A Roman Archbishop on Liberty
By Editor
A Roman Archbishop on Liberty.—The New York Commandery of the Loyal Legion gives five dinners during the year, at Delmonico’s, and its guest on April 4 was Archbishop Ireland, who gave the address of the day, of which three solid columns of nonpareil were telegraphed to this coast. The address abounds in eloquent and well-rounded phrases, and contains many fine things on patriotism and liberty. Of America he says, “It is the country of human dignity and human liberty,” principles which are as “old as the race,” but which never blossomed and bore fruit in political life until the birth of this nation, although, he says, “it was taught in the sweet religion of Christ.” That all men are equal “in its truth was as old as the race, but in practical realization almost unknown,” are the words of the archbishop. But he says “this came at last, and it came in America.” We do not suppose the archbishop realized it, and perhaps not one of his hearers at the feast did, but a more telling blow against the Church of Rome was never delivered. During more than a half score of centuries of that time when the principle was unknown to the world, the Church of Rome ruled in both Church and State. To her pontiffs bowed the various rulers of earth, and she swayed the power then which she still claims,—to depose every ruler who would not obey her dictates. And now to say that during that time true liberty and equality were not known is to lay it all at the door of the Roman Catholic Church. It certainly was not known, and Rome was responsible, and is responsible, for she holds to the same principles still. It never would have been known in these days had it not been for the Reformation. But we are about to lose it all.