Sydney Honors Bishop Dwyer: Great Popular Demonstration

New Zealand Tablet, 18 August 1921, Page 17

Sydney Honors Bishop Dwyer : Great Popular Demonstration

The great Town Hall of Sydney was packed to its limits on Monday evening, and thousands were unable to gain admission, when the citizens of Sydney and suburbs gathered to show their appreciation of the Right Rev. Dr. Dwyer, Bishop of Wagga Wagga, and to sympathise with him and the Sisters of Mount Erin Convent, in the ordeal from which they have emerged so triumphantly (says The Catholic Press for July 21). The crowd outside and within the hall, probably exceeded 12,000. The daily press, which boomed the recent “flag” meeting as an unprecedented throng, were strangely wanting in enthusiasm about Monday night’s meeting. Yet, with the exception of the protest meeting against the deportation of Father Jerger, at which Archbishop Mannix spoke, it is safe to say that no such overflow ever congregated in the grounds of the Town Hall. The great swelling cheers from the crowd outside, where they were addressed by the Very Rev. Dr. M. J. O’Reilly, and Messrs. McTiernan, O’Driscoll, O’Donoghue, and Boatwright, at times compelled the speakers within to pause; yet -the Daily Telegraph representative was either deaf to them, or they were suppressed by the office blue pencil. The space so lavishly placed at the disposal of Orange nonentities hen it suited the Daily Telegraph was not available for decent citizens. The Sun, which used to hunt about the city for Liguori “copy,” and which splashed lavishly over the flag meeting, was quite unaware of Monday night’s meeting. One must, of course, make some allowance for the liberal expenditure of cash by the flag-flappers, though the daily papers would probably resent the accusation that their enthusiasm could be bought.

Inside the hall the seating accommodation was hopelessly limited. Floor, galleries, and platform were cloudy packed. Practically all the Catholic clergy and all the leading Catholic laity were present, and when the Bishop of Wagga appeared on the platform with his Grace the Archbishop, who was to preside, the scene was indescribable. The thousands of people rose and cheered again and again, and there was no chance of beginning the meeting until the great gathering had sung “Faith of Our Fathers.” The note of enthusiasm was retained during the speech: s, which were kept on a high level. In the cheering, the Bishop’s legal adviser, Mr. Purcell, and particularly Mr. J. L. Campbell, were frequently remembered. The complete organisation of the meeting, and the programme which passed without the slightest hitch, reflected great credit on Mr. 0. Lawlor, L.C., 'General Secretary of the Catholic Federation, who, made all arrangements. The great collection was expeditiously and efficiently carried out by members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, under the experienced direction of Messrs. W. J. Coogah, L.C., and H. G. Bartlett, who managed the details so well that the Archbishop was able to announce the result, over £1,500,. before the close of the 'meeting. - The Archbishop Opens the Meeting. Punctually at 8 o’clock, his. Grace rose to open the proceedings. When the resounding cheers subsided, his Grace said that it was his duty to ,preside at the great

meeting. They were actuated by a spirit of religion and - charity, and believed in every article of <: the Apostles' Creed and the Commandments. Therefore, we do nob fear men. We love mankind, and, fearing God, reverence His ministers. We may be the lowliest of God’s creatures,’* not fit, perhaps, to touch the latchet of the shoes of the poorest, but are successors of the Apostles, and charged by Chr?st to feed His flock. The nearest, consecrated to God, were the priest, the brother and the nun; Christ, while remaining with us, left His mother to us, in the person of the saintly nun. We recognise special merit in the , manner in which the Bishop of Wagga maintained the dignity and responsibility of his office. He has practically, been before the civil court. Because his case was sub judice , they did not touch even the fringe of it —and let speakers mind that. But there was a bill of costs, and they were there that night to give weight to this expression of their appreciation by contributing such a sum as would flow in proudly from all parts of the Commonwealth. As Metropolitan of the Province, it was his duty to be there, but the presence of that large gathering made that duty a glory. He announced, amidst applause, that he would head the list with £IOO.

One specially dear to his Lordship, and one who was his spiritual father, the Bishop of Goulburn regretted that he was unable to be present and forwarded a cheque for £SO. (Applause.)

The Mayor of Wagga telegraphed congratulations from the people there.

The First Resolution.

