South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-07-14
$4,000 PRIESTS
ENLIST IN ARMY
Notre Dame Students Driven
Home From Italy BY War
Report on Conditions.

Rev. Charles Marshall OF Notre
Dame talks interestingly OF condi-
lions in Italy which caused his re-
turn with four fellow students from
Rome. They were studying at the
Gregorian university when italy went
to war. over half Of the students
were at once called 10 the ranks. This
OF course weakened the school Then
the possibility Of a revolution. which
seemed not remote, and which as so
often before might lead TO the expul-
sion OF members Of religious commu-
mites, added TO the gravity of the sit
uation. Moreover defeat Of the Ital-
ians in any large battle might bring
about conditions similar TO those in
Belgium. For these and other reasons
the authorities decided to close the
school. For example. the university
buildings might be requistioned for
military hospitals. The price Of food
was doubled Immediately. The gov
eminent took control OF food supplies.
Wheat bread was no longer 10 be had,
and a black bread made Of a -four
from wheat rice and vegetables was
all that was used even by the royal
family and In the vatican.
Eighteen Thousand Priests Go.
Eighteen thousand priests went at
once into the army, many as chaplains
or as members Of the Red Cross. and
large numbers also into the ranks.
Clerics in major orders do not have
TO go TO the trenches; they have
choice OF service with the Red Cross
or Of entering training schools TO be
come officers. Those in minor orders
must choose between the Red Cross
and the trenches
Rev Mr. Marshall and his cOmpan-
ions spent last summer in Switzerland
In Switzerland all men have been
called TO the cOlors Automobiles are
not TO be seen there. The govern
ment has seized them all and most of
the oil as well. The only persons
allowed to use motor oil are physi-
clans In Italy, where formerly could
be seen many OF the finest cars in
the world now only FOrds are I'm use
all other cars being appropriated by
the government for military service.
Rev Mr.. Marshall says that the de-
claratiOn of war in Italy came the
day after the great celebration of the
anniversary of the unification Of Italy
and that intense excitement pre-
vailed at first but that within a week
every man was calm. although in
Rome thousands OF men in citizens
clothes were marched through the
streets daily. The greatest personal
force in Italy that inspired the people
for war was Gabrielle d'Annuncio, the
popular poet, who is now at the front
with the king.
Come on Cargo Vessel.
The vessel on which the NOtre Dame
clergymen returned 10 America
brought a cargo of lemons and cher
ries. and returned with one Of horses
and cattle They say that the Ital-
ians will not be surprised If their
coast be blOckaded by submarines and
that many vessels that cross the ocean
will be withdrawn from their service,
and that IL Is doubtful whether they
will be able to return to Rome even
if their school should be reOpened.
OF the FIVE clergymen returned Rev.
George F1nnegan and Rev. Richard
Contine are priests and Rev. Charles
Miltner. Rev. Charles Marshall and
Rev Christopher Brooks are deacons.
ali being ordained on June II by Car
dinal POmpeui, the Popes vicar.