Omaha daily bee., 1902-05-12
TAFT'S MISSION TO VATICAN
Goes to Secure Separation Of Church and
State in Philippines,
PURCHASE OF FRlAR LANDS THE SOLUTION
civil Governor OF Islands win stop
ut Rome ON Return to Manila,
Accompanied by Delegates
from Washington.

WASHINGTON. May 11.-Governor Taft
today closed up his business here in con-
neCtion with AFFAIRS in the Philippines and
left for Cincinnati, where he will attend
to some private business prior to his de-
parture for Manila. He will stop at Rome
in order to discuss the question Of the
friars in the Philippines with the authori-
ties of the vatican. He will be accom-.
panied on his mission to Rome by Judge
James +. Smith Of the supreme court OF
the Philippines and Major John b. Porter Of
the judge advocate generals Office. These
gentlemen were selected because Of their
familiarity with the questions at issue.
Secretary Root this afternoon made the fol-
lowing official statement in regard to the
mission to Rome:
1t has been decided that Governor Taft
shal stop at Rome in the course OF MS
return journey to Manila for the purpose
of reaching, If possible. a friendly undeS-
standing with the authorities having con-
troll of the disposition Of the property OF
religious orders and other church property
in the Philippines and LAYING the basis FOR
a settlement of the many property Ques-
lions which have resulted from the sepa-
ration of church and state in the islands.
or course, nothing can actually be done
until congress has acted, but as the COM
mittees OF both houses have acted favor
ably on the commissions recommendations
Tor the purchase of frair lands, II Is
thought best not Co lose the opportunity
Afforded by Governor Taft's presence in
Europe to begin the negotiations and make
as much progress as possible. so that hey
may be readily closed up after congress
has acted, If II does act f~avorably.
Purchase of Lands.
This is particularly desirable because the
nature of the questions is such that IL Is
impossible to settle them by negotiation
with the frairs themselves in the Philip
pines. The purchase of the friars' lands is
the, principal thing and the government
desires to accomplish this If congress au-
thorizes it, amicably.
There are many other questions, how
ever, to be settled, such as the rights to
property held for purposes of instruction
of the church to land, the title to which is
now in the government, but on which are
buildings for religious purposes. some Of
these matters could be settled by the
courts, but ii would require many years
and IL Is very desirable to settle them I'm a
speedy and friendly way.
Prior to American occupation the church
and state were so closely united and their
interests so interviewer that now when
they are separated it is very hard to tell
to whom the property, which was devoted
TEN, belongs IL is hoped that when a Inn
understanding of the claims and views Of
each side has been reached and the facts
are fully understood all the questions exist
ing can be settled in such a way as to
benefit both parties.
The object of this conference is to secure
the separation of church and state, and 1t
would seem to be a condition precedent to
such a result. Governor Tafts errand is
not in any sense a diplomatic mission; It
Is simply a business transaction with the
owners of property. The whole matter is
in Governor Tafts hands, subject to such
action as may be taken on his part as gov
ernor. He will have the assistance Of
Judge Smith, who is returning with Cow
ernor Taft to his post Of duty, and Major
John Bindle& Porter has been detailed to
act as a special secretary to the governor
until he has finished his work I'm Rome.
Any arrangement affected for the pur-
chase Of the lands is subject to the ratin-
cation of congress, which must provide the
necessary legislation.