Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-03-24
By The Associated Press

BY The Associated Press
The following summary. of the life and
career of Cardinal Gibbons is interesting
in showing how wide and varied nave
been his interests IN the more than han
century of his activities:
At the celebration of the 25th ami.
versary of his elevation to the ofhce OF
Cardinal, in Baltimore, his nome city:
His Eminence. out of all the tributes pald
him, expressed himself as most affected
bv that from William Howard Taft, has
intimate friend, and then President who
said: ,,
Through his long and useful life Cardi-
nal Gibbons has spared no effort IN the
cause of good citizenship and the upiiit-
ing of his fellow-men.
you have portrayed your. subject,
not. | fear. as he is. but as he should
be I" responded the Cardinal "One merit
only can claim, and that is an ardent love
for nv native country and her polltica
institutions. / consider the Republic OIL
the United States one of the most precious
heirlooms ever bestowed on mankind
down the ages. Ii is the duty and should be
the delight Of every citizen TO strengthen
and perpetuate our government by op-
servance of its laws and by the integrity
IF the public life.
Cardinal Gibbons. as senior Bishop Of
the church. welded q strong influence out
side as well as within the United states
The confidant of three popes. he made
several important tours to Rome. the
last in August, 1914. few days after the
openinC OF the war, to elect the successor
70 Plus Y. He arrived too late. however,
n participate in the ceremony that
elevated Benedict 10 the Pontifcate.
Upon returning to the United States
ne visited President Wilson, informed
the latter Of affairs in Europe and dis
cussed means 10 brig about peace. ne
Cardinal was stror gly interested IN the
affairs OF the church in Mexico durlrg the
trouhlous times in that country ard de-
clared that he feared fighting would rever
cease under the Carrarza regime II was
largely as a result Of his efforts that the
oorditiors OF the clergy and nuns of
Mexico was amehOrated.
Cardinal Gibbons was active in his
work for the Allies in the war and IN
letter written 10 the Catholics OF the arch
diocese Of New York in 1917 when the
nited States entered the conflict, urged
the fullest support Of the govern ment.
few months previously ne sert SlO.UUO
10 the American Committee in London
for the relief Of the Belgiars. ore Of the
many notable instances Of his berevo-
knce. In a sermon at Baltimore, in 1918,
be praised the speech by Lloyd George
an said that GerInany's war aims Would
fail About the same time he explain ed
Benedicts war policy, an article which 50
pleased the Pope that he ordered II trans
lated and published broadcast. In it he
asserted sympathy with the Allied aim
Of winning the war ''for permanent pee &C.
To achieve this result he also expressed
opposition 10 a cessation OF hOstilit!es
when Austria made fresh overtures
Celebrating his 50th anniversary as
Bishop in Baltimore on October q. 1918,
an event attended by ecclesiastics from
all over the world. ne received anon gmany
other gifts the decoration Of Grand Officer
Of the Legion OF Honor from France. Italy
also decorated him. i month later he