The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1902-07-17
CANNOT GUST FRIARS
Yatican's Attitude on Religious
Question in Philippines.
JUDGE TAFT GETS AN ANSWER
Counter Proposals Made For Consider.
alton of Our Government-Mat-
ter Gets Into Tangled a;s
Shape.

A special from Rome, Italy, says;
Tine answer of the vatican to the note
of Jude Taft, governor Of the Philip
pines, concerning religious affairs In
the archipelago, was delivered to
Judge Taft at late hour Wednesday
night. The answer in brief, is as fol-
lows:
The contract which the vatican pro-
poses shall be signed by beth parties
comprise twelve articles.
The first article says. the Philippines
government is to buy the lands OF the
four religious orders concerned, the
pope acting as Intermediary.
The second article describes what G
are the agricultural lands to be bought.
The third sfticle says that If some
of these hnds are possessed by coz
porations, the friars will sell their
share.
The fourth article establishes q tri-
bunal of arbiters to be composed OF
five members, two of whom are TO be
chosen by ths vatican, two by the Phil
ippine government and the fifth mem-
Der by the other four. In case OF dis
agreement as to the fifth member, ne
shall be chosen in common accord by
the pope and President Roosevelt.
The fifth article provides that the
work of the arbiters shall begin Janu-s
ary /, 1903.
The sixth article refers to the title
deeds; these wf:l 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, inter
est during the period Of payment ac-s
cruing at 4 per cent.
Article eight deals with the transfer
of the church of ancient crown lands
with ecclesiastical buildings on them
The ninth article proposes amtcabie
accord in the matter Of existing char
liable or educational trusts which are.
In dispute. In event Of failing to agree
in these matters recourse is to be had
to the arbiters, to whom will also pc
submitted the case Of the medical coi-
lege of San Jose.
The tenth article provides for arbi-l
tration as to the indemnity OF the uni
ted States shall pay for the ecclesias-
tical buildings used during the war IA
the Philippines.
According to the eleventh article the
expenses of the tribunal Of arbitrators
Is to be paid by the Philippine govern
ment
Refuses to Remove Friars.
Article II declares that the vatican
in the sphere of action which is In It's
competence, shall use all Of its lnfiu-
ence for pacification of the Philippine
islands and In favor Of their adhesion
TO the established government and that
il shah 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 fixed. Such recall not being
justified by reasons Of force majeure.
it would be contrary to the rights guar
anteed by the treaty of Paris ana
would put the vatican in conflict Witn
Spain. It asks:
"If the United States cannot order
tho withdrawal of the friars how can
the pope do so, especially when 1T mas
been proved that all the accusations
made against them were partly faise'
partly exaggerated and partly mex
act?" -.
However, the vatican promises tnaI
It will try to introduce into the Philip
mines clergy of other nationalitles, es-
pec,ally Americans. gradually as they
are found ready or are adapted to the
nurpose. The vatican agrees that the
frlars shall not return to the parishes
the. left and where their presence
could provoke trouble.