Evening journal., 1918-09-19
Peoples Column
THE POPE AND THE WAR.

To the Editor Of The Evening Journal
Sir-Hsvlns read an article in your
paper, written by a Mr.. Ortiz on the
/ Vatican question, /, as an American
Catholic, born and raised. cannot en-
dure the Infamous snd hypocrltlcal ac-
eusstions made toward the Catholics
and our ruler, His Holiness. Benedict
XIV. The link OF German intrigue and
propaganda Is spread wide throughout
the country.
This is a united nation that mas rll-
lied TO the support Of her sister repub-
lic France. To repay a debt OF CEN
tury and a half ago, when the prln-
ciples were fought for and thu sacred
soil OF this glorious republic was con-
secrsted with the blood OF American
Catholics who helped win the struggle
which had for its purpose the founds-
tion Of democracy.
We, the offspring Of that sensrltion.
namely the Catholics OF today. fhOse
Of us who have brothers, relatives and
friends who have gone fort.- 70 tho
front, thousands who have given their
very lives thst democracy might live.
must endure these Infamous. nlihy.
NNAA~AA AANcf NAAoN NnNf UE-l
by supposed-to-be American brother,
who claims TO utter such accusations
so as TO uproot a stronghold OF pro-
Germans.
Mr.. Ortiz also quotes Cardinal Ram
polla as saying, That & general Euro
pean War would undoubtedly restore
Rome TO the Pope" This is one OF his
fllthy antl-Catholic utteranses. in CT
der TO disrupt them IN helping 10 carry
on their part OF the war. Is this pa.rl-
otism? This spreading OF anti-Cstho-
lie spirit. now at this vital moment,
when the success OF this var depends
upon the united and frn people and
soldiers OF America?
wish to state. that the Pope cannot
come outside the Vatican, because he
will become subject to the King OF Italy
and in handling the affairs Of the Cath
Ole Church he must remain inside the
gates. So why should the Holy Father
look for the restoration OF Rome9
The author and accuser in his letter
stated that the fighting machine Of Kai-
serism was working on pressure under
Monsign-r Won Guerlach and accuses
the Vatican IS being a pro-Germsn ma
chine, committing against Italy and the
Allies the vilest outrages. And that
everyone is aware OF the interview be-
tween the Pope and Latapie Of the Ii
berte, at the time OF the invasion OF
Belgium and that the Pope has never
spoken one Word OF condemnation OF |
The Belgian atrocities.
II the Anti-Catholic heart OF this |
man would only leak forth the truth. |
when the German dogs OF war forced |
their way over Belgium, converts were
entered, priests were crucifled and The |
lust Of these German dogs had been /
satisfied at the expense OF Gods holy |
ones. The evidences OF these |
atrocities were known all over .he
world, and the said accuser asserted |
hat Pope Benedict as doubling the
,ruelties imposed on the people Of the
church.
Mr.. Ortiz asks. why this astounding
illence?" Why should the Vatican take
he question up when the world knew
What devastated Belgium had suffered7
What was the anti-Catholio heat Of
his man waiting for? Another chance
o slur and cast Infamous lies about
he Vatican?
He again asserts the leaders OF the
Illied nations are aware OF the Natl-
ans subterranesn and unscrupulous