Norwich bulletin., 1914-02-17

White Cross council, No. 13, Knights | Of Columbus, commemorated the thir- l tieth anniversary of the formation of l the council Monday evening in Pythian | hall with all banners flying and an 1 attendance of members which in spite
 of the severity of the weather was l the largest in the history of the coun- l cil.
 Before beginning the comrnemora- 1 tive exercises 8 short business session of the council was held and eleven candidates were elected to member ship and three new applications were received
 At the conclusion of the business session Grand Knight Henry D. Buck ley opened the exercises of the evening by extending hearty welcome to the 1 large number of members in attend ance and briefly reviewed the great progress that the council had made during the past few years and pro- phesied that the council was only be- ginning to grow.
 State Deputy MulIigan. At the conclusion of his remarks ba introduced State Deputy William J. Mullfgan of Thompsonvil1e, who is the i head of the order in this state. The state deputy, who enjoys great meas ure of popularity amongst Norwich Knights, was given an ovation when he arose to speak and his eloquence was punctuated by enthusiastic ap- plause MT. Mulligan said in part: The state deputy said in part: am glad to be here this evening to join with yoI in celebrating the seth anniversary of the instituting of White Cross council. Thirty years is but brief period in the history of any organization and means little un- less something can be pointed to as having been accomplished by reason of the organization.
 The Knights of Columbus is but little over thirty years old. It had its origin within the borders of the state of Connecticut, and at the time White Cross council was instituted the total membership did not exceed 15O0, and the order was not known outside of our own state
 Today we lay claim to a member ship of over 510,Oo0 and not only have we councils in almost every town in this state, but in every town and city In the United States, as we'll as in Gan ada and Mexico, Cuba and Porto Rico, Philippine and Hawaiian Islands. To have achieved this remarkable sue cess means that men appreciated the trut worth of the Fundamental prin- c1ples which go to make up our or ganization, and needless to say our advancement would not have been so rapid had the order been found want ing in any particular essential. The Knights of Columbus is a Cath olic organization, welcoming into its ranks all classes of people regard less of nationality, the only essential practical Catholic
 The Knights Of Columbus is an
 American institution, because it's principles are founded upon the theory that all men are born equal. not that they are equal in talents, in virtue or | In merits hI1f that xxzh oil izen comes in contact with the gov ernment all must stand equal before the law. We love the Christian coun- try and believe in the principles that all men have a right to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience and we deplore the ill founded, malicious attacks that are today being made through concerted action on the part of bigots upon our church and upon our order
 It is true we are a Catholic order. but true patriotism cannot be divorced from religion and survive Scan the pages of history and you will find that patriotism and religion go hand in hand and the truer and more fervent the religious spirit of the people the stronger and more enduring It's pa triotism.
 There never has been a nation of atheists, there never has been a gov ernment of atheists. unless vou dignI- by by the name government that ab- solutism which deluged France with blood and horror during the revolution
 If men are false to their God how can they be true to their country?
 Brothers let us be ready at any time to die for our country, but equally ready to do that which is less spec ticular but urgently more necessary. be ready to live for it.
 The Knights of Columbus are not today asking men to join the older By our works and accomplishments men recognize our worth and are seek ing admission to mem mbership.
 We lay claim to having the best Ira ternal insurance system in the world and we boast of our work in further advancing the cause of educa- ton. Our deeds Of charity are numer- ous, but of these we do not boast
 The Knights of Columbus ought to have peculiar interest in this coun- try. because it was discovered by Cathollc, 1t was explored and settled by Catholics and the history of the whole nation is filled with heroic deeds by Catholics. We have a right to sing the Te Deum for Americas victories, we have a right to look with joy to the new era of America's greatness opening before her, for we are her children. We yield to none in our loyalty to America. There has not