The first resolution was moved by Mr. P. S. Cleary, R.S.S., President of the Catholic Federation, who said the motive which brought the large audience together' and the immense crowd who were unable to enter the hall, was to show their sympathy with the Bishop of Wagga Wagga and the devoted nuns at Mount Erin in the cruel ordeal which had been forced upon them by an unworthy element in Australian life. It was not permissible to comment on the lawsuit, which is supposed to be still pending(laughter) —but he could refer to the dark influences that were behind it. One of the daily papers recently interviewed an official of the Orange Lodge, who spoke about the verdict being against his party. It is thus admitted that it was not the liberty or the welfare of the girl concerned that was in the minds of these megalomaniacs, but anxiety to besmirch Catholics and the Catholic Church. Poor little mosquitoes of a day! How absurdly serious do they take their buzz against the Church which has withstood - the pests of 20 centuries. Let them look into their own affairs, and see how their false ideals of Christian charity have earned for them the contempt of all decent people, and have emptied their conventicles, while paganism unabashed stalks through their midst. They would be better occupied if they labored to restore Christian practices to the homes and the lives of their own adherents. *

It was fortunate indeed that the recent attack which they had so carefully framed was carried to a finish. It served to clear away the fetid atmosphere with which their calumnies and whisperings had surrounded it. How they must have writhed at the tribute paid by the Presbyterian, Judge of the Supreme Court to the kindnesses and uprightness of the Sisters, and his expressed contempt for the unworthy tactics employed to malign them. He had, of course, nothing before him about the abominable campaign of calumny which they wove around their helpless victim, hideous enough to shame even a barbarian. The gullible public, attracted by the “revelations” which these miscreants, abetted by the daily press, led them to expect, must have been cruelly undeceived.

Not even a Marie Corelli or an Elinor Glyn could weave a romance out of the story of a broom. A great Irishman once wrote the Tale of a Tub > arid might, if he were living, draw a satire on human credulity from the Tale of a Dentist’s Basin; but such topics are now quite out of fashion, and could not be woven into a ’vampire picture of the Theda Bara type. , . ''r

Probably when his Lordship took' action ihe little realised the year of worry that was before him. .But even if he did, there is no doubt he would not fail in his. duty; and that it was his duty they had the dictum of a Supreme

' --J-?'i :■••-'•'' •.*•;-- ,-•-'"■■'- -'- \ ~.-'.•.■. ■'*.' ' i- . ''-'■•'• -■■■■•-■ Court Judge. It is no s derogation of the jury system to say that the opinion of a cold, skilled lawyer, practised in analysing evidence and the motives of people, carries greater weight than the verdict of any jury when feelings run high. The atmosphere is now clear, owing to the courage of the. Bishop of Wagga; but Catholics must not let their satisfaction' cloud their vision. The testimonial to the Bishop must not merely recompense him against loss —it must be an .overwhelming tribute of affection from the people of the whole State, to stand as a warning to those who imagine that they can attack either our Bishops, our priests, our nuns or our faith with impunity. He moved: "That this meeting of citizens records its appreciation of his Lordship Dr. Dwyer, Bishop of Wagga Wagga, and of the manner in which he has vindicated the dignity and responsibility •of his position." Mr. W. E. O'Driscoll (P.W.G. of the A.H.C. Guild), in seconding said that if they did not warm-heartedly appreciate the stand taken by his Lordship Dr. Dwyer, they would be recreant to their duty. It fell to the lot of the presiding judge to declare that the Bishop was justified in the course he had taken. (Applause.) Catholics had no other opinion, and were with the Bishop and the nuns heart and soul. As a matter of fact, their friends of the opposite side had been condemned in the minds of all reasonable-minded men and women. (Applause.) The speaker then made an eloquent appeal for all to show their practical sympathy with the Bishop, just as they had done in the past, when they had rallied behind their ecclesiastical superiors in anything they had undertaken. (Cheers.)

Right Rev. Monsignor Moynagh declared, in support, that he would not make a long speech, as it was a night for action. He was, however, grateful for the opportunity of offering his congratulations to the Bishop of Wagga for the noble way he had sustained himself during his troubles. All knew what the responsibilities of a Bishop were. He was the father, guide, and philosopher to his flock, and, above all, to his dear nuns. (Applause.) These must have his first care and thought; for-them the Bishop must have first care, and, when necessary, fight for and protect them. The Bishop had lifted up the convent ; and when these were turned inside out, as it were, foul-minded persons had got their answer. I hey could not say enough in the way the Bishop had fought the case* but they could show in a practical way their appreciation of the magnificent success he had achieved. (Applause.)

