The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1902-07-20
THE QUESTION OF THE FR1ARs.

NlAhSs
Secretary Root is reported as being
we'll satisfied with the progress which
has been made in the settlement of
the Philippine friars question. 1t is
not apparent, however, that much
progress has been made. 1t was taken
up with the Vatican by Judge Taft,
who acting for the United States, Of
fered to buy the lands of the frlars,
provided that the Vatican would re-
move the friars from the islands. 1t
seems that the Pope was anxious TO
take up this proposition in a business
like way, and dispose of it at once.
1t is understood that he regarded it
as a fair one, and was in favor Of
accepting it, but a majority of the
committee of cardinals to whom it was
referred objected to haste, pointing out
that it would be a violation of the
treaty of Paris to force the friars TO
leave the islands. 1t is a fact of course
that the United States are bound by
that treaty to protect the fTiars in the
possession of their lands.
AS the Filipinos are hostile to- the
friars, have, in fact, driven the ma
jority of them from their parishes. it
would be necessary to use force to
protect the friars in the enjoyment of
the property The United States have
announced that they will not do any
thing of the kind, because that would
bring about a condition of discomfort
that TniChf int srS,
The Vatican, however, has declined
to settle the friars question at Rome,
on the terms presented by Judge Taft,
and has suggested that it's further con-
sideration he conducted at Manila To
that suggestion our government has
consented.
1t is evident that the question is one
that will have to be handled with tact
and judgment to keep it on a strictly
business basis. No doubt efforts will
be made to give it a religious phase,
and perhaps to make it serve polit-
ical purpose. 1t is impossible to fore
see what shape it may take. Hence, 1t
is regrettable that it was not settled
promptly at Rome.
AS a matter of fact 800 of the L.
200 friars are away from their par
ishes and there is no prospect of their
ever returning to them. The Filipinos
will not permit their return. On ac-
count of their absence a very consid-
cradle percentage of their lands is
unproductive, and the friars are de-
pendent uDOn the church for S1lpnOrt
The lands are not worth nearly as much
as the United States were willing to
pay for them when Judge Taft made.
his proposition to the Vatican. 1t is
thought to be doubtful if as good an
offer for them will be made when ne
gotiations are reopened at Manila be-
tween Judge Taft and the apostolic
delegate to be appointed to represent
the friars interests.
While it is true that the United
States, in this matter, have in view
the interests and welfare of the Fill
pinos it would be to the interests of
the friars to dispose of their lands,
for the reason that it is not probable
that the revenues they will get from
them in future will amount to much.
Whatever the outcome of the matter
is it will have to be admitted that
the offer of the United States was a
liberal one. 1t was Aguinaldos pur-
pose, if he had succeeded in achiev-
ing the independence of the Philip
pines, to confiscate the lands of the
friars