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 y.
S. Diplomats.

| BOSTON, Sept. A.-"After witnessing
the sad scenes Of devastation and destruc-
tion 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 ebthankful TO Almighty
God that our beloved country is enjoying
the blessings Of peace" said Cardinal
| Gibbons, who, with Cardinal O'ConnelI,
returned from Naples today on the liner
Canopic
THE United States Government de-
serves great credit for it's splendid work
In facilitating the return home Of SO
many American citizens in Europe as
a 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
companions, accompanied by Bishop
Corrigan, of Baltimore, and Monsienor
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-
Ventlon OF Federated Catholic Societies
now in session there.
cardinal O'Connell gave out the fol-
lowing statement:
AT last we are home again in our
own America, prouder still. If that were
possible, of her liberty. Of her founders
ana OF her institutions May God bless
our america, her rulers and her peope
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 elec-
ton Cardinal Gibbons, Cardinal Begin |
and myself. The ancient regulation of
beginning the conclave on the 10th dav
after the death of the Pope was made |
when cardinals did not reside as such n
great distance from Rome as they do
now, and undoubtedly n new regulation
Will be made in relation to the opening
OF the conclave that will enable the
american cardinals 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
,line there is great need of vigorous
fontlf. with a knowledge OF diplomats
relations and with wide, practical ex-
perience in the affairs of the Church and
the State.
The present time Is a most trying ono
N which to begin the arduous labors of
Pontif and Pope Benedict XIV will AT
me very outset of his pontiicate be called
IN to face as serious and as difficult a
problem as ever fell to the lot of n SOW
reign Pontiff, hut in his labors he will
ave the prayers and cooperation of ali
us bishops, priests and people throughout
he world.
'On three separate occasions during nv
mort stay in Rome the Holy Father re-
eived me in private conference, and
vas amazed at the wonderful qua ities
e displayed. His ready and quick grasn
4 affairs. his intimate knowledge OF men
nd conditions, his gracious tact and
ourtly bearing, his manifest love and
urning desire for the betterment and
appiness of the people, his deep knowI-
dGe and simple faith, impressed me in a
1arked degree and promises a glorious !
eign for the Church and for the peopIe
throughout the world"