New-York tribune., 1902-06-06
GOVERNOR TAFT SEES POPE
PRIVATE AUDIENCE IN RECEPTION
ROOM OF SUPREME PONTIFF-
COURTESIES INTERCHANGED.

Copyright 1909: By Tho Hew-York Tribuns)
Especial to The Nepr-Tork Tribune by French Csble)
Rome. June 5.-From the Quirinal Hotel, where
the Stars and Stripes in honor of Cover
nor Taft. the American mission drove to the
Vatican to-day in two carriages. In the first
were Governor Taft and Bishop O'Gorman. In
the second were Judge Smith and Major Porter
Governor Taft and Judge Smith wore evening
dress. Rishop oCornan wore his gorgeous
purple episcopal robes and Major Porter in
fun uniform and decorations
At the entrance TO the Vatican the Swiss
Guard rendered military honors. The mission
vas received at the top Of the staircase by
Monsignor Bisleti. master of the Papal cere
rnony. and several prelates of the Pope's ante
chamber. The gendsrmes of the Noble Guard
in their picturesque uniforms saluted the guests
at the entrance to the Papal apartment.
The audience held in the Pope's small pri-
vate reception room. where the Pontiff entered
alone. SO the audience was absolutely private.
After the presentation was over Governor Taft
handed TO the Pontiff personal letter from
President Roosevelt. also the literary works of
the President in eight volumes, The Governor
then expressed his sense Of the personal honor
Of the interview and his profound respect
though he is not Catholic. for the enlightened
craftsmanship the purity of character and the
earnest seeking for the uplifting of all humanity
shown by the Supreme Pontin during the
twenty-five years of his pontifcate
He then touched upon the questions which
have arisen in the Philippines through the
change of sovereignty which it seemed wise TO
settle by a conference between the church and
the state He pointed out that the separation
Of all the interests of church and state in the
Philippines absolutely necessary under the
American Constitution. but said that this did
noI indicate hostility on the part Of Washington
toward the Catholic Church or any others
He said the founders of the American Govern
nlent recognized the necessary existence of re
ligion basis of the morality Of citizens. SO
worship and religious practices should be III
every way encourag ged.
He pointed out that under the American Gov
ernment all the churches were protected in their
rights of property and the practice of religion
with more scrupulous than was exhibited
even in countries where the union of church and
state nomna1y exists. America he said, favors
church, but deals equally with all and pro-
tects all
Governor Taft ended by pointing to the pros
perity of the Catholic Church in, America as IN
indication that it has reason to fear the ex-
tension of the same rule to the Philippines
The Pope who had listened attentively to the
translation into French by Major Porter of Gov
ernor Tafts address, expressed, also in French,
the warmest thanks for the personal letter and
volumes from President Roosevelt; his great in
terest in the American Republic; his pride and
satisfaction in the American Catholic Church;
his ca rnest desire TO help in every posi-
BILE the success of the American Government in
the administration of the Philippines
He expressed the spirit of broad conciliation
with which the questions proposed would be ap
prosched on the part of the Vatican in the set
Element of what was in it's power to settle He
said he could not respond in detail to the vari-
ous matters which would be referred to COM
mittee of cardinals
He assured Governor Taft that he might rest
confident that the issues presented would be
treated in the most anxious spirit to reach a
settlement satisfactory to all parties.
The Pope made several pleasant references
when speaking of the American church to Arch
bishop ireland. mentioning him four times
When the official part of the audience was over
the conversation became more familiar The
Sunren1e Pointif was most genial even joking
He turned to Bishop O'Gorman and SAID, do
Won wish to go to the Philippines" Then. laugh
inc and shaking his finger he added, No! You
don't want TO leave your beloved America.
The audience lasted forty minutes, and when
it was finished Pope Leo rose brlskly ana IN
sisted on accompanying the party to the door
of the room, an unusual honor. Afterward Gov
ernor Taft's party visited Cardinal Rampolla'
o,,d delivered the instructions of the Secretary
oe War for the consideration of Cardinal Ram
noI1a and the cardinals of the committee, which
Cardinal Rampolla said would consist OF nVe.
The names were not announced The TRIBUNE
correspondent saw Governor Taft Immediately
after the audience. He was extremely satisneo
with the cordiality of the reception by the Pope
and said
II had been led to suppose the Popes great
age so weakened him that the conference must
iaf 7
antIy disappointed by finding the venerable
portiff with the most active mind, bright eye
: firm, grip. quick perception and deep, reso-
nant voice bubbling with humor He seemed
most sincere in his anxiety to express his inter
est in America and desire for the success OF the
great republic