Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-10-05
Cardinal Predicts a Wonderful
Advance of Civilization Under
Such a Movement, With the
Pope Playing the Leading Part.
81 Would Gladly Sacrifice the Re-
naming Years of My Life in
Lending a Helping Hand Toward
This Blessed Result" He Says,

BALTIMORE, Oct cardinal
Gibbons, in an interview to a repre-
sentative Of the Hearst newspapers,
expressed the fervent hope that a
union Of all Christian churches under
one head might ultimately be brought
about He predicted that such a
union would result in wonderful adj
vances of civilization.
OF the efforts of Sir oliver Lodge
10 produce scientific proof of the ex-
istence of life beyond the grave, the
Cardinal said those who believe in
the teachings of Christ had no need
Of such proof.
You want to know about the
union of all Christian churches?" re-
peated the Cardinal when he was ap-
preached on a subject so delicate that
the majority of Roman Catholic dig
nitaries have refused to discuss it for
publication. He answered:
The reunion of the scattered
branches of Christendom is a consum-
nation devoutly to be wished and 1
would gladly sacrifice the remaining
years Of my life in lending a helping
hand toward this blessed result.
Must Recognize Pope.
The first essential requirement"
he continued, lis the recognition of
the Sovereign Pontiff, who, as the sue
cessor Of st. Peter. is the divinely
appointed head Of ChriStendom-
Every organization, whether religious,
civil or political, needs a head for its
peace and security as we'll as for its
very existence.
Once the proper position OF the
Pope is recognized, 1 do not believe
that the other controverted doctrines
are as formidable as is commonly
imagined. When a proper explana-
ton is given of the various dogmas
upon which Christianity is founded
i am persuaded that the logical sense
Of the people would prompt them to
accept
And If the various Christian de-
nominations of the United States
we're once united, working with one
heart and one spirit, what wonder
full influence our Christian forces
would exert IN the civilization and the
Outstanding of mankind! What
amazing things would then be done
for society and humanity!
But, devoutedly as we wish for
such a union" continued the Cardinal
we must wait for the conscience of
the individual to bring about a state
when union becomes possible. There
are three Courts-the civil tribunal
the criminal tribunal and the court
Of conscience. And until the last Of
these acts, until the sGiii demands
until, in a word, such a moment ar
rives, the time is not ripe"
Life Exists After Death"
When asked his views in regard to
the attempts of Sir Oliver Lodge to
prove scientifically that there is life
after death, the Cardinal remarked
he was not prepared to say whether
or how far, the continuity of life
after death could be proved by sCien-
ut1c Investigation
'Of such a vague proof" said the
cardinal, Il have no need. My faith
n the hereafter, in the Immortality
or the soul, rests not on conjecture,
but on a more solid foundation 1t
rests upon the infallible revelation Of
the Son of God, who said 1 am the
Resurrection and the Life etc"
And the women?" the Cardinal was
asked.
Why do you ask that?' was his
query. THE more | see of the world,
the more l am convinced that a wom-
an brought up in the Catholic reli-
Elon should make the best wife and
mother. She receives the right in
StfuctiOn and is warned to keep away
rom temptatiOn-to shun the things
me modern woman is prone to turn
10"
The Cardinal spoke at some length
OF the duties of woman to society and
vice versa. but returned to the union
~ the Christian churches.
The union of the churches would
'fing about an era of civilization un-
known in history. You and | may not
HFe to see 1t, but it will come, l hope,
ana then the one undivided church
VIII flourish and triumph"
His Wonderful Mentality.
or more than an hour this won
oertul man-James Cardinal Gibbons
this complete refutation of the Os-
.eFlan theory, gave free vent to his
thoughts. He gave a remarkable dis
pay or his wonderful mentality.
Known as the asCetic among Amer
Icdn prelates. Cardinal Gibbons is yet
90 Intensely human, so lovable-so in
.oucn with everything that makes life
"%oFth uving-that the hour spent in
ne ne graystone palace" on North
,dr'eS street was a memorabl one.
ne statement had been made that
me Cardinal. who is in his eightieth
Ear was beginning to feel the weight
VI ms age, and that an interview was
~ or the question. Yet, when the
une for the interview arrived. the
aEdinal walked down a flight Of
airs 10 the reception room with the
SIHngy step of a healthy man of 80
ears. His handshake was not the
'eIauious grasp of man of S0-it
~ the strong grip OF a man still