The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1904-07-23

to philosophic studies even in the oc,
equations of a professional and com
mercial life.
Two years. or at least one, of the
college course should be devoted chief
~ to philosophy. for philosophy, now
more than ever. should form part
of the liberal athletic EDUCATION which
professional and business men and
the laity in general have right to
receive. Thus Calolic young men are
fitted for the battle of life. are rem
dered capable of advancing the cause
of truth and religion, are made to be
ornaments of the society in which they
move and of the Catholic church of
which they should feel honored to be
members.
In the discussion following this
paper, Father Gasson thought that
philosophical classes for women should
be formed in various colleges, es-
pecially for school teachers.
Father Rogers said: "A two-years'
course Of philosophy should be more
general: and modern philosophers
should have a more extended treat.
ment.
Rev. James Conway, S. j.. of st.
Louis university. made an eloquent
plea for the thorough study of modern
systems of philosophy by the profess
sor
Rev. E. j. Gleeson, OF st. Icnatius'
college, Chicago read a well-prepared
paper on The Federation OF Alumni
Associations of Catholic COLLEGES" He
said:
rs there an object calling for such
a federation: The circumstances of
the times necessitate special efforts in
the cause OF Catholic education. The
Association OF Catholic Colleges. COM
posed of men immediately engaged iii
educational work. is working strenu-
ously for its internal perfection.
Others not engaged in educational
work can greatly aid their efforts.
The Catholic position on the school
question is much misunderstood by
even our fair minded non-Catholic
fclloW-citiZenS, and much misrepre-
scented hy higots. Secrlarists are as
!ond in praise OF purely secular edu-
cation as they are silent about the
merits Of the Catholic system which
includes the religious element. The
support Of Catholic schools must come
from individual generosity.
catholic interests in general need
champions. Resides the fair-minded
and bi"oTs, there are time servers
whose action is dictated by self-in-
terest
The several thousand annual grad
yates of our hundred and eighty Cath
ole colleges ought 20 furnish cham
nionS Of Catholic education and inter
ests. 10 he such they must he or
ganize{i. Alumni associations unite
them. Kindred orgalliza tons tend to
combine. Federation wonld economic
and increase the power so necessary
for the defense Of our rights. There
is 70 conclusive objective reason
against it, though there may be diff
rulties largely subjective. The fedora
ton of alumni associations of Catho-
lie colleges on the broad ground of
common interests is not only feasible
but very desirable. If private inter-
ests or opinions keep us apart, per-
secution may drive us together"
The following officers of the Asso-
citation of Catholic Colleges of Amer
lea were elected for the ensuing year:
President, Rev. John A. Conway, S.
j., OF Georgetown university; vice
president, Rev. DR.. John P. Carroll.
st. Joseph's college, Dubuque. Iowa:
secretary and treasurer, Rev. l.. \.
Delurey. 0. S. A.. st. Thomas col.
|ege. Fillanova. Pa. The standing
holds over from last year,
with the exception of Rev. John Con-
way, who is succeeded by the Rev.
NJ. Bowling, S. j.. of Omaha.