Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-09

New York and other newspapers conveying
the information that Mgr. O'ConneH was
about to be made bishop, in recognition
of his zeal and efficiency in presiding over
the destinies of the Catholic University OF
America. Visitors to Rome have often re-
marked the interest manifested in the rec
tor of the Catholic University, and there
fore this gossip has been accorded more
than ordinary consideration.
When Archbishop Chapelle fell a victim
of yellow fever in New Orleans not long
since 1t was more than ever felt by the
friends Of the monsignor that his elevation
was not far off. He was described as emf
nently suited to the see of New Orleans. A
southerner by birth-his home being in
North Carolina-it felt that his ap-
pointment would prove a most acceptable
one throughout the south, while his piety,
learning and command of various foreign
languages, particularly the French tongue,
seemed to make him eminently desirable at
the see of New Orleans
But who is to be the rector of the uni
versity?" ventured an inquisitlve one
1t was about this time that DR.. Stafford
left for Europe. No special mission was
announced, and therefore the gossips need
ed no further inspiration: and the pastor of
st. Patrick's was straightway selected as
Mgr. O'Connelrs successor at the univer-
sty. This probably came about through
the intense interest that DIR. Stafford has
shown for the welfare of the university.
In response to eloquent appeals his church
gave more money in aid of the university
at the time of the Waggaman disaster than
any other one in the United States, and it
was coutended that his executive ability Is
such as to make him a capable steward.
Thus the rumors assumed a positive form.
While the foregoing speculation is said to
be within the realm of possibility. there
are stated to be many forms to be. gone
through before an appointment is made at
the see of New Orleans or a new rector OF
the university appointed, and 1t is posi-
lively stated that the formative steps have
xot Mo, t,Ir 80 lAr
for some time.
Method Of Appointment.
Bishops receive their appointments from
the pope, but in this country nominations
are made by the priests and bishops of the
diocese and province. There are three
names selected and marked as "dignus, -
worthy .dignior.' more worthy, and dig
nissimus," most worthy. These nomina-
tons are laid before the pope, and after
inquiry into the fitness of the candidates
the sovereign pontin selects one of the
three. or, If he deems best. some other,
and appoints him bishop of the see. There
Is said to have been only one instance in
the history of Roman Catholic ecclesias-
teal affairs in the United States when a
selection has not been made from either the
priests or bishops list. Thus far there
has been no meeting of the priests of the
diocese of New Orleans to make selection
of three names, nor have the bishops of the
province formulated a list of possible sue
cessors to Archbishop Chapelle.
The same procedure is gone through also
in the selection of the rector of the Cath
Ollie University. The archbishops and
bishops of the United States, presided over
by Cardinal Gibbons, make a selection of
three names in case of a vacancy in the
reCtorship of the Catholic University, and
these names are in turn sent to the pope
at Rome, who makes a final selection and
announces the appointment
Since the Catholic hierarchy of America
will not meet at the university until No
vember next speculation in regard to a
possible change in the rectorship is claimed,
on the face Of things. to be the veriest
gossip.