The Washington herald., 1908-01-12

Among the Catholic clergy of Wash
i"Ston and prominent members Of St
Fatricks Catholic Church there is a we'll
defined impressi0n-akin almost TO fact
that the next pastor Of st. Patrick's will
be native Of Baltimore.
The three priests most prominently
spoken Of as the logical successors of
the late Rev. DR.. D. j. Stafford hail from
the Monumental City, and It is added that
any one of them would prove not only
acceptable, If appointed but is well
qualified to preside over the destinies of
Washingtons oldest parish.
The Rev DR.. William A Fletcher, rec
tor Of the Cathedral. Baltimore. is con-
ceded by a number Of persons who affect
to know to have the first call on the
pastorate Of St Patrlcks. He is so
the story goes-and it bears the o. K. Of
many local priests-the first choice Of
Cardinal Gibbons for the place The Sc
lection of Dr. Fletcher to preach the ser
mon at Dr. Stafford's funeral gives Gre
dence to this view. while the formers
known ability as a pulpit orator and ad-
ministrator is another reason for the be-
lief
Biggest in the Church.
Or Stafford was regarded here. by
Catholic and Protestant alike, as zone OF
the biggest men Of his church In the Ma
tlonal Capital" and some of his more
ardent admirers include the entire United
States. On this account. It is calculated.
his successor will be a clergyman Of more
than ordinary attainments.
The suggestion Of the name OF Or.
Fletcher comes naturally tG Washing
tonians. for. before going 10 Baltimore
as the rector of the Cathedral. DR..
Fletcher was an assistant az the Church
Of the Immaculate Conception. That was
about ten years ago. when he made
reputation that IS well remembered. That
congregation was averse to have him go
when he was called away.
In DR.. Fletcher, the Catholic University
OF America would have another able ad-
vocate at St Pauick's. Dr. Stafford was
one Of its most stanch helpers. and his
/ congregation always responded 10 his
eloquent appeals for the university with
generous contributions. It is felt to be
matter Of policy that the Catholic Uni
yersity should have another such able
/ friend at the National Capital.
Such a role comes naturally to DR..
Fletcher. He is an aIumnus OF the Catho-
lie University. and greatly interested in
/ It's advancement. and being a man OF
letters, would. like Dr. Stafford. it is con-
nd
among the heads and faculties of the
various institutions Of learning Of the
Capital City.
DIR. FIetcher's Prerogatlve.
A local clergyman, IN a position 10
know much about church affairs, said
that if DIT. Fletcher wanted the rector
ship of ST. Patricks he could have It.
that this was generally understood among
the clergy. What disposition Dr. FIetch-
er would make OF such q proffer is not
known here. though it is claimed in some
quarters that he is eminently well salts
fed in his present position.
Rev. George A. Dougherty, treasurer
OF the Catholic University Of America. is
being discussed as another probability
f. succession to DIT. Stafford. Father
,ougherty has made a success Of the
ministry of the Catholic Church. AS an
assistant pastor at St Augustine's Cath
olc Church, this city, Father DougheTty
for more than ten years labored con
scientiously among his flock, and there.
too IL is thought, learned parish admin
! istration at the hands Of the most astute
/ fnancier in the Baltimore diocese. Rev.
z - .
tines Father Dougherty was called to
the Catholic University Of America as its
active treasurer.
/ Father Dougherty is known 10 have the
high regard of Cardinal Gibbons, and If
/ he should become pastor Of st. Patrick S,
/ the promotion, It Is said,s would please a
number of his friends. both clergy and
! laity He probably enjoys the acquain-
| tance of more laymen IN Washington
| than any other Catholic priest, especially
/ in St Patricks parish. Being one of
Dr. Stafford's closest personal friends
he has been d frequent visitor to the
! rectory, at Tenth and G streets. and is
thoroughly familiar with the policies and
aspirations of the late pastor.
Native of Baltimore.
Like DR.. Fletcher. Father Dougherty is
| native Baltimorean,
Rev. ". T. Russell, secretary TO Car
dinal Gibbons, is another clergyman fire.
| quently spoken of here as the successor
of DR. Stafford. A man Of letters and
thoroughly equipped to be the head of
large parish, Father Russell is regarded
as in every sense fitted for the promotion
A capable and painstaking secretary to
his eminence. Father Russell is said to
have merited promotion, such as the
rectorship of St Patrick's offers. He has
| attained considerable distinction as an
author his latest work being entitled,
| Maryland, the Land of Sanctuary"
With two pastorates in Washington now
vacant-the Church of the Holy Com
forter being the other one-it is regarded
as more than likely that Father Russell
will ere long come in for a promotion OF
some kind. The filing Of these two va
cancies may entail a general rearrange-
ment Of pastoral assignments in Wash
ington. Should DR.. Fletcher come TO
Washington, 1t Is expected Father Rus
sell will be made rector Of the Cathedral.