Ireland in 1872; A Tour of Observation. with Remarks on Irish Public Questions (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1873 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIII. THE 0' KEEFFE CASE. The Callan Schools--Father O'Keeffe's Law Suits with his CuratesInterference of Cardinal Cullen--National School Board siding with Cardinal Cullen--Debate in Parliament--The Pope's Bulls overriding British Law. 'I ""HERE are few who. have not heard of Father--O'Keefife, the parish priest of Callan, county Kilkenny. His case has been constantly cropping up in newspapers during the last two or three years, and had a night to itself in the British Parliament last session. There are probably few, however, in England who have given much heed to the case, most people being repelled by all Irish questions, even when of national importance, and this being apparently only a personal squabble between a Romish priest and his superiors in Church or State. Now, if my readers will give patient audience, I undertake to satisfy them that this case of Father O'Keeffe is one of the most notable events that have occurred for many a year in Irish history. If they examine it, they will have the key to the whole mystery of Irish ecclesiastical politics, and understand thoroughly the position which the English Government now occupies in relation to the Church of Rome. To understand the public aspect of the O'Keeffe case it is not necessary to go farther back than to his collision with the National Board, on the point of his position as school manager. But a glance at his previous history, and of the beginning of his conflict with Cardinal Cullen, will afford a most instructive view of the great questions now agitating the Roman Catholic Church--questions, the solution of which will influence the future history of Ireland. In this light the case has a far higher interest than any personal or political bearing. Passing by his early education and h...