WASHINGTON
The late President Roosevelt frequently recalled with pride his close relationship to two eminent figures in the. history of the Catholic Church in this country during the nineteenth century—Mother Elizabeth Seton, Foundress iii the United States of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, whose cause for beatification is being advanced; and Archbishop James Roosevelt Baley, who occupied the See of Baltimore from 1872 to 1877.
Writing to the late Bishop Joseph M. Corrigan, then rector of the Catholic University of America, to explain why he would be unable to take part in a radio broadcast in November, 1939, President Roosevelt said :
" I regret exceedingly that circumstances beyond my control will prevent me from participating ' in the radio broadcast planned in connection with the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Catholic U‘niversity of America.
" I had hoped that I might. in connection with the jubilee, again visit the institution which honoured me with its degree and in whose progress I have. therefore. the enthusiastic interest of an alumnus. Godspeed C.U. in the attainment of its nobltst aims.
" Perhaps I may he pardoned for mentioning a personal and family interest in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, which latterly became the Archdioceses of Baltimore and Washington, within
whose bounds the University is situated. An earlier Archbishop of Baltimort, James Roosevelt Bayley, was my father's first cousin. Those of you who are familiar with the succession in the line of Baltimore prelates know that Archbishop Bayley. a nephew of Mother Seton, was the immediate predecessyr of the venerable Cardinal Gibbons, whose friendship was very dear to me and whose memory is in benediction."
CATHOLIC CABINET MINISTERS
It is also being noted by Catholics in America that of eight Catholics who served as cabinet members' since the founding of this nation, three were appointed by the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt. A fourth Catholic, also named by the late Chief Executive for a cabinet post, died before taking the oath of office.
The three Catholics who served in Mr. Roosevelt's cabinet since he assumed office in 1933 were Postmaster General James A. Farley, who served from 1933 to 1940; Attorney General Frank Murphy, who held his post from 1939 to MO, when he was named Associate Justice of the Supreme Court ; and the present Postmaster General, Frank C. Walker, who took office in 1940. United States Senator Thomas J. Walsh, of Montana. aho was named in 1935 for the post of Attorney General. died before he took the oath of office.