The Irish standard., 1912-08-03
A FEAR WITHOUT FOUNDATION.

to be commemorated.
A FEAR WITHOUT FOUNDATION.
While the modern world, which
prides itself so much on its enlightan-
ment, refers with contempt to the re-
ligious wars of the Middle Ages and
to the lesser quarrels and animositles
of those troublous times, it should not
overlook the fact that the golden age
of religious federation Is still far from
Neros yet: that is to say, Neros in
everything but the power to put their
malicious designs into execution. In
spite of the fact that Catholics have
taken foremost part in securing and
preserving the independence of this
country, in the face of the historical
evidence of their efforts in early col
onial days to establish on American
soil the principle Of religious liberty
and, contrary to what might be ex-
pected in an age that is SO marked
for it's enlightenment, there is in this
country n deep and bitter anti Cath
Ollie feeling SO widespread as to be
alarming. -
What is the cause of it? Why are
Catholics feared and why is it thought
that their activities are dangerous to
the welfare Of the country? Surely
the past history Of this country af-
fords no basis for such contentious.
When the country was in sore straits
and the Revolutionary war was a. d
crisis, Catholic Spain and Catholic
France came to our aid. During the
same period in our history Charles
Carroll a Jealous Catholic and a
thorough patriot, gave his wealth for
the success of the cause. Catholic
soldiers gave their lives that the cOun-
try might be free. Who ever heard
1t said that Catholics lacked patriot
ism in any Of the crises through
which our country has gone? If there
were the least basis for such a charge
the slanderous anti-Catholic maya
zines that are dispensing fifth anh
columny would feed fat on 1t.
There is no basis in fact for the
opposition to Catholicity which we
hear SO much about The case Of
those who are illuminating the
Church Is much like the case Of the
Ulster Orangemen who are opposing
Home Rule: They base their opposi-
ton on nothing that has been done
or even attempted or threatened; they
are simply afraid that Catholics
might take it into their heads to do
something. On the same principle
they should not arm their soldiers, be-
cause (who knows?) they might turn
around and attack those who armed
them.
The one argument around which
most OF the anti-Catholic ebullition
seeths is that Catholics of all coun
tries profess allegiance to the Pope.
1t is true that all Catholics do pro-
TESS spiritual allegiance to the Head
Of the Church. but that does not make
them love their country less. 1t would
be as absurd to say that the members
of any lodge or corporation having
Its headquarters in foreign country
would thereby become undesirable
citizens.
The doctrine of brotherly love, so
old and so reasonable, is still far from
being universally practiced. The
command. love one another" is sub
stituted by fear one another" We
profess sincerity in our belief, but are
not trusted; we give the most conclu-
sive evidence of our patriotism, but
are not believed.
While this spirit is prevalent only
among a comparatively small percent.
age of the people it Is nevertheless
general enough to be noisome. In the
interest Of harmony and progress It
should be condemned and DISCOURAGED
by all non-Catholics who have faith
In the honesty and sincerity of their
Catholic brethren.
SOCIALISM AND IMMORTALITY.
Here is what Herr Bebel, for a
long time leader of Socialism in the