The Augustinus-Verein
The Augustinus-Verein
An association organized in 1878 to promote the interests of the
Catholic press, particularly the daily press, of Germany. The society
proposes to attain its end
- by giving its moral support to the establishment of Catholic
papers;
- by furnishing trustworthy information and authentic news to the
daily papers;
- by training Catholic journalists, and giving assistance to the
members of the profession in need of it;
- by representing the interests of the profession;
- by securing positions and giving informatiom and assistance in all
matters connected with journalism, free of charge and finally
- by endeavouring to bring about the harmonious co-operation of
Catholic publishers, as well as uniformity in treating the questions of
the day.
The lack of organization on the part of the Catholic Press first
became obvious at an early stage of the
Kulturkampf; several unsuccessful attempts were made to supply
the deficiency, among others the formation of a society of publishers.
The first feasible steps were taken at the Catholic Convention at
Würzburg; at subsequent gatherings plans were matured, and at
Düsseldorf, 15 May, 1878, a programme was drawn up which is
substantially followed out in the present Augustinus-Verein,
Düsseldorf became the centre of the Verein, which, now that it has
spread throughout Germany, is divided into ten groups, corresponding to
geographical divisions, each, to a large extent autonomous. A general
assembly is held annually. The Verein has its own organ, the
"Augustinusblatt", published at Krefeld. It also conducts a literary
bureau, a beneficial society, a parliamentary correspondence
association of the Centre Party, in Berlin, and an employment agency.
In 1904 the society had a regular membership of 850, in addition to the
associate membership.
F.M. RUDGE