New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-12
BISHOP NAMES TERMS.
Bishop Hodm, of Polish Church,
Does Not Erpect Reconciliation.
fry TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIprNE.l


Scranton Penn. May lin an interview this
| afternoon. Bishop Francis Hodur of the In
denendent Polish Catholic Church, said that
he welcomed the forthcoming visit of Archbishop
Simon who has been delegated by the rope 70
come TO this country to investigate the causes
which led so many of the Polish people to leave
the Church of Rome. Bishop Hodur SAID that
he would be glad if a reconciliation could De
effected with the old Church, but insisted that
the Apostolic See would have TO grant three i'm
portant concessions before the reconciliation
can be effected These he outlined as follows:
First-The appointment of Polish bishops for
the Polish Catholics of the United states suGh
bishops to be established in blshoprlcS entirely
separate and distinct from all other blshoprlcs.
Second-The vesting of all church property in
the congregations of the several churcheS,
rather than in the bishops.
Third-The selection of pastors by the several
congregations or at least the giving TO such
congregations the right to reject the pastors ap-
pointed by the bishops.
1t might be said at the outset that Bishop
Hodur is not at all sanguine that any of the
three demands will be granted In fact. he is
inclined TO the belief that reconciliation with
Rome under such conditions is wenigh impos-
siblc He talked freely to the Tribune CORE
spondcnt. saying:
The Archbishop is a worthy man whom 1 hold
in high esteem. He is Polish patriot, and suf-
fCred persecution because of his attitude toward
the oppressive Russian government. l am siau
that he is coming, glad that there is posi-
bility of reconciliation and an adjustment of our
difficulties though l forced to admit that
this possibility is a very slight one.
A great many of the Polish Catholic priests
in this country not fit men. Many or theth
have been rejected in Europe. They come here
then and present themselves to the bishops;
The latter appoin; them to Polish parishes ana
when any one makes protest against them the
bishops do not heed 1t. They have no other
priests to rely upon, and they let things so on as
they have been.
The bishop then took up the possibility OF the
demands being granted. He said:
II does not seem possible to me that these de-
nands will be granted If they should be we
will waive all other claims and grievances. Ihey
would mean the Overturning of a number OF ira
ditions and the Roman Church Is always loath
10 overturn traditions. | received letter from
the Papal delegate at Washington some three
wears ago, in which he said that IT would De I'M
possible for the Church to agree to the appoint
ment of Polish bishops. He said that the moment
this demand was granted the Italians, the Hun
garians. and all other Catholic races, would ask
for the same favor. | have nothing to say CON
corning that argument, l only state what the
demands are Still. it Is possible that there may
be a reconciliation though cannot bring myseh
TO be optimistic about the possibilities. Let me
say again. however, that welcome the VISIT OF
Archbishop Simon.