Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-09-24
PEACE IN AMERICA
GODS BLESSING, SAYS
CARDINAL GIBBONS
Grieving Over Europe'S S
Tragic Lot, He Praises
Rescue of Tourists by u.
S. Diplomats.

BOSTON, Sept. a-"After witnessing
the sad scenes of devastation and destruc-
tlon and the appalling loss of life which
is now the tragic lot of great part Of
Europe, we have reason to congratulate
ourselves and to ebthankfu to Almighty
God that our beloved country Is enjoying
the blessings Of peace" said Cardinal
Gibbons, who, with Cardinal o'Connell.
returned from Naples today on the liner
Canopic
THE United States Government de-
serves great credit for its splendid work
In facilitating the return home of so
many American citizens in Europe as
result Of the war There were thou
sands of our fellow citizens there Many
of them had gone to Europe with only
enough moeny to defray their regular
travelling expenses and were wholly un-
prepared for the conditions they found
thrust upon them. Our American ambas-
sadors and consuls deserve unstinted
praise for what they did to help those
people to return to America"
Cardinal Gibbons and his travelling
Corrigan, of Baltimore and Monsignor
Shahan, rector of the Catholic University
at Washington. left Boston on the 10
o'clock express for New York They
will proceed at once to Baltimore to
attend the closing sessions of the con-
Vention of Federated Catholic Societies
now in session there.
Cardinal o'Connell gave out the fol-
lowing statement:
"At last howe L.. s,,.
own America, prouder still, If that were
possible, of her liberty, of her founders
and of her institutions May God bless
our America, her rulers and her peopYa,
and keep her ever prosperous and happy
In the full possession OF national honor
and lasting peace
TOO LATE FOR CONCLAvE.
Three of the American cardinals ar
rived too late to participate in the cleo
ton. Ctrdinal Gibbons, Cardinal Begin
and myself. The ancient regulation of
beginning the conclave on the 10th day
after the death of the Pope was made
when cardinals did not reside as such
great distance from Rome as they do
now, and undoubtedly a new regulation
Will be made In relation to the opening
OF the conclave that will enable the
FHeilCdH CdrulnalS TO reach Rome in
time to participate in the election.
The choice of Cardinal Della Chiesa
as Pope has already produced a most fa-
vorable impression. At this particular
time there is great need OF a vigorous
Pontif, with knowledge of diplomati,
relations and with wide practical ex-
perience in the affairs of the Church and
the State
THE present time is a most trying one
in which to begin the arduous labors of
Pontif, and Pope Benedict XIV will at
the very outset of his ponticate be called
on to face as serious and as difficult a
problem as ever fell to the lot Of n SOW
ereign Pontif, but in his labors he will
have the prayers and cooperation Of all
his bishops, priests and people throughout
the world.
'On three separate occasions during my
short stay in Rome the Holy Father re-
celved me in private conference, and 7
was amazed at the wonderfu, qua tiles
he displayed. His ready and quick grasp
of affairs. his intimate knowledge Of men
and conditions, his gracious tact and
courtly bearing. his manifest love and
burning desire for the bettern7ent and
happiness of the people. his deep knowl-
edge and simple faith, impressed me in a
marked degree, and promises a glorious
reign for the Church and for the people
throughout the world"