Daily Kennebec journal., 1914-02-02

cussion because, in these days of en-
lightenment and progress. we are all
seekers after truth, and any religion
which is closed to future revelations
will hardly be accepted by coming
highly intelligent posterity.
For several reasons says Mr..
Cummings am grateful to Cardinal
O'Connell for administering this shock.
for he has lent the sanction and pres
tise of his exalted ecclesiastical posi-.
ton to a frank and free discussion of
the religious differences which confront
the Catholics and non-Catholics in this
community. He has set the example
of fair-play speaking. When, however.
we reply to the cardinal, we must not
think that we are replying to the Cath
olic Church of America or to the Cath
olics of Boston. Working side by side
in philanthropy, we recognize the great
Catholic Church, and while frankly
respecting the differences of religion,
we are seekers of the truth.
I'VE are aware that we have in high
office distinguished and patriotic and
great Catholic citizens, in whose hands
the freedom of our American institu-
tions Is safe against the ancient and
traditional usurpations of ecclesiasti-
cal power. We know perfectly well
that If this power should try to put
the crowbar to democracy, the Aus
tralian ballot would reveal Catholics
who are also good Americans
II agree with the cardinal in what
he says about the degeneracy which
in,
insatiate desire for amusement that
shocks the sense of decency and pro-
priety. If the so-called leaders of So
ciety would do their part and stop
these senseless and shameful affairs,
that take the whole of the next day
to recuperate from, the churches would
be ready and willing to do their part.
They would encourage healthfut and
decent recreation. We would put good
motion pictures into every church.
and make it a part of the 1ehglous
system.
"I do not agree with the cardinal,
however, in his declaration That the
apparent desertion from all churches,
except the Catholic. is due to the new
religion or the new paganism as ne
calls it.
THAT is wholesale accusation,
worthy of considering. But in his ex-
planation of the success of the Cath-
olic Church and the failure OF the
nom Catholics, he emphasizes the fall-
ure of the Catholic Church when ne
speaks of the millions OF unchurcheo.
AS a matter of fact, the millions OF
non-Catholic church-goers and the
millions of unchurched represent aoth-
ing else but Catholic failure. For II
the modern people of today care little
for our churches, let US remember that
they caro- still less for the Cathoic
churches. Enlightened governments
have rebelled so recently againss the
domination of the Catholic Cnurch
that there is a whisper that the hier-
archy will follow the great mass Oh
Catholics and emigrate to this country.
"The second accusation he brings Is
that the degeneracy of these times Is
entirely due to the character OF inc
religion in non-Catholic churches. Ihat
is as untrue as it is ungenerous. FOR
proot you simply have to LOOK up 'he
statistics of our courts and our pris-
ons. Glance about and see VINO are
our local politicians. And II we siahee
oyer the catholic countries OF Europe
we will not take long in finding Where
the new paganism' really exists.