The sun., 1916-08-27
BY the Rev. John Cavanash, c. S. c., D. D.

(whon one speaks OF the collcses) the
ron-Catho.lc public generally. are
prone to undervalue the educational
work of Catholic colleges n uni
versitles.
But does even the Catholic appreci-
ate his schools? Cnqucstionably yes
as regards the primary work Of the
parochial school. The bishops and
priests of the country TAX "A firm stand
as regards the attendance of Catholic
children at the parochial schools. but
our non-Catholic friends ought not to
fancy that this Is the whole story.
They a hardly be got to believe that
all the fulminations OF the bishops and
all the persuasion Of the priests would
be utterly powerless to build up the
great parish school system unless the
Catholic laity themselves realized
vividly the absolute need and desira-
bility Of he parish schools. In the
spiritual world. as in the natural world.
anything that is forced or artificial or
contrary to the common sense OF man
kind is doomed to extinction. II is be-
cause fathers and mothers OF Catholic
children believe firmly in the need OF
Catholic schools for the little ones that
these schools exist, and the demand Of
the laity for them would be hardly less
insistent IL the bishops and the priests
left the whole matter to the decision
OF the laity. There is no doubt. there
fore. hut that the parochial primary
school is thoroughly appreciated by
Catholics.
In lesser measure the Catholic high
school or preparatory college is also
appreciated. This is shown by the fact
that nearly 200 preparatory colleges
exist for Catholic boys. or an average
Of four for each State Of the Union.
not to speak Of the large and ever in
creasing number of high schools which
cover the same field. Similarly. there
are nearly fifteen academies for girls
for zach State Of the Union. without
taking account Of a large number OF
high schools not listed as academies.
And, finally. II seems clear that Cath
Ollie preparatory colleges and high
schools are fully appreciated from the
fact that a considerable number of
careful parents among our non-Cath-
ole neighbors prefer 10 send their sons.
and especially their daughters, to Cath
Ole schools.
But what do we find when We come
to consider the colleges and UNIVERSE
ties Of the country? That there Is
some appreciation OF the work they
are doing Is clear from the fact that
they exist in such large number and
that practically zone Of them Is either
failing or stationary. The fact that
such appreciation is growing ONE
what Is shown ~Conclusivcly from the
increase in attendance at such schools
decade after decade. Twenty-Five
years ago nearly threc-fourths ~ the
Catholic young men attending college
were enrolled IN non-CItholic colleges.
Now the percentage is reduced to me-
half. The statistics are not yet any
thing Ike what they ought tn be, bat a,
least the movement is IN the right di-
rc,tion and il is not hopclcssly slow.
And yet it is simply a wan OF caulor
TO say that Catholics manifest in prac-
tice any enthusiasm over their great
colleges and universities. II il were
So why should ouc-hd'f Of the Catholic
college students Of the country he
training in non-Catholic colleges .
why should II have been possible Fl
pr. E.iut TO say 4 few years ago the
statement would not he true now
that Harvard is the largest Catholic
college in the United states. meaning
that there were more Catholic Noura
men doing college work at Harvard
han in any single Catholic school.
And yet one Is ut n loss to discern
any good reason for the failure OF oul
people to appreciate and support th"li
own institutions. Let us consider, fol
example. the typical nOn-Catholic in
stltut.on. 4 young mar leaves hi
home and m~atr!ru,atos there, He Il
m1dr acquainted with the charges 70
tuition and other ne, cSsary Items q
cvpcNse. There are agencies to holl
him to locate n satisfactory h lrlini
house. He may consult with his dcal
about his classes. lie must avoid any
thing Ike public DISGRACE, and II II
g. known % 10 hlhi'ua'ly lazy or dis
s,DHtcd he viii he dropped from tn
school, So far rs personal touch o
Influence Is concerned. thrro IS Irlc
ttcl,lv mono Of II exercised hy such
SCHOOL ~ We have described. II ".
not IL for tho student body 10 got
reputation fur V.ro or Incidence, ho
cause that would l.s~"n the ATTENDING
ana bring doNN rIn,ic criticism an
abuse. Bat within these large lim.,
the stud,ut is lcf, 10 his own cNpt
dents.