Cardinal Newman's Check Trousers

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXII, Issue 11, 17 March 1904, Page 6

Cardinal Newman's Check Trousers

Here is an amusing incident in the life of Canon Smith, of England, the well known collector of moths and butterflies, and Oxford Movement, convert, who died recently (says ' M. A P.') :— Soon after his secession from the Anglican Church, Father Smith was sent by Cardinal Wiseman on a sort of embassy to Newman, who was considered to be very near the threshold of the ancient Church. In due time. Father Smith repaired to the Archbishop s house, and \>eing admitted to the Cardinal's presence, Wiseman inquired after Newman and his religions evolution.

Father Smith replied : ' Your Eminence, I think he will very soon come over, but you will laugh at my reason when I tell you. I think that he will become a Catholic because he has taken to wearing check breeches ! ' ( , Wiseman laughed his big, burly laugh, and asked for explanations. Father Smith replied : ' You see, your Eminence, I know these High Churchmen well, and they are most particular as to their clerical dress so long as they have no doubts as to the validity of their orders. But when they once grow shaky on that point, they are no longer so keen on the frock coat and the black etceteras.' Canon Smith's sartorial prophecy, which would have delighted Carlyle, proved absolutely— and rapidly—correct.