The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-04-18

In statement of faith, Smith put
himself definitely on record as be-
lieving there is no conflict between
religious loyalty to the Catholic
faith and patriotic loyalty to the
United States.
Marshall Writes Again
The Governors statement was
made in an article written for the
Atlantic Monthly in reply to an open
letter from Charles c. Marshall, New
York attorney, questioning whether
the two could be reconciled. In re-
turn, Marshall today gave the United
Press a counter-repiy in which he af-
firmed his position with new quota
tions from Catholic authorities to
support it.
4 Marshall, however, insisted in his
reply that Smith had disclaimed only
for himself the allegedly conflicting
beliefs attributed by Marshall to
loyal American adherents of the
Roman Catholic church. He said he
replied only to Governor Smiths as
sertion that the so-called conflicting
beliefs were not held by any Amer.
lean Roman Catholics.
Refers to Long Service
You imply that there is conflict
between religious loyalty to the
Catholic faith and patriotic loyalty
to the United States" the Governor
wrote. Everything that has actu-
ally happened during my long public
career leads me to know that no
such thing as that is true. I have
taken an oath of office in this State
nineteen times. Each time l swore
to defend and maintain the Consti-
tuition of the United States. I have
never known any conflict between
my official duties and my religious
belief. No such conflict could exist.
During the years l have discharged
these trusts (of public office, I have
been a communicate of the Roman
Catholic Church"
Sees No Conflict
II am unable to understand how
anything that l. was taught to be.
lieve as a Catholic could possibly
be in conflict with what is good
citizenship" the Governor continued.
THE essence of my faith is built
upon the commandments of God.
There can be 10 conflict between
them"
He pleaded for an end to pickering
among sects. to provide more re.
ligion for our young people, not
less"
Cites Noted Catholics
In disputing Marshall's allegations
of conflicting duty Smith cited the
experience of Catholics who have
held high office in this country
emphasizing particularly the case of
the Supreme Court which during
one-fourth of it's history has been
presided over by two Catholics
Roger Brooke fancy, and Edward
Douglass White"
Conflict. he said may exist in
some lands which do not guarantee
religious freedom. But in the
widest dreams Of your imagination
you cannot conjure up a possible
conflict between religious principle
and political duty in the United
States"
Not Seeking Office
Smith reiterated that he is not
actively seeking the Office OF Presi.
dent. although he would not refuse
it. saying:
Your questions are put to me in
connection with my candidacy for
the Office of President of the United
States My attitude with respect TO
that candidacy was fully stated in
my last inaugural address as Gov
ernor. when. on Jan. /, 1927, I said
II have no idea what the future
has in store for me. Every one else
in the United States has some no.
ton about it except myself. No
man could stand before this intelli.
gent gathering and say that he was
not receptive to the greatest posi-
ton the world had to give any one.
But I can say this, that I will do
nothing to achieve it except to give
the people Of the State the kind and
character of service that will make
me deserve it,"
Smith said, however, that he
4,