The Washington herald., 1908-06-21

Cardinal Gibbons. in his last report
upon the Catholic University in Washing
ton. urged the establishment OF an en-
dowment fund of $2.0OO,OOO for the univer-
sity. which would mean an annual In
come Of $4,000. With this fund faculties
could be completed. the equipment IN
creased, and the university would become
in reality all that the name implies.
The Knights OF Columbus are among
those who are responding 20 this sugges-
ton. The national board has decided TO
establish a fund OF $4,000, 70 be known
as the Knights Of Columbus fund, for the
use Of the university. and il is now be-
lieved that the entire $2.0)000O endowment
viii soon be an accomplished fact.
The Knights Of Columbus had already
established. some four years ago, a chair
oi American history and institutions at
the university. This department has
steadily developed its work and increased
the attendance at the lectures. Begin
Ming with three studcn-.. the first year
closed With nine in regular attendance
BY the close OF the third year the aver
gge was seventeen. This year twenty
seven students took advantage OF this
special course. OF these. many are de-
clared 10 be men Of much promise.
First Student to Register.
Matthew J. Walsh was the first student
TO register in the new department He
passed a splendid examination and took
the degree Of Ph. d. He has prepared a
work on THE Political Status Of Catho-
lies In Colonial Maryland"
Another OF the early students was Rev.
John J. OBrien. who also took the doc
tors degree. He has prepared a fine es-
say upon Father Gabriel Ruchard. the
missionary. educator. and statesman.
Father Walsh is now professor at No:re
Dame University in Indiana and Father
O'Brien fills a like position at St. Thomas
College at ST. Paul, MINI.
While thus equipplng teachers for our
colleges and universities a number Of
others who are Just beginning to establish
themselves as lawyers attended courses
in American Constitutional history. Some
Of these men now occupy responsible po-
sitions
The department now directs teachers in
the District Of Columbia in a course on
the civil government Of the United States.
Others living al a distance viii be direct
ed in a course OF reading upon subjects
connected with the chair Of history
Non-Catholic publishers have sent 10
The department for revision or suggestion
several important books OF a popular
character. Some OF them have thus been
brought into more complete harmony with
moderns canons Of historical criticism
Philippines Need Aid.
Father Brou. S. j., has recently declared
in Etudes Paris that II American Catho-
lies OF wealth do not soon come TO the
aid Of the church in the Philippines the
Catholic population in that country must
remain in bad way for many a long day
10 come. He says that religious indiffer-
ence is the characteristics Of the whole
official world in the Philippines.
The writer declares that in lS9s there
were lob priests in the archipelago: In
1907 there remained only go. In Jaro
alone 80 parishes have no priest. There
is only wanting brisk action on the part
Of Catholics In Europe and America 20
save the Philippines 70 the faith. for the
natives are crying for their old priests
and their old religious customs.
Pope Plus Rejects Plan.
Plus Y in a letter TO the French cardi-
mails has rejected the Approved Mutual
Aid Associations. through which the
French government pretended 10 return a
portion Of the funds stolen from aged
priests and from deceased persons FOR
whom masses were 10 be offered at stated
periods. Meanwhile the outlook is rapid
ly Frightening all over France. With the
one serious exception OF a temporary
dearth OF vocations 70 the priesthood, the
church is establishing her independence
OF all government contro! or support The
people are Tallying 10 the support Of the
clergy raising funds for the permanent
maintenance OF religious worship. and
priests and Peopls are forming associa-
tions for social work all over France.
The practice prevailing in this country of
having lay trustees 20 cooperate with the
parish priest in conducting the financial
affairs Of each parish Is being success
fully adopted.
we now see this reaction coming with
leaps and bounds In Catholic France.
Pope. bishops priests. and laity are NOV
ing on 10 true independence in closely
formed and unbroken ranks.
Sir Edward Elgar has accepted the
presidency Of the Musical League. re-
Gently formed to encourage the develop
ment Of musical lire and culture in Eng
land. To this end annual festivals will be
organized, a journal viii be printed. So
cial meetings arranged. and legislation
having a bearing on the art will be
watched Sir Edward has Just recently
completed a setting Of Shelley's "Ode to
the West Wind"