New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-03-09
PRIEST DENOUNCES
RICHMOND SYSTEM
Father Egan, in Farewell
from Pulpit, Says No
Mans Child Is Safe.
WAS ACTIVE AGAINST
ACCUSED POLICEMAN
Declares That His Resignation IS
Voluntary. but Reports Say 1t
Was Asked For.

The Rev. William +. Egan, pastor o.
81. Clements Roman Catholic Church. OF
Mariners Harbor. Staten Island, cele-
brated his last mass at that church yes
terday morning. Father Egan rendered
his resignation several weeks ago, aho
il was accepted.
While Father Egan said that his resis-
nation was voluntary. 1t was reported
Yesterday that il was asked FOR on ac-
count Of his activities IN prosecuting FOR
mer Police Lieutenant Edward Fulton,
who was accused by Sarah Beattie'
fourteen-year-old girl. member OF
Father ECan's church Before ceiebrat-
ing mass Father Egan introduced MS
successor, the Rev. Father James GoSSln.
Father Egan said that he had not a.
yet been assigned 10 another church He
said he was going 10 take vacation be
fore taking up church work again. When
the charges were made against Lieuten-
ant Fulton by the Beattio girl he was
suspended from the police force and ar
rested. The evidence was presented 10
the Richmond County grand jury. That
body failed 10 find an Indictment. fulton
then made application for reinstatement
and he was put back on the force three
weeks ago. \ few days after being rein
stated he made application for retire
ment, and last week he was put on the
retired list with half pay.
Although the grand jury failed TO in
dict Fulton. Father Egan declared yes
terday that he would renew his efforts TO
have Fulton punished.
Disregarding the unWritten law OF the
Catholic Church that nothing OF pe'-
sonal nature should proceed from the
pulpit. Father Egan launched a scathing
indictment Of what he called IAN or
gained system OF protection in Rich
inond, which openly and blatantly COM
mits acts which are violations OF the law
and dcccncy. and can boast Of influence
over Judge and jury for the protection Of
their wrongdoing.
LAS the situation stands Father Esan
said, no mans little daughter IS safe.
and he will seek in vain for redress and
protection from the county official who
has taken an oath and receives money to
protect the innocent and prosecute the
guilty. The power OF money and political
corruption stands In bold relief on the
public pedestal and laughs I'm scorn at
tho helpless child whose pain and tears
and honor arc commercialized at the
value OF candy. change and toys
Far be II from me to Justify the rabble
and cry for illcgalized punishment. and
far be il. too, from my mind 10 find
pleasure in sending a man 10 prison. But
rs things stand in this community at
present II is not mistake 20 assume
that parents Will be 50 frcnzied as 10
take the law I'm their own hands. ] pray
not, but Just at present premium IS
placed upon degenerate crimnality, per
jury and blac<mail."
Father Egan said he had been directed
by the vicar general and administrator
OF the church TO announce that he was
leaving ST. Clements Church because or
his personal wish.
Father Egan founded St Clements
Church five years ago. lie built up =
big congregation. \ purse OF $1,000 was
raised for Father Egan by his congrega-
ton