THE CATHOLIC ELEMENT IN AMERICA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume I, Issue 27, 1 November 1873, Page 12

THE CATHOLIC ELEMENT IN AMERICA.

The ' Boston Pilot' in an article on the marvellons increase of the Catholic element in America, remarks ac follows : — " While narrowminded and debased men, seeking to secure to themselves as large an instalment as possible of the public money, cry out against this ever, increasing Catholic element, the intelligence of the country sees it in a different and favorable light. The 'New York Daily, Graphic,' speaking of the consecration of Dr. Corrigan, in Newark, said lately : — " It is constantly asserted that the Catholic Church is essentially un-American in its genius and character. It is, say its enemies, a spiritual despotism, and cannot thrive in our democratic land and age. Our common schools are hostile to it. Our science is its enemy. The temperance of Republicanism is melting it away. But, strange to say, in spite of all these natural antagonisms, the Catholic Church is one of the most vigorous and vital organizations in the country. It gains in numbers, strength and influence faster than almost any other. It* churches are among the finest in the land. The character of its adherents and the quality of its services are steadily improving, and every year it does more for education and charity than ever before. And, while it has gained a firmer hold on the hearts of its adherents, it has done much to soften the animosity and disarm the prejudice of Protestants, and secure a firm basis in public needs and the vublic respect." These proofs of natural growth are pleasing and'hopeinspiriag. When the day comes, and it will not be long delayed, that the Catholics have a majority in Massachusetts, or in some other Puritan State, our Protestant brothers will learn a lesson that they ignore at present, — namely, that the Catholics in power are just to their fellow-citizens of other religions, and that the Catholic Church does not want to drive but to draw.