Willard most sincerely means these lines in a spirit of gratitude and sympathy, without any exaggeration. In regards to the controversy between McMaster and Bishop Peter Joseph Baltes of Alton, Illinois, Willard was tempted to come out boldly and say some sharp things but took counsel from some priests, who are also McMaster's friends. Principally Father Thomas Fagan, who reminded him of their local difficulties with the Dutch. Baltes is a chosen representative of the Dutch but means nothing to the German spirit in wisconsin. After the funeral of Bishop Henry Damian Juncker, the German priests assembled in the schoolhouse and framed a petition to Rome asking that a German Bishop be appointed successor. They feared that the learned Coadjutor of St. Louis, Missouri, Patrick John Ryan, would be appointed instead. Rome was probably influenced by this and appointed Baltes. Father Theodore Brucner, Rector of Pio Nono College, who was one of these German priests in Alton told this to Willard himself. McMaster seems to have struck the key note when he blamed the nationality angle in Baltes. Their policy is to favor the Dutch first and then the Catholic Religion. Willard has many things to say but is strongly advised not to speak in his paper as yet. He has offered Mass that God will guide McMaster's remarks in the question and thanks him for the policy he has so far pursued. Willard is a convert to the Faith but would not believe that any Catholic priest could be so unchristian as to seek revenge, until this had been shown him by the actions of the German priests. The worst among them is Father I. Wapolhorst and the professors of the seminary. Father Fagan has been turned out of the seminary because they imagine he wrote some articles appearing in several newspapers. Fagan knows the writer of the articles, but will not disclose him. He has a much better education than Wapelhorst and is too high minded to engage in such actions. These men treat Fagan just as Baltes is treating McMaster. Willard signs himself as editor of the Catholic Citizen. :: I-2-c A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.