American Notes.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 2, 28 October 1892, Page 2

American Notes.

Archbishop Ireland has returned from Borne deeply impressed by the attitude of the Pope towards progress. The declaration of his Holiness in favour of the French Republic has especially affected the Archbishop, who has seen in it a very important decision in civil ethics. The Archbishop holds tbat the development of republicanism is a proof of tbe growth of intelligence among the people. But tbe Pope, hs says, recognises the people as tbe medium through whom those who command'receive, from the Divine authority, their right to rule. The Church, meantime, which has been made by God to last for ever, remains unchanging, and is linked with no particular form of Government. She admits the necessity of political changes and helps to solve theni. Leo XIII. and his eminent counsellors', of whom the Archbishop mentions with especial respect the Cardinals Ledochowski and Rampolla, understand thoroughly the world they are dealing with.

The Catholic schools of the United States are busily engaged in preparing exhibits for the approaching World's Fair at Chicago. The Pope takes a keen interest in the matter, and has written several letters to persona concerned expresbing his desire) regarding it. Tbe exhibit of the Caristiao Brothers will largely consist of the daily work of their schools, the best exercises of the various kinds being taken up from the desks just as the boys have left them. The Jesuit Fathers are also expected to come creditably to tbe front. The work

that Catholic teachers are doing among the coloured children of the country will likewise be shown.

The mystery of the But seems to be threatened by the attractiveness of the West. Henceforth, at least, one Bastern mystic character, (hat of the Howling Dervish, mast appear in some degree vulgarised. Thirty of the fanatics in question are now in the States, whither they have been attracted by the fame of the coming World's Fair. They are giving performances of their peculiar rites— which, in fact, do not differ very greatly from the feats of the less formidablt jugglers.

As a first result of the particular form of protection which consists in granting mail subsidies to American ships, the In man liners, City of New York and City of Paris, hitherto, although owned by Americans, sailing under tbs British flag, as carrying British mails, have been transferred to the Stars and Stripes. The new registration also involves the transfer of the Inmao line's repairs from Liverpool to an American'jseaport— a matter of some importance as affecting trade and labour. This, however, is by no means the only instance in which Americajbids lair to gain at the expense of England.

The Bishop of Auckland, N.Z., who is now in America, has been visiting, New Tork and Boston. His Lordship has been subjected to the inevitable interview, and the details given by him respecting his diocese, and more particularly missionary efforts among the Maoris, are read with much interest. In Boston the Bishop was the guest of Archbishop Williams.

The death at Philadelphia on August 12 of Michael Har kins has called attention once more to the treatment given to political prisoners in British gaols. Harkins had been sentenced, on very in* complete and slender evidence, to fifteen years' penal servitude on a oharge of complicity in a dynamite plot in London. His health, however, failed under the rigour of his treatment, and a year ago he was released and sent back to America— his death occurring on the anniversary of his release.

The fcitfeens of Canton are exoited over a picture which has suddenly appeared in the little round window high up in the steeple of the Catholic church at that place. The picture is that of a grotto, in which is the form of a woman, with an infant lying on h<sr left arm, while just in front, and slightly above the woman, is another face looking down at the pair. The woman is dressed in a long white robe, has long black hair, and a lovely face. The child is not so plainly visible, while the third is that of a bearded man. The picture was first discovered by a little girl, and has since been viewed by hundreds of persons, while some who have looked for it have been unable to see it. The glass has been carefully washed inside and out by doubters, but the picture is still there. Everyone who has seen the phenomenon is anxiously waiting further developments.

Baron Ludwig Joseph Charles Maria von Weber, Chevalier de St George, was received into the Catholic Church on August 28 at the Cathedral, St Joseph, Mo. Baron von Weber is a nephew of Dr C. L. Weber, of St Joseph, and dropped his title on coming to America. A few months ago be applied to Father Augustine, at the cathedral, for instruction. The young nobleman is twenty-nine years of age. His father was a baron of the Grand Duchy, and his mother wai a French lady, from whom he inherited the title of Chevalier de St George. She was a Catholic, but, though Baron Ludwig was three years of age at the time of her death, be was never baptised. He is a good all-round journalist. His conversion dates from a serious illness several years ago, during which he resolved to become a Catholic if be should recover. He says that hereafter he will devote his life to the Church.