The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-12-21
The Railroad Magnate Criticizes
Modern Education and Urges the
Need of Religion.
Pays Tribute to Catholic Priesthood
and Says Catholic Nations Not
Priest-ridden.
A Fine Reception rendered to the
Generous Benetactor by Students
of the Institution.

At reception to James j. Hill, ten
dered him on November q by the fac
ulty and students OF ST. Paul Semi
nary in that city, the great railroad
builder declared that at no time in the
history OF the country has there been
greater need OF good citizens than
now; at no time a more imperious de-
mand for men who have a clear con-
ception Of their duty to God and their
fellow men. Such men alone can lead
the people as they should be led. The
leaders most needed in the world to-
day are those who are conscious Of
the responsibility Of teaching the
spirit Of Christianity. Christ has been
the light of the world for nineteen
hundred years and how often have
His doctrines saved the world. Mod
ern education does not prepare men
to assume the burden OF responsibility
which leadership imposes. Too often
the training in school and college Inn
parts one-sded views which are un-
sound and dangerous. They prove at =
tractive to the young who arc in need
of that direction and advice which
will form character and make them
worthy members Of society.
Tribute to Priesthood.
u I,.It> fyrtI IL
priesthood by answering the objection
of those who say that Catholic coun-
tries are priest-ridden. This false no
ton arises from the fact that in these
countries the parish priest is the
friend and counsellor OF all his people.
ever ready to settle whatever difficult
ties may arise and to teach them how
to be intelligent and upright citizens.
He is a. man OF education in whom
they have entire confidence. No life
is more beautiful than his since his
days are passed in doing his duty
| conscientiously. Tho responsibility
that rests upon hirl is great, but as
long as he does that faithfully all is
we'll.
Archbishop ireland.
At the reception to Mr.. Hill the
Most Rev. John Ireland, d. d., Arch
bishop of st. Paul. took occasion to
express the sentiment OF gratitude
that animated the members of the
faculty and the students of the semi
nary towards its founder. On their
behalf he thanked Mr.. HILL for his gen :
erosity and pointed out that the
prlncely gift of 100000 which made
possible the Seminary of ST. Paul had
imposed a debt Of gratitude, not mere
ly upon the institu..on itself, but upon
the diocese OF st. Paul, and the Cath
olic population of the Northwest In
deed, IT. could be said with truth that
all the people, irrespective Of religious
affiliations, were the bcncficaries of
Mr.. Hill by reason Of the fact that the
seminary could not fail to exercise Il
wholesome influence over the whole
Northwest. He spoke OF the work
which had been accomplished by the
seminary during the seventeen years
of its existence, and referred to the
number of priests sent forth into diff
ferent dioceses to carry on the work
of religion. The training they received
in the seminary was ir1narted NV
priests, each of whom had been spe-
cjally trained for the work entrusted
to him. He paid d. tribute to Mrs.
Hill, whose noble example as a Cath
olic wife and mother had prompted
her distinguished husband to devote
! a portion of his wealth to the found
ing of seminary for the education
of Catholic priests.
St. Paul Seminary.
The st. Paul Seminary, founded by
Mr.. ELL. was formally dedicated in
September, 1885, On that occasion a
large number Of distinguished prelates,
clergymen and laymen from all parts
Of the country were present to wit
ness the solemn opening of this new
/ institution of learning established in
! the city of. st. Paul. The seminary
I then consisted of five buildings erected
at a cost of about two hundred and
fifty thousand dollars. Since then St.