SIGNIFICANT FIGURES by C. P. B.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Mar 4, 1889

SIGNIFICANT FIGURES.

By C. P. B.

A recent number of the New York Independent publishes in its financial column some facts and figures which are of the utmost significance, especially in view of the progress which this country is making toward adopting a national religion. Many people suppose that it is scarcely possible that in the United States the Government should contribute to the support of any denomination. We may, however, reasonably regard it as anything but impossible when we consider the fact that in the city of New York sectarian institutions received more than six-elevenths of all the appropriations to benevolent societies.

We have not room for all the figures, but a few will serve to show how Roman Catholicism is supported in New York by city taxation. For the year 1889, the taxes in New York City will amount to the enormous sum of $33,800,000. Of this sum, $13,000,000 will go for State purposes, and the remainder, $20,800,000, will be devoted to defraying municipal expenses, including interest on the enormous city debt. Out of this $20,800,000, $1,142,232 is apportioned to the various benevolent institutions of the city, which are classified as public, private, Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Jewish.

Of these institutions, seven are public and non-sectarian, and will this year receive from the city $155,124.88; ten are non-sectarian private institutions, and they will receive $31,814.63; one is Jewish and receives $60,000, and five are Roman Catholic and will receive a total of $540,325.60, or nearly one-half the entire sum devoted to the twenty-six institutions.

Of course it is asserted that these funds are apportioned impartially according to the number of persons cared for at each institution, and that the Romanists receive the lion's share because their charities are the most extensive. But this is most emphatically denied by reliable men who have taken the trouble to investigate the matter.

Commenting upon these facts, a Chicago secular paper says:—

"As to what bearing these figures may have upon the ceaseless effort of the Roman Catholic Church to secure a division of school funds, America leaves to the consideration of its readers, merely remarking that wherever it has secured its aim in that direction it has always managed to obtain at least $3.00 to $1.00 appropriated for Protestant schools, and it has never rendered an equivalent in the education or morality of its pupils. What it has accomplished in New York, it is maneuvering for in Chicago and every other populous center of the Union."

C. P. B.