The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-07-10
REPLY OF VATICAN.
It Cannot Order the Withdrawal of
 Friars from Philippines.

Rome July 9,-The answer of the vati- can to the note of Governor Taft re- rarding religious affairs in the Philippine a, chipelago. which was handed to Car dipal RampoIla. Papal Secreta y of S.ate' July 8, was delivered to Judge 1alt at lste hour tonight.
 The contract which the Vatican pr)- poses shall be signed by both parties comprises twelve articles.
 The first article says the Philippine government is to buy the lands or the four religious orders concerned. the Holy See acting as intermediary.
 The second article describes which are tho agricultural lands to be bought.
 The third article says that if some of these lands are possessed by corporations the friars will sell their share.
 The fourth establishes a tribunal Of arbitrators to be composed of five mem bers, two of whom are to be chosen by the Vatican, two by the Philippine gov ernment and the fifth member by the others. In case of disagreement ds to the fifth member, he shall be chosen in com mon accord by the Pope and President Roosevelt.
 The fifth article provides that the work of the arbiters shall begin January l, 1908
 The SlXIn aTIlCle Ip tltlc uCcuSs These will be transferred to the Philip pine government.
 Article sets forth that payment Is to be in Mexican dollars IT the period of time proposed by Judge Taft in his note of July 3, interest during the period of payment accruing at per cent.
 Article deals with the transfer to the church of ancient crown lands with ec- clesiastical buildings.
 The ninth article proposes amicable accord in the matter of existing charit- able or educational trusts, which are in dispute.
 In the event of failing to agree in these matters, recourse is to be had to the same arhitrators to whom will also be submitted the case of the medical college of San Jose at Manila.
 The tenth article provides for arbitra- ton as to the inderenity the United Etates shall pay for the ecclesiastical buildings used during the war in the Philippines.
 According to the eleventh article, the expenses of the tribunal or arbiters is to be paid by the Philippine government.
 Article 12 declares that the Holy See. in the sphere of action In it's competence. shall use all its influence for the pacifi- cation of the Philippine Islands and in favor of their adhesion to the stablish- ed government. and it shall prevent all political opposition on the part of the clergy. both religious and secular.
 As to the question of the recall of the friars, it says that the Vatican cannot accept the proposition to recall the frisrs within the fixed period. Such recall not being justified by reasons of force ma jeure. it would he contrary to the rights guaranteed by the treaty of Paris and would put the Holy See in conflict with Spain. It asks:
 If the United States cannot order the withdrawal of the frars. how can the Pope do so, especially when 1t has been proven that all the accusations made against them were partly false. partly exaggerated and partly in exact.'
 However. the Vatican promises that 1t will try to introduce into the Philippine clergy of other nationslities. and princi- pally Americans, gradually as they are found resdy or adapted to the purpose.
 The note agrees that the friars shall not return to the parishes they left and where their presence could provoke trouble