Keane, Bishop John J. Rector Catholic University of America,, Washington, D. C., to James F. Edwards, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1891 May 7

Edwards' idea of a grand central collection of all materials on the history of the Catholic Church in the United States is an admirable one. Keane is convinced that Edwards has done more towards the realization of this idea than any other person or institution. The testimony of John Gilmary Shea is conclusive on this point. No institution is likely to rival Notre Dame in the matter. The Catholic University must make as good a collection as it can of documents concerning the history of the church. But the collection at Notre Dame will remain unique. Edwards' proposition that Notre Dame should be the official and central archives must depend on the concerted action of the Bishops. They should decide if such archivium is desirable. The matter might be brought up at the annual meeting of the Archbishops in St. Louis. :: XI-1-i A.L.S. 5pp. 12mo.