Letter from P.J. Keohane to Hagan

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Pontifical Irish College

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Keohane, P.J.

Hagan, John, 1873-1930

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Holograph letter from 'K.' (P.J. Keohane), Dublin, to Hagan. Commenting at length on a matter concerning a 'Western petition' which he involved Hagan in; Fr. Albert informed him of the nature of the petition and Keohane would rather it was withdrawn. Some comments arising from meetings with Dr. O'Gorman: Keohane hopes that he will not be swayed against the cause by the tales of atrocities told by followers of the old school of thought who could even leave him in doubt about the existence of a republican element; he is bound to return with wrong impressions of the state of the country; the one test as Keohane pointed out to him will be the next general elections. Expressing exasperation at the 'piffle' in the newspapers by (his Eminence) and by 'his Lordship of Cove' (Cobh) since they disregard the verdict of their own people -'conduct such as theirs is the very thing the anticlerics gloat on'. Arguing that a process of alienation takes place, and that while people are skeptical about matters such as the chaplaincy question, it is hard to draw them into the church affairs that vitally concern them. The people think that ecclesiastical authorities �'from the Pope down'- are behind English rule � the selection of a man like Bishop Fogarty just obscures that general truth. Reiterating that 'the stale and stupid utterances' as those from (Cobh) will bring trouble, and that Rome will regret it if 'cardinals, bishops or ordinary mortals...will not come down from their cobwebby old perches, and recognise the change that is going on in the world around them'. Assuming that Murray has been informing Hagan on the controversy over the postulants; commenting also that the editor of the Independent regrets having given columns to this; hoping that further aspiring postulants will not be too inquisitive. Brief comment on 'Brosnan' (O'Flanagan) having won out; trusting the bishop will come to accept the situation. Oblique references to reasons why Keohane cannot get information as speedily as usual, and to 'Anthony' who 'brought fire and sword in his path'. Fr. Rawlins's experience in Cork was as he had expected.