Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1911-11-11
Catholic Church Has Exerted Upon
Development of Ameri-
can Democracy.
Chicago Tribune Approves the Posi-
tion Held by Cardinal
Gibbons.
History Establishes the Patriotism
OF the Catholics of
America.
URGES SPIRIT OF TOLERATION

In the current number of the
Outlook there is an interview with
His Eminence James Cardinal Glib
bons which deserves the attention OF
every American irrespective of his
creed. The subject of the interview
Is the influence the Roman Catholic
church has exerted upon the devel-
opment of American democracy.
That this influence has been potent
is patent even to the casual observer
Of our society. Touching editorially
upon this subject last Sunday, the
Chicago Tribune approves the utter
ances of Cardinal Gibbons, declaring
that from the earliest times the
Catholic has borne his share Of the
burdens of our existence. He has
participated in the discovery, explor-
alton and settlement of the country,
In its struggle for independence, in
its defense from foreign invasion, in
carrying its arms to victory abroad,
In preserving the Union from disrup-
ton, and in the enforcement Of the
fundamental rights of man of which
our Federal constitution is the ex-
preston. He, in common with his
Protestant brethren, is keenly alive
to the economic evils which menace
the prosperity and continued growth
of our republic; and with them he
Is zealousiy laboring to stamp out
these evils, to bring about a condi-
ton Of legal protection for life and
property which will make for the
welfare of the whole people.
Religion is essential to the exist
ence of State and. above all, to
State based upon the idea that "all
men are created equal" National
morality is impossible without obedi-
ence to the laws of God. "Of all the
dispositions and habits which lead to
political PROSPERITY" Cardinal Glib
bons quotes George Washington as
saying, Yreligion and morality are
indispensable supports. And
let us5SWith caution indulge in the
supposition that morality can be
maintained without religion" De
Tocqueville used this language:
How is it possible that societies
should escape destruction II the
moral tie be not strengthened in
proportion as the political tie is
relaxed? And what can be done
with a people who are their own
masters If they be not submissive to
the Deity?" Cardinal Gibbons SEN
tentiously gives as the reason for
the growth and power of the United
States "the moral fiber and religious
aspirations of the average American
citizen" He adds: "It is a common
belief that binds a people together.
belief in God; a belief, founded
upon religious principles, in them
selves"
Throughout the interview with
the Cardinal there breathes the spirit
Of broad toleration which is as re-
treshing as ii is inspiring. "The gos-
pei can not be spread by SANDER" he
exclaims, NOR propagated through
the fermentation of religious strife"
And strong patriot as he is, he dis
poses in forceful terms of the idea
that a good Catholic can not be a
loyal citizen because of his religion.
American history" he says, "es-
tablishes the patriotism of the
American Catholic. To him there is
nothing incompatible in the love OF
his religion and in the love of his
country. The one is the strongest
because Of the other" Cardinal Glib
bons is profoundly impressed with
the value of the principle of the
separation of Church and State. 1t
Is evident he would not have his
country undergo experiences similar
to those which have left a red scar
upon European history. There is
remarks the Cardinal, especially
sny change in which he (tne Ameri-
can Catholic) would oppose with all
his strength, and in this attitude he
would have the determined support
OF the American clergy. refer to
the provisions respecting freedom of
religious worship"
The cosmopolitan character of the
American people requires diverse re-
ligious institutions. That this is
fully recognized even by a Protestant
Journal like the outlook is shown
by the emphatic commendation II
the Cardinals views II gives in the
closing paragraph of an editorial as
follows: "Such a church Is not 10
be met with mere spirit of toler-
ance by those who do not accept its
dogmas. share its worship. OF
acknowledge the authority OF its
head. II is TO be cordially welcomed
because II ministers to the higher
life of Its own members. but also be-
cause It is promoting the moral and
the social welfare OF the entire
community"
In this sentiment there VIII be
universal agreement.