Roman Catholics and Public Schools
By Editor
The Advance of December 7, in speaking of the Roman Catholics and public schools, says:— "The new Romish assault on the integrity of our American public school system has been formally inaugurated. It started out under the distinct authorization of Cardinal Gibbons. It is said to have been undertaken at the bidding of 'American Pope' Satolli. If the circular issued from Baltimore was really framed by Cardinal Gibbons, he is not the kind of man we had taken him to be. It betrays an un-American spirit and a mental obtuseness which we had not supposed characterized him. Neither the Romish nor any other attempts to disrupt our American non-sectarian school system will ever succeed." "Un-American spirit"! What does the Advance expect? Does it not know that every devoted Roman Catholic is Roman first, and American afterward for Rome's sake? A man's religion is worth little if it is not preferred to so-called patriotism when the choice between the two must be made. The trouble is with the religion. No true Roman Catholic can be a loyal citizen of any country which is not controlled by the Vatican. True Protestants hold no allegiance to any foreign ruler. Their allegiance to God is wholly spiritual, a distinct sphere from that of civil duty. Protestants would recognize this were they not themselves drunken on the wine of Babylon's fornication. Whether Rome will succeed in obtaining a share in the public moneys is for the future to decide. Arguments weigh with politicians which do not with the people.