Democratic Sentinel, Volume 13, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 November 1889 — CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY. [ARTICLE]

CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY.

DEDICATED AT WASHINGTON IN A RAINSTORM. The Impressive Services Marred by Unfavorable Weather—Tlie President and His Cabinet Officers Honor the Gathering by Their Presence—Secretary Blaine’s Address. The dedication of the Catholic University of America, at Washington, like the laying of the corner-stone of the building, took place in pouring rain. The ceremonies began at 10:30 o’clock with a short address by Cardinal Gibbons. This was followed by the chanting of the “Veni Creator Spiritu” by 250 students of St. Mary’s seminary and St. Charles’ college, of Baltimore. The building was then blessed by Cardinal Gibbons, while the choir chanted “Miserere.” At 11 o’clock pontifical mass of the Holy Ghost was celebrated in the university chapel by Most Rev. Mgr. Satolli, archbishop. The music of the mass was sung by a picked choir of male voices. Right Rev. R. Gilmore, bishop of Cleveland, preached the sermon. The President, Vice-President and all the meinbe-s of the Cabinet, except Secretary Wanamaker, attended the dedication exercises. The President was received with great applause on entering. Mr. Blaine, who responded to the toast, “Our Country and Her President,” said he responded as a representative of the United States, not in a political sense and much less a partisan one. He did not come as the representative of any sect, but to speak for the principles of religious freedom gran'ed to ail by the government of the United States. He had spoken of this in Protestant assemblies and was proud to do so now in a Catholic assembly. Without speaking eulogistically he coul 1 say that his chief, the President, stood as the embodiment of the- rights and liberties of all classes of people. He was glad to hear of the endowment of every college, no matter of what denomination, for colleges mean culture for the people. It is not long since we heard the criticism of an Englishman on America, that while it had the most intelligent people m the world they were the least highly cultured. With the establishment of more colleges these criticisms will cease, and the people of the United States will attain as great excellence in this direction as the'y have in sustaining the government under Which all people are equal and all churches and denominations assured of their rights. The dedicatory ceremonies closed with an address by Bishop O’Farrell and a Latin oration by Mgr. Schroder. A reception was given at night to visiting clergymen and laymen.