Omaha daily bee., 1916-01-16
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THE FACT brought by the death Of Bishop
i sosnnen f. worthy Of note that in the almost
sixty years that Omaha has been the seat OF
OF the Catholic church only three bishops have
been invested with the authority Of the office. Accord
Ing TO the records. the first organization Of the
Catholic church here dates back the year 1857.
although probably services held prior 20 that
time and the first bishop OF Nebraska, Right Rev.
James Ooorman. consecrated in May, 1859 lie
died on the Fourth OF July. 1874 after fifteen
OF service, and interval OF two years elapsed be-
fore his successor. Right Rev. James OConnor. took
ND his official duties in August. 1875 Bishop O'Con
nor remained In the harness despite his physical in
hrmties for almost fourteen years. dying May q,
1890. when almost another year elapsed before the
conservation Of the late Bishop Richard ScanneL
which took place March o. 1891 II will be that,
had Bishop scannells life been spared for two
months more. he would have been able 20 point 20
twenty five in this high station OF honor and
distinction. which take II. while not exceptional is
at least uncommon
As rejecting the wonderful changes that have
place In this western country In comparatively short
period. 1t IL also interesting that when Bishop
oConnor was Installed the diocese included not only
Nebraska, but also Wyoming that portion OF Mon
tana lying east of the Rocky mountains and of the
Dakotas lying west OF tue Missouri river. This
Jurisdiction has been reduced from time TO time by
cutting off Wyoming Montana, most OF the Dakotas
ana dividing Nebraska itself into north and south
diocese the smallest Of them being more important
today than was the Nebraska diocese twenty-five
years ago when Bishop scsnnel took charge
Archbishop Ireland is a wonderful man. No one
who saw him his recent visit here would imagine
him TO be IN his year but that is
tho less true In appearance robust and active
without the slightest sign the infirmities OF age
and he II as keenly alive to events
ss we'll a. reliEious. as he had called
him as an oldtime friend OF my father when he was
q guest OF Bishop scanneiI few years ago. and had
delightful interview in which he recalled the time
no had spent with my father in Rome during the
worlds last postal congress when they both hap
pened TO be there. and he took occasion this time
return the call The archbishop has powerful per-
sonalty which doubtless accounts for his rsulitude
OF staunch admirers well for the strong enc
mics who have so far kept him from attaining the
cardinals hat It would certainly be a fine recogni-
ton and popular selection the occasion should yet
come when he could be awarded that earned pro-
motion.
When ! made my observation last week with ref.
erence to the valuable volumes bearing on the civil
Wer and western history. which had been collected
by General Dodge, and suggested that these books
ought not to be allowed TO become scattered, but
should be kept accessible in suitable public
place, J. OF course had no knowledge that the gem
erals will made precisely this provision Although the
heirs might and probably would have seen 10 the
preservation Of the library. It Is fortunate that the
general himself did overlook the matter and his
example ought to have q wider influence on others
who have private possessions historical interest
We out here are that are apt TO place too
httis store by books ana manuscripts objects
with history attached TO them. and to forget that
destroyed lost they replaced in the future
This reminds Of the treasures and bric-a-
orac once housed in the old Collins home, standing
at the corner OF Nineteenth Capitol avenue which
has just been sold to make way IN time fore a mora
modern apartment building The Collins house in it's
day was one OF omahas most popular social cents-s
and its generous hospitality prOverbisI The Coll
Tins receptions and parties furnished some of the
links that bound the military set entrenohed at Fort
Omaha TO Omaha society. and later was the center
OF bohemianism. which was the nearest copy of
European entertainment that ever secured foothold
here. With gradual accommodations OF collections
made by Mrs. and Miss Collins on successive trips
across the water, the house assumed aspect OF
miniature museum. with variety OF art and curio
exhibits OF decidedly superior character These COL
iections however so far a. know. they are still
In existence, have all been scattered and when the
old house IL torn down its attractions viii have pa
into the realm Of story-hook legends