Democratic Sentinel, Volume 12, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 July 1888 — EARNEST POPE LEO. [ARTICLE]

EARNEST POPE LEO.

Another Letter from the Holy Father Denouncing the Plan of Campaign. A papal encyclical letter has been read in all the Catholic churches in the diocese of Dublin. In it the Pope says: I have heard with regret that excited meetings have been held, at which inconsiderate and dangerous opinions regarding the recent papal decree have been uttered, even the authority of the decree itself being unspnred. I have seen with pain forced interpretations put upon the decree, and statements made that it was prepared without a sufficient inquiry having previously been made. The l’ope continues, strongly denying this assertion, saying the decree was based upon the most complete information; that previous to issuing it he had conferences with Irish Bishops on the subject, and sent a tried and trusted delegate to Ireland to inquire into and report on the true condition of affairs. His Holiness reiterates his affection for the Irish people, and says he has always urged them to kei-p within the bounds of justice and right. He refers to a communication to Cardinal McCabe in 1881, adding: “As the x>eople were led on with gradually increasing vehemence in the pursuit of their desires, and as there were not wanting those who daily fanned the flumes, the decrees became a necessity.” The Bishops, be says, must remove all misconception and leave no room for doubt as to i he force of the decree. The whole system of the plan of campaign and boycotting is condemned as unlawful. The encyclical Utter is dated June 21. It caused intense dissatisfaction. At Bray people left the church during thtfreading of tbo letter.