Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-07-06
LETTER
APPLAUDS PEACE
Pontiff Indirectly Endorses Presi-
dent Taft for Lead Taken
by United States.
COPY SENT TO WHITE HOUSE
Expected That a Reply will Be
Made to Cordial Sentiments
of the Ruler of the
Church.

Washington, July 5.-Pope Plus X in
an autograph letter received to-day by
the apostolic delegate to Washington
applauds the lead taken by the United
States In the worldwide campaign for
international peace. Although the Pontiff
does not mention President Taft
specifically by name a copy Of the letter
was forwarded tonight to the White
House. 1t Is expected that the President
because of his well-known peace views
will reply to the cordial sentiments Of the
ruler of the church. The letter follows
ITO our Venerable Brother Diomedes,
Titular Archbishop OF Larissa, Apostolic
Delegate to the United States Of America:
Venerable Brother. Health and
Apostolic Benediction:
I'VE are happy to learn from you that
In the United States OF America, under
the leadership of men enjoying the high
est authority with the people the more
judicious members Of the community are
fervently desirous OF maintaining the ad-
vantages of International peace To COM
pose differences, to restrain the outbreak
Of hostilities, to prevent the dangers of
war. TO remove even the anxieties of
so-called armed peace, is, indeed. most
praiseworthy and any effort in this cause.
even although 1t may not Immediately or
wholly accomplish its purpose, manifests,
nevertheless. n zeal which cannot but re-
dound to the credit of its authors and be
Of benefit to the States.
This Is especially true at the pres
ent day when vast armies, instrument
talities most destructive to human life
and the advanced state Of military
science portend wars which must be a
source Of fear even to the most pow
erful rulers. Wherefore we most
heartily commend the work already
begun which should be approved by
all good men and especially by US
holding, as we do, the supreme pontt-
fcate of the church, and representine
Him who is both the God and the
Prince of Peace; and we most gladly
lend the weight of our authority tc
those who are striving to realize thi,
most beneficent purpose.
| For we do not doubt that the sam,
distinguished men who possess SO
much ability and such wisdom in af
| fairs of state will construct in behal
OF struggling age a royal road 70,
the nations leading to peace and con
ciliation in accordance with the law.
OF justice and charity which should b,
| sacredly observed by all. For mas
| much as peace consists in order, VIII,
| VIII vainly think that It cannot b,
established unless he strives with al
the force within him that due respec
be everywhere given TO those virtue
which are the principles Of order an,
It's frmest foundation
"As for the remaining aspects OF tn.
matter, we recall to mind the exampl;
Of SO many of our illustrious predeces
sors who. when the condition Of tn,
times permitted, rendered, in this yer,
matter also, the most signal service t,
the cause of humanity and to the sta
hility of governments; but since tn,
present age allows US to aid in thi
cause only by pious prayers to God
we, therefore most earnestly pray Go,
who knows the hearts of men and in
clines them He wills that He ma,
be gracious TO those who are further
ing peace amongst the peoples an,
may grant to the nations which wit
united purposes are laboring TO thi
end that, the destruction Of war an.
It's disasters being averted, they ma,
at length find repose in the beauty o
peace.
"a a pledge of divine favor and
proof of our benevolence. we must low
, ingly grant you, venerable brother, tn
apostolic boncdiction.
Given at Rome at st. Peters tn
seventh day of June. 1911. and III
eighth year of our pontlfcate.
; (Signed) plus X"
The letter it is understood was in
: spired by the recent jubilee at Balti
more when Cardinal Gibbons celebrat
/ ed the 5Oth anniversary of his acces
!, sron to the church, on that occasio
many Of the speakers dwelt enthusias
: tically on the growth of the peace sen
timent. President Taft being anon
those who lent their hearty endorse
: ment to the sentiments expressed,