Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-05-29
Judae Taft's important Mission.

Judge Taft's Important Mission.
THE Rome correspondent Of the New
yorl, sun, a man who stands par
ticuIarly close to the Vatican, corrects
some popular misapprehensions as TO
the reasons why Judge Taft. the head
If the Philippine commission, is return
ing to Manila by way of Rome. In
this country some curious misinterpre-
tations have been put upon his visit to
the Pope, especially by those whose
highest aim is to embarrass the ad-
mjuistration. Some have said that
Judge Taft is empowered to establish
dipIomatfc relations between the United
states ana the Vatican, not only as to
the Philippines but to cover American
affairs as far as the Pope or his church
is interested in them. The Sun cor
respondent shows how ridiculous is
such an idea. and goes on to show that
it is 4 simple matter of business, i'm
portant business, to be sure, as touch
ing the future of the Philippines, but
business. and nothing more or less. The
sun correspondent says:
The negotiations will cover the fol-
lowing points: The United States gov
crnment asks the Pope to define the oD-
jccts of the ecclesiastical property that
has passed from Spain to the Unlted
States ana to make a distinction be
tween the property that came from
Spanish sources and that obtained from
the natives. 1T is probable that TINS
property will be turned to the use of
the diuccscs and the parishes, as was
done iii the case Of Prussia with the
diocesan fund created out of the sal
aries confiScated during the kultur-
kampf AS concerns the property OF
the monastc orders, the government
leaves them converts and their houses,
INT in order to Americanize the new
order of things it wishes to buy at Il
fair price their great feudal landed
estates IN the third place the govern
mcnt demands the gradual substitution
az native, American or other priests
for the Spanish monk curates. Up to
thr time Of the war the Spanish monks
were curates in all parishes, the
Filibiuos being merely their Wears
Finally. the question of arranging for
INA nomination Of future bishops Will
have 10 be settled. The Spanish arch
bishop of Manila has already resigned;
hc is now at Rome to help in the
negotiations. 1t will be necessary, too
~ define the character ana office Of the
future apostolic delegate in the
Islands,
Spanish friars have long been a source
Of trouble in the Philippines, and We're
the main cause of the constant revolts
IF thc natives against Spanish rule.
These rich and greedy friars have
robbed ana abused the poor classes for
many generations and are bitterly
hated Nv them. Their expressions have
been one Of the worst burdens the
islands have mad to bear. Our govern
mcnt has no intention Of meddling in
church affairs, but it desires to pur-
chase the lands lit a fair price ana
Turn them over to settlement. 1t is
hoped that the friars. deprived OF their
opportunity for spoils. will leave the
islands ana thus open the way for the
appointment of priests and pastors
either native or American, who Will be
acceptable to the people Of the islands,
aud of real service to them. The sue
,.,.ssor5 of the frfars Will Of necessity
connne themselves to church govern
mont ana leave the civil government
and the real estate business to others
It IS an important matter and must be
settled right with As little delay as
possible.