Spalding delayed answer on the circular sent by Clarke, Corresponding Secretary of the Catholic Union, to take time to reflect on it. Spalding sympathizes deeply with the chief object of the proposed union; but he seriously doubts such a Union would promote the end intended, at least any better than the methods hitherto pursued—of Diocesan Peter-Pence associations, collections, etc. He also fears such a Union would be unwieldy unless it could be grafted onto one of the already existing diocesan societies. Enclosed no enclosures is an opinion on the subject by a most intelligent and excellent convert. Judge S. Thomson Mason, now Secretary of State of Maryland. This gives the political side of the question. Spalding is anxious to have an early copy of Clarke's book. :: I-2-n A.L.S. 1p. 8vo.