A large and influential meeting of the Westminster branch of the Catholic Federation was held in the Canon Hall on Wednesday evening. The Archbishop, who was to have presided, was prevented from being present by reason of the obsequies of Bishop Johnson, at which he presided at St. Edmund's, where the interment took place. His Grace was represented by Mgr. Howlett. He was supported on the platform by Mgr. Canon Moyes, Mgr. Grosch, Fathers Evans, M. Edwards, McKenna, Reany, and Prevost, Messrs. Hon. Charles Russell, Hilaire Belloc, M.P., Lister Drummond, Alderman Everitt, Dr. Counsell, R. S. Nolan, M. J. Fitzgerald, Guy Ellis, Dr. Finucane, W. Mara, and others. Alderman Everitt, J. P., proposed, Mgr. Grosch seconded, and Hon. Charles Russell and Mr. Hilaire Belloc supported a resolution, "That this meeting of the Westminster Cathedral Branch of the Catholic Federation calls upon all Catholics of the City of Westminster, irrespective of their political views, to unite in the Federation for the protection of Catholic interests." Mgr. Moyes proposed, Mr. Lister Drummond seconded, and Dr..Counsell supported the resolution pledging the meeting to "support the Bill now before Parliament for the removal of Roman Catholic disabilities, and the 'amendment of the Declaration made by the Sovereign on accession to the throne, and calls upon the Government to facilitate the passing of such Bill." The Westminster Boys' Brigade acted as stewards, and an interesting programme of music was provided.
From the Tablet - 3rd April 1909.
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