THE CATHOLIC CENTENNIAL.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7418, 9 December 1889, Page 6

THE CATHOLIC CENTENNIAL.

The centennial celebration, held in Baltimore for three days, commencing November 11th, commemorating the establishment of the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States in 1789, attracted widespread attention as being really a Congress of the people of that faith in America. There were 12,000 delegates. Every State and territory were represented, and the leading dignitaries of the Church, not only of the United States, bat of Canada and Mexico, were present. When the name of the Pope was mentioned there was great cheering and swinging of hats by the delegates, and this incident being cabled to Rome, the Pontiff, through Cardinal Rampolla, I wired his blessing to all the members of the " Congress. Daniel Dougherty of New York, a prominent politician and ornate orator, made the opening address, in which he stated that the discovery of America, its subsequent progress, and all that was good and great in the history of the United States is due to Catholicism. Without the Roman Catholic Church America to-day would be unknown. His speech was received with enthusiasm. A Committee waited on President Harrison with a request that he should be present at the deliberations of the Congress. The President said in reply that while he appreciated the compliment his official duties would prevent him being present, but he would attend the opening of the Catholic University in Baltimore on November 14th. Many resolutions were introduced looking to the strengthening and liberalising of the system of the Roman Catholic Church in America. Probably the most radical among them all was one lifting the ban from secret societies, exceptins; the Masonic Order, and a strong effort is being made to include this and so make the privilege complete.

A VIRGINIA TRAGEDY.

A despatch from Bnrnsburg, V.A., of November 12th, mentions a most sanguinary affair. Dr. Walker, a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners, residing at Brownburg, charged Henry Miller, an elderly farmer, with having insulted his wife. Walker threatened to kill Miller, and the latter had Walker arrested. When the case was called the Magistrate's Court was crowded with the friends of the parties. Walker was ordered under bonds, but refused to give them. At this junction a window was thrown open, and four pistole were dropped into the Court room. Then the trouble began. Miller was instantly killed, it is said by Walker with a knife, Mrs Walker was shot and lulled, Walker was shot twice and fatally wounded, Daniel Miller, a son of the former, was killed by a bullet,, and Will, another son, was shot through the body. Samuel Weaver was shot badly, and cut in the neck. A Sheriff and posse came on the scene and stopped further bloodshed.

STATE ELECTIONS.

The result of the elections for State officers, which took place in several of the Eastern States on November sth, has slightly dumbfounded the political world, on account of the democratic victories. In the administrativestJronghold, where the Democrats failed of complete success, they reduced the republican majorities to a mere trifle. In New York the democratic victory was sweeping. Not only was the State carried by 25,000 majority, but ten members of the Legislature were gained. Amos J. Cummings, a journalist attached to the New York Sun, was returned from the city to the seat in Congress made vacant by the death of the Hon. S. S. Cox.