Attorney-General's Speech. The Hon. E. A. McTiernan (Attorney-General) said that the occasion was unique in the experience of most people of this generation, and, perhaps none would live to see an occasion like that again. "Let us hope, said the Attorney-General, "that the voice of slander and calumny has been silenced forever." At this stage the sound of tremendous cheering outside caused tthe speaker to pause, and, referring to it, said that it was evidence that those present were but the fringe of those in sympathy with the meeting. It was almost 12 months since the first event, which culminated in the lawsuit, took place. It was published in the papers with flourishing headlines. There was no economy in printers' ink. The events were starred in a more important way than the great public questions of the day, whether foreign, domestic, or even Imperial During those days the canons of decency were thrown to the wind. There was no respect shown either for true facts of fairness, and the minds of the. public were prepared for the enactment of, a great drama, in which the chief act would end in the sensational destruction of the Catholic Church in Australia. (Laughter.) Noisy, unscrupulous, and ignorant persons paraded the country, spreading the most vile and filthy propaganda which the mouth of men could, utter. In plying their nefarious trade, they collected irioney, which they thought would help to deal a death-blow, at Catholic institutions. The bomb, however. proved to be a dud. (Laughter.). If evidence were needed, the Bishop of .Wagga and the saintly nuns of the Presentation- Convent have been vindicated by every syllable of evidence that was uttered during the case. (Cheers ) Of course,: the, Bishop had been put to great expense in

the matter so have the other people and these little thought that they were collecting money everywhere for propaganda for the Catholic Church. (Laughter and Applause.) The Bishop has been through a most severe ordeal, but, with the nuns, was never under a cloud. Their honor was as bright to-day as it was then, and it was as bright then as it was to-day. .(Applause.) During the days of the case, the Bishop was a model of , patience, forbearance, and charity, and has emerged from it .increased in the esteem and affection of the people, and is revered, honored, and respected by countless thousands who did not know of him before. (Applause.) The motion was carried with cheering.

Bishop Dwyer's Thanks. A tremendous outburst of cheers for the Bishop and his legal advisers, Mr. T. J. Purcell, and one for Mr. J. L. Campbell (who was not present), greeted the appearance of Dr. Dwyer. The audience sang "For He's a Jolly Good' Fellow," and it was some time before his Lordship could address the audience. When quiet had been restored, the Bishop said that he felt at a loss how to express his sincere thanks, on his own behalf, and for the saintly community at Wagga, for the magnificent demonstration of Catholic faith and loyalty to those whom God in His wisdom had placed over them. Such a sight would almost make one wish to have another case—(laughter)—but he • did not think there would be a similar case for many years to come. (Applause.) Most of the speakers had made him feel instead of an "arrogant" man—(laughter)—a very humble one indeed. All lie could say in regard to the stage which the case had reached was that he believed it would be final. (Applause.) He thought it had come to such a stage to justify their gratitude to Clod, for through Him alone had come victory, in answer to the prayers of the countless Catholic children, the Sisters, and others, all over the Commonwealth. His Lordship gave due credit to his dear friend and able adviser, T. J. Pureel I—(applause) —and those who co-operated with him in the case. The diocese of Wagga has got on the map, and its boundaries, great as they are, will be extended at all events in the imagination of a great many people. But whether Wagga was on the map or not, his Lordship was pleased and proud that God in His wisdom has chosen the weakest of His creatures to confound those who wanted to confound us. "We have not been looking for notoriety. We got it; and I am pleased to hear so many expressions of appre-ciations,-proving that the action we took was exactly the right thing to do; and if the occasion again happened, I am afraid that I would do the same thing. (Applause.) More than that I cannot say." In conclusion, his Lordship expressed heartfelt gratitude to the speakers and the people for the magnificent demonstration'of Catholic faith and loyalty, and the expressions of their Catholic sympathy. ' - , The Second Resolution. The next resolution, "That a subscription list be opened," was moved by Mr. D. J. Walsh (District President of the H.A.C.B. Society), who said that during the past 12 months the ecclesiastical work in Wagga has been somewhat retarded, and now it was up to the people to see that the Bishop and saintly Sisters shall be fully compensated. Some time ago, when the Hibernian Society met in conference, attended by representatives from all parts of the State, it was decided that they would stand solidly behind his Lordship, and, to use a well-known phrase, they pledged themselves to "the last man and shilling." He would simply move the resolution, and emphasise it with the Hibernian Society's contribution of 100 guineas. (Cheers.)

