Bayley, James R., Archbishop of Baltimore and the other archbishops, Cincinnati, Ohio, to Cardinal Alexander Franchi, Prefect, Rome, Italy, 1874 May 4

The undersigned Archbishops of the United States have met at the invitation of the Archbishop of Baltimore at the home of the Archbishop of Cincinnati John Baptist Purcell on the business of the new archiepiscopal sees, as requested by the late Cardinal Alexander Barnabo . After due consideration they decided that Philadelphia should be made an archdiocese with suffragans in Harrisburg, Erie, Scranton, and Pittsburg; Boston with suffragans in Portland, Burlington, Springfield, Hartford and Providence; and according to the previous letters after the death of the Archbishop of St. Louis his province should be divided with new archiepiscopal sees at Milwaukee and Santa Fo . Just before their synod they received the letter of Franchi asking certain questions concerning the public schools. In the first place it is to be noted that the name does not mean anti-Catholic but rather those in which religion is omitted and only secular learning taught. In their Provincial Councils and also the Second Plenary Council of Baltimore of 1866, pastors of churches were urged to erect parochial schools, since it is desirable that all Catholic children be instructed in Catholic schools. The bishops did not think that absolution is to be denied those who send their children to public schools even when there are Catholic schools where a grave reason can be drawn from existing circumstances. There is no proximate danger of perversion since Catholic and non-Catholic mix in every other phase of life. As to the particular questions: I, Catholics can be permitted to send their children to public schools Because 1. of the lack of Catholic schools in some country places and difficulties in city places; 2, Because of the superiority of public schools in some places; 3, Because in some minds the future condition of the children urges such a course. II. How, can Catholic children be prevented from going to public schools? This is included in the previous question in so far as the only means is to have more Catholic schools and better teachers. The latter is a particular problem since the public schools have public funds and can pay better. Catholics have to pay for the support of the public schools as well as their own. III. That absolution should not generally be denied to parents who send their children to public schools, and legislaters who provide such schools. Each case must be decided on its own merits. IV. As to the efficacy of denying absolution, this action, on the contrary, would cause hardness of heart and trouble with their fellow citizens. This is an unsigned letter apparently prepared at the meeting and left with Purcell. :: II-5-f L. Latin. 4pp. 8vo.