Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-22
Father Meyers Advancement.

While Father Meyer was rector of the St
Louis University he was made provincial of
the Jesuit organization of that province,
which extends from Ohio to the Pacific
coast, and In 1892 was sent as a delegate
to Spain to the convocation called to elect
the successor to Father Anderledy, the
late superior general Father Martin, a
Spaniard, was elected, and Father Jones, an
Englishman, was elected his English assist
ant. Father Jones died, and very soon
after the convocation adjourned Father
Martin appointed Father Meyer In his
place assistant in charge of all the
English-speaking Jesuits. Since then he
has lived in Rome, where his great learn
ing and ability have been recognized and
his zeal, tact and piety have given him
great strength and influence In the church.
1t is natural that he should be chosen as
the head of the Jesuit order.
The other candidates are Europeans, and
in the Society of Jesus, as well as In every
other organization. civil, political or re-
ligious, are rivalries and Jealousies. Amer
lea is not looked upon as a dangerous par
ticipant In the politics of the church.
Father Meyer and the American Jesuits
have never taken part In any of the quar-
no friction with any other nation or In
terest, but stand alone, and are regarded
as impartial and disinterested. This makes
Father Meyer very strong candidate, but
he will not be elected without a contest.
other Candidates.
Perhaps rather Freudl an ltdlldn, ID an
equally strong candidate, because he has
been vicar general ever since 1892, and Will
be In charge of the affairs Of the order
until the election of a new general. He is
a man of great ability and Of wide ac-
uuaintance in the society and possesses the
confidence of all the members. The fact
that II has been customary to promote the
vicar general to the first place Is also in
his favor and for that reason he will re-
ceive the votes of many delegates who have
no direct interest In either of the other
candidates. Father Meschler. a very able
German will also command considerable
support His principal reputation has been
Rained as an author. Father de la Torres,
a Spaniard, is also a candidate, but he Is
old and nearly blind and Is not likely to re-
ceive much support outside OF Spain.
The convocation has not yet been called
and It's location has not been decided upon.
This Is very delicate matter. 1t cannot
theoretically Jesuits are not allowed to live
In any OF those countries 1t cannot meet
in Austria for certain political reasons.
which leaves only Spain, Belgium, England
and the United States available. The last
conyocation was held In Madrid at the In
vitation OF the queen of Spain. and the king
may renew 1t this time. but there are several
not to meet there, but to go instead to
some Protestant, English-speak country.
The leading political issue in Spain Is the
taxation OF property belonging to the re-
ligious orders and the passage of law
prohibiting them from engaging in manu-
featuring and conaf1stcfal bd3ifi IN. This
Jesuits are Immensely ficass Ehe5sa8e fhs.
richest and MIDST art31tBefa&f6 iofs7 All th6l
religious orders. nd = xtAst <sh6aiA sinSet