Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-04
VIEWS OF CLERGY
RooSeveIt's Refusal to Be Re-
stricted in Rome.
FAILURE TO SEE THE POPE
Mgr. Falconio Critieises Methodist
Church in Roman Capital.

throughout the National Sdp1tai toOAy
there has been a great deal OF discussion
of the failure OF negotiations in behalf Of
former President Roosevelt for an audi
ence with Pope Plus X in Rome. In tho
absence OF news to the contrary it was
generally supposed that Col. Roosevelt
would call at the Vatican to pay his
respects to the pontin on the date set in
the published correspondence, and to
Protestants and Catholics alike the news
of the cancellation Of the engagement
came as q surprise.
1t was not believed in Protestant quar-
ters that the Vatican would make any
leave the question as to the former
Presidents course in Rome to his own
judgment. While Catholics had no Of
fetal advices on the subject, they were
Of the opinion that Col. Roosevelt would
hardly go through Italy without having
an audience with the pope.
This belief was expressed because Of the
former Presidents stated desire on many
occasions that he might have an oppor
tunity OF meeting the head Of the cathS,
to submit to conditions has aroused
varied comment. Members OF the Catho-
lie Church say they admire Roosevelt and
are sorry that the rules OF the Vatican
would not allow the pontif to receive
him without any stipulations.
Criticises Methodists in Rome.
Mgr. Falconio. papal delegate to the
United States, sharply criticised the work
Of the Methodist Church in Rome as lin
sulting agitation and offensive proselyt-
ism which constitute real warfare
against the pope and the Catholic re-
ligion" He today commented upon the
Roosevelt incident with the Vatican, de-
claring that neither the pope nor the car
dinars secretary Of state was to blame
for the situation.
Without oh1cial Information.
Mgr. Falconio said:
80 far l have received no communica-
ton from Rome and know only what
appears in the public press 1t is certain
that the pope has the highest esteem for
Col. Roosevelt, both as a private individ-
ual and as former President Of the
United States; also that he WAS looking
forward with pleasure to meeting him.
I'm the case Of Col. Roosevelt, as Of Mr..
Fairbanks, it was not at all a question
OF religion. but OF the self-respect and
dignity Of the apostolic see. Col. Roose-
welt could have gone to any other Protest
ant churches in Rome and even. as would
have appeared from reports, to the
Methodists after his reception by the
pope.
Recognized as Sovereign Ruler.
After all that has been said, it is un-
necessary to insist that their insulting
agitation and offensive prosslytism con-
stitute a real warfare against the holy
father and the Catholic religion, and that
in the very heart Of his ancient and ven
cradle seat It must be remembered that
the holy father considers himself as SOW
ereign ruler, and as such is recognized by
other nations.
Besides as the head Of at least ESQ.,
600, 600 Catholics he has a right to
to be the best Judge OF what thu:
means. Every government has its ETH
auette or rules to protect the Office and
position o. its ruler.
Methodists have organised themselves as
an anti-Vatican party makes ii impos-
sible for the holy father to recognise
them in any way, much less to strengthen
them in the eyes Of the Catholics of
Italy.
ut is extremely unpleasant. to say the
least, that this violent situation should
have become public on the occasion of
the visit to Rome OF distinguished Ameri-
can citizens.
Sample Of American Spirit.
TT is just another sample of the
American spirit" said Rev. DR.. Arthur
w. Spooner OF the Sixth Presbyterian
Church.
Good for Mr.. Roosevelt" said Rev.
Dr. John Reid Shannon Of Metropolitan |
Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church. |
II think 1t insunerable, Unreasonable |
conceit in the Pope OF Rome to think |
that Theodore Roosevelt, In order to |
have an audience with him-the pope
would cease really to own himself |
while in Rome. glory In that back. |
bone Of Theodore Roosevelt which leads
him to say to the pope, I'll do as / |
please
the incident will be OF Unreasonable |
good to the cause Of Professionalism that
Is seeking to gain foothold in the capt. |
tai Of the Roman Church. II has made |
clear the necessity Of and the object Of
- as~AA1liaA sAissiAaaeu raos1nsaaa4 In 1