Kentucky Irish American., 1914-10-03
FEDERATION
Asks Presidents Aid I'm Bring
ing About Liberty In
Mexico.
Catholics Urged to Take Initia-
tive in Action For World
Peace.
Literacy Test in the Immigra-
ton Bill Meets Strong
Opposition.
CARDINAL OPENS The SESSION

Delegates to the convention of the
American Federation of Catholic
Societies got down to business Mon
| day and much of the preliminary
work Of the gathering was done at
two business sessions. Cardinal
Gibbons opened the morning session
with prayer and the invocation at
the afternoon session was by
Bishop Currier, of Cuba. At the
afternoon session the delegates lis
tened to addresses by Bishop Althoff,
of Belleville, ILL.,; Bishop Donahue,
of Wheeling, and Bishop Schrembs,
of Toledo. At this session also ad-
dresse we're made by Rev. Philip M.
Gordon, one of the only two Indian
Catholic priests, and by Whirlwind
Soldier, a Sioux Indian, who is a
delegate from the Indian Catholic
societies to the convention.
A warm reception, typical of
Baltimore hospitality, was given
the delegates to the convention at
the Lyric at night. Rev. DR.. William
A. Fletcher, rector of the Cathedral,
presided at these exercises. Fourth
degree Knights of Columbus formed
the reception committee. On the
stage Cardinal Gibbons, in his red
robes, sat with Gov. Goldsborough
on his right and Mayor Preston on
his left.
Father Fletcher introduced Gov.
Goldsborough as the first speaker.
The Governor, in an eloquent ad-
dress, welcomed the visitors on be-
half of the State of Maryland. He
spoke of the great work which has
been done in Maryland by Catholics,
and paid glowing tribute to Cardinal
Gibbons. The welcome of Mayor
Preston and William p. Ryan, who
were next introduced, was along
similar lines. Charles |. Denechaud,
President of the federation, replied
for the delegates. Cardinal Gibbons
brought the exercises to close with
reception on the stage, practically
everyone in the hall going to the
platform to greet the prelate.
At the afternoon session Bishop
Donahue devoted the principal part
of his address to his work in aiding
to defeat the literacy test in the
Democratic immigration bill, a
measure which had been vetoed by
Presidents Taft and Cleveland as
being subversive to the liberty and
freedom of American citizenship.
Bishop Althoff made a brief ad-
dress on the work of the federation
and praised the members of that
body for the progressive steps they
have taken to further education, re-
ligion and social welfare.
Following the addresses by the
Bishops, Rev. William Hughes, as
sistant director of the Indian Cath
Ollie Missions at Washington, was
introduced. Father Hughes told of
the work among the Indians and of
their eagerness to learn. He was
followed by Rev. Henry Westropp,
the Jesuit priest in charge of the
Indian mission work at the Rosebud
Agency, South Dakota. Father
Westropp brought with him to
Baltimore two Sioux Indians, lead
ers of the tribe around Rosebud
Agency.
President Charles II. Denechaud,
of the federation, read his annual
report. in which he urged the Cath
olics of this country and those
affiliated with the federation in
particular, to take the initiative for
world peace. Reports of the condi-
tion of the federation in the
various States were also heard from
members OF the various delegations.
The report of Secretary Matre
was comprehensive work, and told
In detail OF the accomplishments of
the federation during the past year.
Miss Leonora Meder, Commissioner
Of Public Welfare of Chicago, gave
an interesting talk on social insur-
ance. old age pensions, old age in
surance, etc. A lengthy report on
the work of the committee on public
morals was also read.
At Tuesdays session resolution
which requests President Wilson not
to recognize the Government in Mex
leo until assurance is given that the
religious and civic liberty of all
Mexicans shall be guaranteed. This
resolution was presented to the
President on Wednesday by a COM
mittee composed of the following:
Bishop McFaul, of Trenton, N. j.;
Congressman Fitzgerald. of New
York: Rev. Richard w. Tierney,
8. j., OF New York. editor Of Amer
lea; Henry ". Cunningham, OF
Boston, and John Whelan. OF New
York. Another topic much dis
cussed was the fight against Social
ism, upon which resolutions were in
troduced on Wednesday.
Tuesday afternoon was given over
to the great parade. when 10000
marchers were reviewed by Cardinal
Gibbons. dignitaries OF the Catholic
church from many sections OF the
United States; Gov. Goldsborough
and Mayor Preston. All voiced the
same sentiment that II was one of
the greatest affairs OF its kind ever
held, and by far exceeded the expec-
tations OF everyone.