New-York tribune., 1901-01-12
CHURCH AND STATE AT M4NIL4.
HEARING BEFORE THE PHILIPPINE COM
MISSION-MILITARY OPERATIONS

HEARING BEFORE THE PHILIPPINE COM
MIssION-MILITARY OPERATIONS
Manila. Jan. 1.-THE first days public dis
cussion of the bill to establish a department of
public instruction, to-day. developed contest
on the question of religion in public schools
Interest centres in the section permitting priests
and ministers 70 teach religion for half an hour
three times weekly, outside of school hours, pro-
vided the parents express written desire for
such instruction. and prohibiting teachers from
conducting religious exercises or teaching re-
ligion. The directors of the Federal party We're
represented by a committee who although
Catholics. argued strongly in favor OF the elm
ination of the section. They declared that the
of school houses for religious purposes is
contrary to the United States Constitution and
also to the platforms of the American parties
and the Philippine Federal party, and is certain
TO cause discord
Representative of the Central Catholic So
cety. who appeared in behalf of permitting re-
ligious instruction in the schools, said they did
not assume TO represent the Filipinos politically,
but religiously. They asked time for the prep
aration OF a reply, and until Monday was given
them.
Judge Taft said the attitude of the United
States Philippine Commission legislative
power was one Of absolute Indifference as TO the
Catholic the Protestant or the Mahometan re-
ligion. The Commissioners, he added endeav-
ored to frame the act so that the peoples preju-
dices would assist instead OF retard it's success.
He reminded Tomas del Rosario, who was speak
ing in behalf Of the Federals, that similar pro-
vision was in effect in at least State in
America. Rosario replied: zone only?" He
then said he was not speaking of exceptions, but
OF the fundamental principles Of the American
Constitution. Rosario insisted on the doctrine
,oFf nj
so as not TO permit priest to use a schoohOuse.
Judge Taft asked whether the speakers opin-
ion of this section was Influenced by former
periences with friars and the fear Of eccesias-
tical domination of schools under the American
Government.
Rosario responded: NO; I am dealing with
doctrines"
Judge Taft remarked that it was not a ques-
ton of broad doctrine, but of how TO work prac-
tically under the conditions they had to meet
Rosario replied that such ideas were not sus-
tainable practically dOctrinarily.
The remainder of the day devoted TO the
discussion of the proposed amendments, the
most important being the establishment Of ag-
rcultural schools. 1t will probably be adopted
There arguments in behalf of the en-
ployment of many more than the six hundred
teachers authorized by the Commissioners but
the latter decline to incur more expense than
the probable revenue from taxation VIII Justlty
The campaign in Northern Mindanao is di-
rected personally by Brigadier-General Kobbe
with headquarters at Cagayan. Colonel Blrk-
himer, with five companies OF the 2Sth Regi-
ment. has swept the country and destroyed
Filipino strongholds in the vicinity of Santa
Ana.
Major Case, of the 4Oth Regiment IS operating
in the mountainous regions Of Southwest CaSa-
yam. He has destroyed several strongholds and
captured some prisoners. Minor captures and
surrenders continue in LuZOn.
The civil officers of several towns in Zambales
Province met at San Antonio recently and
signed ultimatum to send 10 the insurgent
leaders. notifying the insurgents that they
will be paid 30 pesos each for rifles and liberated
II they agree TO keep quiet, setting forth that
since General MacArthur's proclamation 1t IS
impossible any longer 70 contribute assistance,
and announcing that if the insurgents do not
return to their homes by January 30 they viii
be considered enemies of their people, who VIII
then assist the Americans to pursue them.
The representatives Of the owners of the Ma
nila-Dagupan Railroad have presented detailed
claims for more than $1.000OOO. compensa-
ton for damages done during the nsurrection.
This is exclusive Of the compensation which viii
be demanded later for damages during the pc
riod when the American Government operated
the road. The owners are British subjects.
A printing establishment here, charged with
publishing seditiOus matter, has been contis
Gated