New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-21
Three Church Princes
Pledge Fealty to U.
S. Institutions.
CATHOLICLAYMEN
THRONG GARDEN
Patriotism Feature of the
Opening of Societies
Convention.

Fifteen thousands Catholic laymen,
assembled from the country over, IN
Madison Square Garden last night
heard the three ranking dignitaries Of
the Church in America eXtol the free in
sttutions Of the United States and
pledge the fealty of all American Cath
olics to safeguard them. The remarks
of Cardinals O'Connell. Gibbons and
Farley inspired salvos of patriotic ap-
plause.
The meeting marked the opening of
the fifteenth annual convention of the
American Federation Of Catholic So
cieties, which will remain in session
throughout the week.
Monsignor John BonEano, apostolic
delegate; Governor Charles S. Whit
man, Acting Mayor Frank L. Bowling,
DR.. James j. Walsh, W. Bourke Cock
ran and Bishop James A. McFaul also
made addresses. John Whalen, presi-
dent of the federation, who presided,
was introduced by Frank W. Smith,
president of the New York County
branch of the organization.
Applause Greets Cardinals.
Cardinals Farley and Gibbons, in
their red hats and robes and Jewels, OF
office, first appeared on the stage. A
wave of applause greeted them. Then
came Cardinal O'Conneil, Archbishop
of Boston. The Boston delegation, led
by a band, marched 10 their seats as he
appeared.
Seated back of the Cardinals were
Monsignor Bonzano and these members
Of the Knights of st. Gregory; Conde
Pallen, Justice Eugene Philbin, John
d. Crimmins, Joseph Frey. Henry
Heide, Justice Victor Bowling and W.
Bourke Cochran.
The band struck up "The Star
Spangled Banner" and the audience,
rising. took up the words. There were
other musical numbers by the chorus
Of combined Catholic Saengerbund OF
New York and Catholic Maennerchor of
Brooklyn.
Cardinal Pleads for Allegiance.
When Mr.. Whalen introduced Cardi-
raj O'Connell as mo stranger to us
and none more welcome speaker he
aroused tide of applause that was
difficult for the speaker to stem. Amid
constant cheers the Cardinal launched
forth at once into a eulogy OF American
liberties, civil and religious. He made
a plea for allegiance and for greater
national spirituality, which, he said. is
the cornerstone of all enduring gov
ernments.
"Not once, but hundred times he
said, "have even the modern Christian
nations learned the awful cost Of that
lack of eternal vigilance which alone
can safeguard liberty"
Cardinal O'Connell pledged the 10y
atty of all American Catholics TO the
state.
"Of all that vast army of those who
love America" said the Cardinal, upon
none may she so surely and reliably
depend in every need and emergency as
upon the 100000 of Catholics who
are proud to be at the same time sub
jects of the kingdom Of God on earth
and citizens of America.
at is because America is the home or
freemen and because over all alike
we love her with a love next only TO
that we owe to the kingdom OF God. 1t
is because every man living on her
sacred soil can say those three little
words, Il am free, whether he be rich
or poor; that whatever his race or
color or creed, he can tread the earth
upright and freely measure the power
of his brain and the strength of his
sinews with all the other millions OF
men about him; it is because he has a
government which he helps TO make
and an opportunity which he helps 10
create, that he is hemmed in by no
legal disadvantage, that he is neither
bondsman nor serf nor slave; il is be-
cause of this and this alone that every
citizen of this land loves her with an
undying love and strives for her stabil-
ity and perpetuity.
Addressing himself to the ideals OF
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