to which, as you have doubtless learned through the press. the general endowment of the university has recently been exposed.
 Regarding the actual situation, I deem 1t my duty to inform you that the funds hitherto handled by the treasurer of the university aggregate $6S10O0. The dis posal of these funds in way involves the property of the university, it's lands, buildings, or equipments. The funds are protected by securities, which 1t is con- fidently believed will In any equitable settlement insure the university against serious loss. On the other hand. pending the final adjustment of all claims now in litigation, the university is in large meas ure deprived of the revenues which have heretofore been available for it's work This Is more regrettable at the present time, when the university should be so strengthened and developed as to attract our Catholic young men and withdraw
  the utmost economy, as now practiced in every department, the Income is not suf- ficient for the necessary expense
 Practical Sympathy Is Needed.
 ''The foregoing statement will natural ly suggest variety of reflections, but what Is really needed just now is prac- tical sympathy and generous cooperation. This l am happy to say has been shown by the trustees and by friends of the university. The amounts which they have guaranteed, together with the next annual collection which it is hoped will equal If not exceed that of last year, will enable us to invest a considerable sum after all current expenses are paid. Moreover, a system of financial admin istration has already been adopted that Tor the future will render the manage ment of the funds absolutely secure. With the assistance of the heirarchy In the manner indicated by the holy rather, We feel confident that the uni versity will be placed on a sound finan- cial basis. In justice to those who as individuals or as associations have en- downed the university, we should see that it's work is continued. Our Cath ollie people, 1 sincerely believe will aid liberally in supporting an institution founded by the American episcopalate for the common good of the clergy and laity in all our dioceses. To our non Catholic fellow-citizens our united eff forts in behalf of the university under existing circumstances will plainly show that we have at heart the best interests of education, and that we are not to thwarted by difficulties.
 ''As I am prepared to do all in my