The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-05-18

hope that the bishop would not sever
bis pleasant relations with tils diocese.
When you ask what Isbring from the
mother home OF catholicity IN Wiz
ginia," said Mr.. Hagan, what other
message can l bring than one OF deep
sorrow and sadness, for W. are about
to lose our friend and councillor, He
Ia dear and devoted brother to every
man and woman, and one who has la.
bored for tho moral regeneration OF
all. Some OF us are told that the
bishop resigned on account OF his
health.
But have learned 1t from the Inns
OF MS private secretary, who tells me
that the true reason was that he so
loved his people. and that In his deep
humility he thought another might do
more. We are gathered here because
we have ray OF hope that by our peti.
ton he may withdraw his resignation
and remain with us the rest OF his life"
Governor Montague Speaks.
Mr.. Hagan suggested that commit
tee be appointed to prepare suitable res
buttons. While the twenty-five mem
bers were celebrating, Chairman Cav
anaugh called upon former Governor
Montague; who was received with
degree OF enthusiasm that was spon-
taneous and sincere.
Nothing but deep and earnest be-
lief In the success OF this meeting
could have induced me to come here
to- night" said Governor Montague who
was suffering from a slight attack OF
the grip.
"But I feel that an impending blow
is hanging over the city, which we
should prevent, II possible. This as
semblage ought to voice the sentiment
as we voice the prayer that his recog-
! nation will be recalled. 1hava found his
| a loyal and faithful Judgment, wise
administration both In purpose and exc
cution. AS n companion he is one Of
\ the most companionable, refined and
! cultured gentleman. II the Catholics
land citizens OF Richmond must be slarm-
| ed at the thought OF his determination
| to surrender his duty here to others
let us soverpower his anxiety by letting
him know better, than he knows what
no can do. One so robust and youthful
lin appearance ought to give us fifteen
Tor twenty years more OF faithful
service.
IT do not believe we could put
| better man here. This is not the time
for him to leave the State or tho peo-
pie. AS a citizen OF Richmond, where
perhaps shall end my days, wishing
| for its advancement and moral wei.
fare. would be rccreant to my duty "
II did not join you in expressing the
| hope that Bishop Van de Vyver Will
recall his resignation and solace us
again with his presence"
deferred to First Rumor.
| Referring to the rumor OF Bishop
| Van de vyver's resignation, Colonel
John Murphy said that 1t had been
started by one OF the latter's closest
| friends. II told him he was not treat
ling his friends right" said Colonel
Murphy but he told me that he hadn't
mentioned the matter to soul" Col
onel Murphy went on to explain some
OF the bishops good work in the do
cese. closing with fine tribute to his
| character, fidelity and value to his
people.
Former Judge A. L. Holiday. Dr.
George Ben Johnston. Mr. l.. Il. Morris
and Mr.. Maurice A. Powers Joined the
others in testifying to the service OF
the bishop and explaining the reasons
/ why he should remain. Il hope that
| the next mass meeting to be held IN
| Richmond in connection with Bishop
Van dc vyver," said DR.. Johnston. will
/ be TO celebrate his golden Jubilee as
1 Bishop OF Richmond" The applause
! ran for a time. and then broke out
/ afresh The most abominabie trait Is
religious Intolerance, but those VINO
belittle another's faith belittle their
own religion. Bishop van de VSver 10
respected for the breadth OF his charac-
ter and for his tolerance. which is one
OF his greatest characteristics
early in life he made great sac
rifice in our behalf, leaving his kith
/ and kin to come here, He has labored
| faithfully. and now when we nave
1 come to love, revere and lean upon nm
4 1t would be a calamity for him TO leave
us. l hope his revered bones VIII ever
rest upon the bosom OF virginia.
Mr.. Morris Unitcs With Others.
Mr.. Morris said that Mr.. Thomas y.
RYAN would not have responded 30
literally for the cathedral except for
Il his faith in Bishop Van de Vyver and
his respect for his fidelity. II come
here to unite with you" he continued.
"to carry out the objects OF this meet
Il Ing and to induce the bishop to re-
main. II any act OF mine could In
4 duce 1t he would remain for life."
4 Like the others. Judge Holiday re-
garded the withdrawal OF the bishop
as public calamity.
He referred to his magnificent work.
and expressed the fervent hope that
he would remain.
II never had the presumption Se-
fore to wish that I We're the Pope
said Mr.. Powers. "but IL occupied
that exalted position, knowing Bishop
Van de Yyver as I do, l would speedily
! dispose OF the matter now by de-
Ginning to accept his resignation. l
believe II the Holy Father could look
on this meeting, realizing how we
feel, believe He would do what !
!. would do ir I were Pope
The committee will meet at the resi-
dence OF Father OvReilly at O'Clock
i tonight to present the resolutions and
urge Bishop Van de Yyver to with
, draw his resignation.
---------'--- - -