Rev. Father P. J. Murphy (Adm. St. Mary’s Cathedral), m supporting the motion, said that the people of Sydney were as much troubled as the Bishop himself by the accusations that were brought against him, and it would not be like the people of Sydney if they allowed the Bishop of Wagga to go home without a big public demonstration of the character that was being held that night. He was going home on the following day. , They intended to express their appreciation and sympathy, not in words only ’ or cheers that passed away, but in a tangible form. Whatever the Catholics of Sydney gave to his Lordship

that night, they were giving with their whole hearts, and they knew that it would be used to the best advantage. The Bishop had arduty, to guard those those who were not able to care for themselves; and this was not the first occasion in Australia that a Bishop had been prosecuted for caring for those who were weak. The first priest in Sydney, because he fought for those who wished to exercise their religious rights, was ordered to leave the country, and he would not go. If a sinister power was abroad in the land to-day, the Bishop of Wagga would ,be ordered to leave the country, and they could be sure that he, too, would refuse to go. (Cheers.)

Right Rev. Monsignor J. O’Gorman, P.P., caused much laughter when, after announcing that he was going to make the best speech of the evening, he proceeded to read out a lengthy list of big donations to the fund for Dr. Dwyer. A letter was read by Monsignor O’Gorman from his Lordship the Bishop of Maitland (a brother of the Bishop of Wagga), saying that he was, to his regret, unable to bo in Sydney that night. His Lordship stated in the letter that a benefit had been conferred upon the nuns, Catholics generally, and, in fact, the whole community, as a result of the recent law action. His Lordship enclosed a cheque for £SO. A congratulatory telegram from his Lordship Right Rev. Dr. O’Connor (Bishop of Armidale) was also read to the meeting.

His Grace the Archbishop then read a letter from Mr. Peter Meagher, of Manly, expressing congratulations on the triumph of Dr. Dwyer, and enclosing a cheque for £25.

Very Rev. Dr. M. J. O’Reilly’s View.

Very Rev. Dr. M. J. O’Reilly, C.M. (Rector, St. John’s College within the University), said they were celebrating that night a great victory. In the first place, they were celebrating a victory over the yellow press of Australia. It was the yellow press of Australia that deliberately created the atmosphere that made any trial possible in this case. The yellow press of Australia was the guardian of the/‘yellow pup.”* If the yellow press would only take advice from him —which, to his sorrow, they had never yet done—they would either poison the yellow pup, or, if their tenderness of heart prevented them from that drastic course, take him out and lose him. The reason why he gave this advice was that the representatives of the press present that night would be able when they went back to their respective offices to tell their chiefs that there was a long price against the yellow pup.

They were also celebrating that night a victory for the young, clean-minded men and women in this community. It was a personal victory for the Bishop of Wagga. Throughout the case he had conducted himself as the kindly man that he is. Long before the trial was over every man and woman in the community was proud and delighted with the Bishop of Wagga. It was a victory for the Catholic Church in Australia. The enemies of the Bishop did not look to the man. They wanted to down the Catholics of Australia, and they took it for granted that if they defeated the' Bishop they would have defeated the Catholics; and, therefore, the victory of*the Bishop was a victory for the Catholics as a body. We had come out of this thing stronger than we had gone into it. We were not going to allow our nuns to be attacked, Dr. 0 Reilly proceeded. They are the very flower of our Catholic womanhood. He was proud that he had two sisters of his own who were nuns, and there were any number of people there that night whose proudest boast it was that close relatives of theirs were consecrated to God in the cloister. They were the very pick of our Catholic women, and any man who touched one of them, touched the very apple of our eye. We were all the more indignant when the touch was an unclean touch. 1

It was recently suggested that you could not believe a Catholic on his oath. The . Orangeman who made that suggestion was a man who had some pretence to education, but, judging from his action, he was a low cad. Any man that brings that accusation against Catholics, and tries to poison, the public mind against them, was not fit for decent society. We would not allow people, sheltered, -as they

were, behind the privilege of power, to hurl an insult of that description against the Catholic people.

Dr. O’Reilly moved, and Mr. Butler, of the Irish National Foresters, seconded, a motion, which was carried, urging the country districts to take the matter up.

His Grace the Archbishop announced to the meeting that the collection had realised £ISOO.

Mr. P. S. Cleary then asked the gathering to carry a vote of thanks to his Grace. The motion was carried with great enthusiasm, and, with his Grace’s reply, the proceedings terminated.