The Irish standard., 1919-01-11

there are dioceses and d multitude of
benevolent societies. Each one of
these units pursues, in a self-satisfied
way, its own purposes, largely disre-
gardful of the others. A united front
is not presented to the common dan
gers; there is no concerted plan of
action, and so the dangers continue to
multiply. We are weak in our divided
strength. What different story there
would be to- tell if all, including
priests and laity, were united in whole
hearted cooperation; if only every
Catholic man, woman and child worked
for God and religion, as they did for
country in the late peril.
Divided counsels.
AS ar instance of our divided coun-
sells the question of prohibition may
be cited. This is not properly politi-
cal question but social one, and in it
the interests of society are deeply in
volved. 1t is matter of clear-cut
ethics and one, consequently, on which
unanimity OF opinion and action might
rightfully be looked for amongst Cath
olics; and yet we see Catholic opinion
and 'utterance divided upon it,
We Have the Leaders,
Some have expressed the doubt
whether capable leadership can be
~, tl,o NJ ie
remarkable that, while Catholics
themselves doubt their own capacity
for leadership, the government, in it's
greatest difficulties, should have sum-
moned Catholic leaders to it's aid.
After the shipbuilding program, which
was the first essential for success in
the war, had got into terrible mess,
it was soon Strengthened out by Hur-
ley and Schwab. Similarly, Ryan
saved the airplane situation. After
hundreds of millions had been squan-
dered in buying supplies, it was found
necessary to make Stettinius chief
purchasing agent for this country and
the Allies. To keep the laboring men
eontented at their task, Frank Walsh
was. made chairman of the national
war labor board, and the services of
Colonel Callaghan were also secured.
These men were all called from civil
life to public service, and the services
they rendered are incalculable. They
did not seek the positions, but the po-
sitions sought them because they were
needed; and in each case the expecta-
tions formed OF them were realized.
They succeeded, -be it observed, in
notable instances where others before
them had failed. AS to Catholic lead
ership OH the field it is not necessary
to speak. Suffice it to say that some
one has ascertained that there are
nearly twenty Catholics amongst the
American generals.
We have, then, Catholic brains and
potential leadership in abundance.
The names cited above are only in
stances of what can be. found in an
emergency, and when search is made
for men of ability But our talent is
largely undeveloped Bishop Kelly of
Savannah found earnest and capable
leaders in his little diocese when he
started movement to counteract the
campaign of SANDER and misrepresen-
tation that was making life intolerable
for Catholics in Georgia.
He requested each parish to send
lay representatives to a general meet
ing. Organization was effected, a pro-
gram of action outlined, and commit
tees appointed to defend the Church
in the press and on the rostrum. With
in a remarkably short time this little
organization practically silenced the
slanderers, won the favor of the secu-
lar press, and effected so great a
change i'm public opinion as to make
, Georgia a habitable place for the faith
full.
Unity in Social Action.
Union of counsels and effort in So
cial action should, then, be the watch
word of Catholics. To make the coun-
try safe not only for democracy but
for religion and virtue must be our
aim. Every Catholic, from the highest
to the lowest, should be enlisted in
the great work If we succeed, Amer
lea will become the greatest nation
of history, and with earnest, whole
hearted cooperation on the part of all,
we cannot fail.
twenty-five North and South Amer
lean nations were represented at what
| is called the Pan-American Mass in
St. Patrick's Church, Washington, on
the National Thanksgiving Day. The
| church was magnifcently illuminated