The Washington times., 1902-05-11
Official Announcement of
the Objects Made by
Secretary Root.
PURCHASE OF FRIARS' LANDS
Will Lay Basis for Settlement of Many
Property Questions Which Have Re-
suited From Separation of Church and
State in the Philippines.

After extended consultation between
Governor General Taft and Secretary Root,
the following statement was given TO the
press yesterday afternoon in regard to
Governor Taft's mission to Rome:
1T has been decided that Governor Taft
shall stop at Rome. in the course OF his
return journey to Manila, for the purpose
of reaching, If possible, a friendly under
standing with the authorities having con-
troll OF the disposition of the property OF
religious orders and other church proper
ty in the Philippines. and laying the basis
for a settlement Of the many property
questions which have resulted from the
separation of church and state in the is
lands.
'of 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 recommenda-
tions for the purchase of friars' lands. It
is thought best not to lose the opportuni-
ty afforded by Governor Taft's presence
in Europe to begin the negotiations and
make as much progress as possible. so
that they may be readily closed up after
Congress has acted, IL 1t does act favor
ably. This is particularly desirable be-
cause the nature of the questions is sucn
that 1t is impossible TO settle them by ne
gotiatfon with the friars themselves in
the Philippines.
Amicable Arrangement Sought.
The purchase of the friars' lands is
the principal thing, and the Government
desires TO accomplish this, if Congress
authorizes II. amicably. There are many
other questions, however, to be settled,
such as the rights to property held for
purposes of instruction and for chari-
table purposes. and the right of the church
TO land. the title to which is now in the
government, but upon which buildings for
religious purposes have been built. Some
of these matters could be settled by
the courts, but ii would require many
years, and ii is very desirable to settle
them in 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 1t is very difficult to
tell to whom the property which was
devoted to their joint uses under the
former system belongs.
1T is hoped that when full under
standing of the claims and views of each
sue mas Deeu TedCDeu, tne IaclS are
fully understood. all the questions exist
ing can be settled in such way as TO
benefit both parties. The object of this
conference is to secure the separation OF
church and state, and it would seem to
be condition precedent to such a re-
suit.
No Significance in Visit.
Governor Taft's errand is not in any
sense diplomatic mission; it is simply
a business transaction with the owners of
property. The whole matter is in Gov
ernor Taft's hands, subject TO such action
as may be taken on his report, pursuant I
10 any law Congress may pass. He will !
have the assistance of Judge Smith, of the
Philippine Supreme Court, who is return
ing with Governor Taft to his post OF I
duty, and Major John Biddle Porter has |
been detailed to act as a special secre- /.
tary to the governor until he has finish /
ed his work in Rome