New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-06

secure, Independently Of the fate OF the
Writ system. II that fails OF abolition
the schools in this vicinity Will have
to keep on with a double schedule sys-
ten, and the opportunities OF getting
his children together outside OF sehool
hours will be just about the same as
they are now.
80 much FOR that part OF IT, IL
shows that Catholics are willing TO co.
operate, in so far as no sacrlfce OF
principle is involved, with other rellg-
ious bodies in effecting at least par
tial solution of the most urgent prop
lem the churches have TO face-the re
licious instruction Of the children.
Catholic Policy More Thorough than
Writ Plan.
"But it would be small compliment
70 our religious earnestness 20 calL MI
Wirt's offering OF opportunity TO the
churches the Catholic policy. Our ecu
cational policy is much more thorough'
IL is expressed in our growing system
Of parochal schools. In the pursuance
of this policy we have invested MIL
ions Of dollars and have organized u
staff of thousr9s OF WORKERS. Vu,
chief. the Cardinal, stands behind u
ike rock of strength; clergy ana
people are devoted to IT, ana we nave
not the slightest intention of departing
from il. For example, the Gary system
/, 70 he tried out on a larger scale IN
tbis Rorough OF the Bronx. Well, In
mis- Borough Of the Bronx there are
thirtv-nine Catholic parishes; OF these
eli bu. six have qlreadv started schools.
Resides the Italian church, there are
three other Catholic parishes, mine
baInc ono of them, whose boundaries
run through the territory OF Puohc
School IS. None of US is taking active
mart in the work in connection with
tbat school. Two of the three parishes
have lust finished building very me
schools; the third has property for a
school which will be, built at no great
distance Of time.
Whv Should Ministers and Rabbis OPP
pose Opportunity?
There is no need dwelling on this.
Everybody knows that we Catholics are
not the ones who have most reason 10
worry over the present religious situs-
ton. But IL | had 10 face the condl-
tions Of clergymen Of other iaiths
whom | know I should he worried des-
perate. I admire their courage. can
not always applaud their Judgment
Take this Writ system. 1t is easy TO
understand the attitude Of a man or no
RELIGION when he climbs the always
handy pillar of patriotism TO denounce
the intrusions of the churches. But
that ministers and rabbis should JON
with him in wrecking their best cnance
of holding the coming generaton-thl IS,
| must confess. cannot understand. l
can only regret il. The decline OF re
Iioion does no good TO any one. lndf-
ference in such matters Is contagious
and hurtful 70 other religions and a
great misfortune to the republic.
"FRANCIS P. DUFFY,
"Church of Our Saviour, Bronx"
New York, Nov. 10, 1919.
Religious Instruction Before Writ Re-
organization.
Father Dufy's letter brings out
point not generally understood by the
public. that Public School 40, Inc
Bronx, was on the Ettinger double
session part-time plan before 1t was
reorganized by Mr.. Writ. Under this
Ettinger double session plan one group
of children came TO the school at s:3U
n. m, remained in the classrooms until
1890, when they had opening exer,,
cises and study in auditorium and
Fairgrounds until 1880, when they
went home to lunch, returned at l2:3u
D. m, and stayed in the classroom
until 2:8O, when they were dismissed
f Naturally. tn Thurch cou'a 'f 6ld
take these children for religious in
struction any time after 2:30.
The other group did not come to
school until $3.50 q. M, went home to
lunch at 1890, and did not return to
school until 2:30, when they remained
in classrooms until 4:30 p. m. As
these children did not come to school
until $3.50 a. M, it was possible for
the church 20 take th"m for re- ~.crs
Instruction at that time. As Father
DAFT saws. "his (Father CafuT ISL
before and after school classes have
been going on for some time, and are