Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-17

superstition the real and substantial title
to the lands in a great measure has passed
out OF the religious orders and Is vested in
CORPORATIONS which they cannot entirely
control. and which hold the lands for the
purposes Of lawful gain and are alone COM
petent to sell them. 1t may well be that
the prices which you will feel justified in
offering for the lands will be acceptable.
The whole matter may thus be disposed
OF by friendly agreement in conformity TO
the ordinary methods pursued in business
affairs. 1 believe that the good under
standing which has been reached between
you and the ecclesiastical authorities in
Rome cannot fail to do away with the
probability of friction or difficulty.
In the same manner l will direct the
general commanding in the Philippines to
ascertain. by the customary methods, what
buildings belonging to the church have been
occupied by American troops and for what
periods; what damage has been done, and
in each case what reasons, If any, exist for
denying an obligation to pay rentals and
damages; and l shall hope that the con-
clusion thus reached will be satisfactory to
the church.
"A similar treatment of all these subjects
mentioned in your proposition may with
equal readiness be followed.
Appreciation of Courtesy.
While it is to be regretted that the
authorities having control of the religious
orders do not their way to make q
definite agreement for the withdrawal from
Manila Of the friars formerly in the par
ishes, yet 1t is hoped that pending the
settlement of these various matters they
will reach the conclusion that 1t is wise
to do the same thing of their own notion
ana irrespective of any agreement to that
effect.
However that may be- you should as
sure the authorities of the church that we
shall at all times do all in our power to
continue the good understanding already
reached and to agree upon such action as
shall be for the benefit of all; and further
assure them of our high appre ciation of
the courtesy and consideration with which
the expression of your views and wishes
has been received.
Lists Desired.
LAS a preliminary to the treatment now
proposed. 1t is desirable that the authori-
ties of the church should arrange to for
ward to You soon as practicable full
and definite lists
''(a9 OF the property which they are will
ing to sell, and of the precise relations
which they hold to the title of those prop
critics. If their relation to the title is by
ownership Of the stock. then the total
stock of corporation. amount of stock which
they hold, and the officers of the corpora
zion
90 OF the churches, converts, &C., which
they claim to have been occupied by Ameri-
can troops, and for which rentals or dam
ages are claimed. and with the details of
the claim.
go OF the church properties formal title
to which remained in the Spanish crown at
the time of cession and formal conveyance
Of which from the government is desired.
1T should be observed as to these that no
authority has been granted by Congress to
make such conveyance unless it be a
part of general settlement, including pur-
chase of the lands.
I'd statement of the various charitable
al yxhi Nh ha ri
ties of the church consider should be re-
garded as devolved upon the church rather
than upon the state. ROOT,
Secretary of War