Blanc, Bishop Anthony, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Isidore Labatut, D. Augustin, and A.J. Guirod, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1844 July 25

Blanc answers the committee's note of July 12 in which they sent a copy of the resolutions adopted by the trustees of St. Louis Church at their meeting on the 8th. They had told Blanc that they were ready to confer with a committee appointed by Blanc about the means to settle the difficulties between the trustees and the clergy by an agreement based on the Supreme Court's decision. This is far from what Blanc had hoped for. 1. Blanc will not appoint a committee but will make everything possible to facilitate contacts between the trustees and himself. 2. The committee will present its views in written documents. Blanc will do likewise. 3. The Supreme Court decision cannot be chosen as a basis for an agreement because: 1. The decision proves that Blanc's conduct, entirely conformed to the Catholic discipline, was also unquestionable from a legal point of view. 2. Taking the decision as a basis for an agreement, Blanc would seem to admit, at least implicitly, that the Supreme Court has some authority in matters concerning religious discipline. This is a principle that Blanc cannot admit and that the honorable court itself does not admit. Blanc's rights existed before being granted by the Supreme Court; the authority of the Court cannot be invoked in an essentially religious matter. There is only one basis for an agreement and it has been recognized by the Supreme Court: the discipline of the Catholic Church as it is observed in all the churches in the United States. The synodal decrees should serve as a basis for an agreement between the Bishop and a Catholic corporation. Blanc does not want to accept, even implicitly, the entire charter. On the contrary, he protests against its provisions which are in opposition with the established discipline of the Catholic Church. He considers it as unconstitutional. :: V-5-b A. Draft French 3pp. 4to.