The Savannah morning news., 1902-07-10
IN HANDS OF JUDGE TAFT.
Answer of Vatican to His Note rs to
Religious Affairs.

Religious Affairs.
Rome, July 9.-The answer of the
Vatican to the note of Judge Taft
governor of the Philippine Islands, con-
corning religious affairs in the archi-
pelago, which was handed to Cardinal
Rampolla, papal Secretary of State,
July 3. was delivered to Judge Taft at
late hour tonight.
AS the Vatican's reply is in French,
it is being translated by Bishop O'Gor-
man of Sioux Falls, S. D., and Maj.
Porter of the office of the judge advo-
cate general of the army. 1t will be
telegraphed entire to Washington.
Since Judge Taft has been in Rome
he has sent about 10000 words by ca
BILE to the Washington authorities.
The Vatican's answer. to Judge Taft
is as follows: The contract, which the
Vatican proposes shall be signed by
both parties, comprises twelve articles.
The first article says the Philippine
government is to buy the lands of the
four religious orders concerned, the
Holy See acting as intermediary.
The second article describes what are
the agricultural lands to be bought.
The third article says that if some Of
these lands are possessed by corpora
llOIS, the lIldIS Will Dell llSlI
The fourth article establishes a
tribunal of arbiters to be composed of
five members, two of whom are to
be chosen by the Vatican, two by the
Philippine government and the fifth
member by the other four. In case of
disagreement as to the fifth member
he shall be chosen in common accord
by the Pope and President Roosevelt.
The fifth article provides that the
work of the arbitraters shall begin
Jan. /, 1903.
The sixth article refers to the title
deeds; these will be transferred to the
Philippine government.
Article seven sets forth that pay
ment is to be made in Mexican dollars
in the period of time proposed by
Judge Taft in his note of
July 3, interest during the
period of payment accruing at 4 per
cent.
Article deals with the transfer of
the church of ancient crown lands
with ecclesiastical buildings on them.
The ninth article proposes amicable
accord in the matter of existing char
liable 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 arbiters, to whom
will also be submitted the case of the
medical college of San Jose.
The tenth article provides for arbi-
tration as to the indemnity the United
States shall pay for the ecclesiastical
buildings used during the war in the
Philippines.
According to the eleventh article, the
expenses of the tribunal of arbiters is
to be paid by the Philippine govern
ment.
Article twelve declares that the Holy
See, in the sphere of action which is
in it's competence, shall use all of it's
influence for the pacification of the
Philippine Islands and in favor of
their adhesion to the established gov
eminent, and that it shall prevent all
political opposition on the part of the
clergy, both regular and secular.
The answer also says the Vatican
cannot accept the proposition for the
recall of the friars within the period
ffxed. Such recall not being justified
nv reasons of force majeure, it would
he contrary to the rights guaranteed
bv the treaty of Paris and would put
the Holy See in conflict with Spain.
1t asks:
'If the United States cannot order
the withdrawal of the friars. how can
the Pope do so, especially when 1t has
been proved that all the accusations
made against them were partly false