McCloskey's letter of March 25 has just reached him. The loss of the kind and generous Count di Merode is no doubt a very serious one to their important undertaking. However he hopes that the children will not repudiate the Count's promise. But even then there are enough generous people in Belgium to supply the deficiency. As to what Bishop Michael Connor writes from Europe Kindekens says that such sentiments come to Rome from the United States since the Holy Father and Cardinal Barnabo with whom he spoke encouraged him in his plans. He is sorry not to be able to send McCloskey a young priest. He has only three at his disposal and these the Bishop will release only on condition that they go to some religious order through the American college at Louvain . Some days ago L'Emancipation Belge published an extract from L'Univers of Paris intended to put a damper on his efforts but he has written a strong answer. His friends have advised him not to notice the article but to rent a house at once at Louvain and to make a commencement. This is a bold step, especially since he is meeting with indifference where he expected aid but he is on the field of battle. The subscription has not been opened yet because they are awaiting a decision on the Merode affairs. That is why he has written to him, and the other two bishops for the $1000. P.S. He hopes to send some young priest to America toward September or October, the first fruits of their enterprise. :: III-2-i A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.