Luers, John H., Bishop of, Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1871 June 23

Luers does not know whether Purcell saw the enclosed or not. Purcell will see that the clique with Father E.M.O'Callaghan at its head has been working with a high hand. Luers saw a man from Cleveland who said that the better portion of the Catholics are highly incensed against these priests. Ever since Father EdwardHannin' s appointment he has been dogged by these same individuals who expected the best places, and that he would turn out the French priests. Also they tried to get as many of their number into Cleveland as possible to control the new bishop. Failing, they turned against Hannin. The affair at St. Bridget's was just an occasion. Luers does not see how Hannin could have done otherwise since Father JMonaghan had only 120 families who had subscribed $6,000 to be paid in 2 years for a church that would have cost $50,000. The Catholics of Cleveland alone will owe by the end of the year $350,000. Then to avoid scandal he had to send a pastor to another place. The time has come when the actions of the clique must be stopped, especially since they claim Purcell's support. He thinks O'Callaghan should be dealt with. Fathers Sidley and Carroll are not much better. No enclosure P.S.—Under the circumstances he thinks it unwise to send any names to Rome until the field is cleared. :: II-5-e A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.