The Irish standard., 1910-05-07
A GRAND TRIBUTE
TO CATHOLICS
From William ]. Cooke at a
Banquet Recently Held in
Rochester, N. Y.
Citizens of the Catholic Faith
Are Very Loyal to the
United States.
The Church Has Aided the
State in the Education
of the Young.

"Thc Catholic in Civil Life" was tho
toast responded to by Hon. William
J. Cooke at banquet in Rochester,,
N. Y. He said in part:
1.-THE courageous efforts Of the Cath
Ole resulted in the discovery OF
America. The Catholic missionary
forced his way into the wilderness and
suffered untold cruelties in his en-
deavors to civilzc and Christianize
the Indian. And the great Mississippi
river was first explored by Cath-
Ollie priest.
I'VE do not claim that the Catholic
accomplished everything. We admit
and admire the ability, energy and
courage displayed by the patriots Of
different religious beliefs. We contend
only that the Catholic upheld his
share Of the burdens in the establish-
ment of tho government and is ems
titled to a fair share of its benefit.
"The Catholic has ever considered
it cowardly to avoid the battle and
then seek participation In the fruits
thereof, In the wars Of 1912, the, Mex
lean, the Civil, the Spanish, the Cath
Ollie soldier prepared his soul for the
hereafter and with the cross of Christ
in his pocket and the flag Of his coun-
try above him, not asking the relig-
ious belief Of friend or foe, went forth
to battle for the maintenance of the
government and the betterment of hui
manity. His duty to the cross did
not conflict with his duty to the flag.
His religion did not interfere at all with
his patriotism. The loyalty, ability
and valor Of the American Catholic,
general and soldier, arc matters of
world wide reputation.
'"The strength and responsibility of
the government arc lodged in the
homes of the people. We may build
costly structures, powerful battleships,,
great railroads; but If we degrade and
destroy the home, it must result in
the downfall of the republic. And
what institution has labored moro
earnestly to establish the unity of tho
family and the sanctity Of the home
than has the Catholic church? Has
she not declared marriage to be u
holy, sacrament, which cannot be as
sumed and cast aside at will? Has
she not condemned the divorce system,
which is eating its evil way into the
heart of the family and placing it's
stamp Of shame upon the innocent
offspring? She declares that mar
riage is not merely temporary means
of satisfying passion and she keeps
before the mind Of the husband and
father the sacred obligation which they,
have assumed. She forbids the wife
to avoid motherhood in seeking the
pleasures Of society. She has taught
the child to respect and obey the par
mind a high regard for law and author
ity. The Church places the mantle
OF morality about the home so that
the citizens Of the future may be safe-5
ly reared in the homes Of the present.
The homo is the mainstay of the gov-B
eminent and tie Church is, the mains
stay Of the home.
HAS not the Church from her in-j
ception, proclaimed the equality Of all
men before God? If the government
declares the equality of man before
earthly tribunals, has not the church,
for centuries declared the equality "a
man before the great Court Of Heaven!I
In spiritual matters we recognize and
obey the law Of the land. The Church
protects the soul and the government
protects the body, but both proceed up-,
on that broad principle which teaches
the equality of men.
But the Church also says your
knowledge Of man will avail nothing
unless you possess also a knowledge
of God. You may study and toll III
prepare your intellect for success III
this life, but you must also prepars
your soul for the life to come.