The Irish standard., 1908-04-18
.LAETAaE M:DALI5T
Prof. James G. Monaghan Has
Merited The Honor
Sketch Of the Distinguished
Scholar and Educator.

wires that Doctor James C. Monaghan
scholar, educator. and public servant
had been selected as the Laetare Med
alist for 1908, the announcement was
received with universal acclaim by the
L friends of the University and the Cath.
X olic public, writes John Is. Kanaley ir
Notre Dame Scholastic.
Doctor Monaghan's splendid career
in the service of the nation, and his
devotedness to the interests of educa-
tion and Catholic progress have de-
servedly won him pre-eminence among
the Catholic laity of the United States,
and 1t was in recognition Of his attain
ments in those fields of endeavor that
Notre Dame deemed him worthy of the
highest distinction within her gift
Doctor Monaghan is the ideal type
Of the Catholic layman. The ennobling
teachings of Mother Church find en-
bodiment in his daily relations with
his fellowmen, and have exerted po-
tent influence in moulding his life in
conformity to steadfast principles Of
Christian morality and genuine citizen
ship A review of his career brings
into relief those qualities of personal
integrity and unyielding perseverance.
which have converted the cherished
hopes of his youth involving realities,
and it is to these traits that we must
look for the impelling forces of his
character. The story of his rise from
obscurity to a position of national
trust and honor breathes inspiration
and incentive to the man who would
succeed, and attests the unbounded
opportunities within reach of the youth
who will persistently endeavor to
make the most Of his God-given tai
ents.
The present recipient was horn in
Boston, Mass, Oct. II, 1857, but ow
ing to unfortunate injuries sustained
by his father in an accident, the boy
was forced 10 seek employment at an
and Providence. However. a thirst
for knowledge had already manifested
itself, and to satisfy this desire he at
tended school in the evening after long
hours of toll in the shops. At the age
of 90 his longing for an education led
him to leave the mills and enter upon
,f ct, nt ,vr1,sx, Anu d
emy. From that institution he ma
circulated at Brown University, where
he was graduated in 1885. Before en-
tering and also during his student
days he served as Il member OF the
City Council and the School Board Of
Providence.
The political field attracted him, for
even before his graduation he cam
paigned for Cleveland in 1884. His
appointment as u. S. Consul at Mann
helm, Germany, came the next year,
and he held that post until 1889, at the
same time pursuing a course Of stu
dies at the famous University of Hell
delberg. The study Of law and news
paper work occupied his attention up
on his return to this country, and lie
campaigned a. second time for Cleve-
land in 1892. The next year lie ac-
s cepted the consulship at Chemntz, in
Germany, returning home after a tern;
of four years His appointment as a
delegate from this country to the
Worlds Commercial Congress in 1899
came as a deserving recognition Of the
his consular capacity, and when tina,
labor was finished lie retired from
public life to take up educational work
However. he resumed connection with
the Department of Commerce and La
6 sbor III 1903. remaining until last year
Il when he came to Notre Dame. Per.
This public service was the editing anc
h revision of the consular reports, q
work which he has performed for the
, past twelve years in such a creditat.le
81 manner as to elicit universal praise.
The name of Doctor Monaghan has
also been made familiar to Americans
by his contributions to various period
NJ icals, by his success as an instructor
4 and by his striking abilities as an or
Il ator. His articles upon subjects o
4 history and the leading topics of tn.
!, day are forceful and pointed, and teen
with the treasures of &; mind enriche,
Z by extensive reading and wide expert
q ence: His reputation as an educate
e was firmly established by the sigma
Il ii success which attended his effort
both at the University of Wisconsin
and at Notre Dame. He occupied til
Chair of Commerce at the former in
stitution for four years, and assume,
charge Of the History and Economic
II course at Notre Dame last September
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