Jacobini's interest in the affairs of the Archdiocese of New York induces Preston to lay before him certain facts which may come before the Sacred Congregation. Archbishop Michael A. Corrigan is obliged in conscience at this time to prevent the evil influence of Father Richard L. Burtsell. As Burtsell is doing much harm publicly and privately in New York, Corrigan proposes to transfer him to a mission in the country. As Burtsell may contest his action and appeal, Preston will lay before Jacobini the facts concerning Burtsell. Preston as Vicar General, is intimately acquainted with all parties concerned. There have been for many years in New York a few priests disloyal to the Holy See. They minimize all the declarations of His Holiness, they are opposed to parochial schools, they have spoken of saying Mass in English and of Americanizing the Church here. These generally laugh at the idea of restoring the Pope's temporal power. Father Edward McGlynn was a leader in this party until the time of his open advocacy of socialism. Burtsell has sustained him from the first. Corrigan was obliged to remove Burtsell from the position of defensor vinculi after his public approval of McGlynn's conduct. Since then Burtsell has given approval to the Anti-Poverty Society. This society prevents no poverty but collects money for McGlynn's support. Its grand principle is that property in land is unjust and that all holders of property in land are really thieves. The real purpose of this society is to sustain McGlynn in his disobedience to the Holy See. It has no other object. Corrigan has reserved absolution for the sin and scandal of attending meetings of this society. Burtsell, both privately and publicly, maintains that it is no sin. In the case of Maguire, the notorious abettor of McGlynn who died suddenly at one of these meetings, he openly declared that Maguire was a Catholic in good standing. A few days ago Burtsell brought the body of a deceased woman into his church with the highest honors after it was deemed impossible to give her a Christian burial. Burtsell has been admonished once by the Cardinal prefect of the Propaganda, but this only excited a laugh from him. Preston feels certain that Jacobini will aid Corrigan when the case comes before the Sacred Congregation. Preston feels Corrigan has every right to transfer Burtsell without inflicting upon him any censure. P.S. Corrigan knows nothing of the contents of his letter. :: I-1-i T. and A.L.S.Photostats from Archdiocesan Archives of New York 10pp. 4to.