Evening star., 1925-02-19
ESCATH0L|CS
TO COOPERATE
Rev. Dr.. John A. Ryan Tells
Followers to Drop Infe-
riority Complex.

Declaring that the Catholics Of
America are too prone to work under
the psychology Of persecution and to
Ia bor under the impression that every
piece of legislation has some joker
against them, Very Rev DR. John A.
Ryan of the Catholic University.
noted economist and one of the
drafters of the proposed child labor
amendment to the Constitution.
charged that this attitude prevented
Catholics from joining with nom
Catholics in promoting things for the
general welfare. His address today
was before the fourth annual conven-
tion Of the District Chapter of the
International Federation of Catholic
Alumnae at the New willard Hotel
this morning.
During discussion of the child
labor amendment DIR. Ryan termed
the Volstead act tyrannical exer-
else of power by Congress and an ex-
ample of how Congress has gone to
absurd lengths.
Says States Must Change.
He explained that the child labor
amendment could not be passed at
present unless enough of the II
States that have rejected the proposal
change their attitude to enable a
two thirds approval Of the measure by
the States.
Rev. DR.. Ryan declared that a large
part of the opposition to the pro-
possd measure is brought about by
the feeling that Congress will carry
such a measure too far. Opponents
illustrate their attitude by citing the
enactment of the Volstead act, he de-
clared. Another reason for opposition
on the part of many Catholics is the
feeling that those who advocated the
amendment are against them. Il
know this is not true. for I helped
frame the bill" declared DR.. Ryan.
I'VE American Catholics are much
too prone to nurse an inferiority COM
plex and to get dominated with the
psychology of persecution, and this,
1 think, interferes with our own in
terests. We are not compelled to
look for jokers against Catholics in
all legislation. but only in some occa-
sional bills" declared DR.. Ryan, who
said that this attitude prevents Cath
olics joining with non-Catholics to
work for matters concerning the gem
eral welfare we are thus class
apart. and stismatized as class
apart" declared DR.. Ryan.
Act on Rights.
I'VE must, of course, defend our
rights, we must study legislation as
citizens and from a civic point and
then act il there is anything against
u.s. For instance, il there Is any dan
ger of sacramental wines being taken
away from US as proposed in Colo
RADIO, we must act" declared DR.. Ryan,
He said that there was not the slight
est chance of such a law passing.
Sister NJ. Inez, spoke on "A Catholic
Alumna as a Family Visitor" and
Miss Ella Lorraine Dorsey spoke on
N'Literature."
Curley Of Baltimore will address the
meeting. Arthur J. May, president
of the Catholic Charities, and Mrs.
Harry NJ. Benzinger, president Of the
International Federation of Catholic
Alumnae, will also speak. Mrs. James
F. Hartnett, suvernor of the Dis
trict of Columbia Chapter, presided.
The following reports were read
Credentials, Miss Sarah e. Policy;
rules and regulations, Miss Bessie
Mills; recording secretary, Miss Alice
r. Lucas: corresponding secretary,
Mrs. James H. Johnson, jr.; treasurer,
Miss Catherine c. Carr; department Of
education, Mrs. r. NJ. Chesley. first
vice governor; department of social
service, Miss Anna J. Ready, second
vice governor; department Of litera-
ture, Miss Rose Shea, third vice gov
ernor; report of governor, Mrs. James
F.. Hartnett: constitution, Miss NJ.
Louise Darr. and 1. F. c. A. sixth BIZ
ennial convention. Miss Florence A..
Colford, excessive secretary, 1. F. c. A.