Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-07-21
The Philippine Friars.

country on the subject of the friars
whom the government is determined to
drive from the Philippine islands.
There has been much distortion and
exaggeration of the facts, perhaps be-
cause this is midsummer and the silly
season is naturally at its height. Some
intelligent Catholics have professed to
believe that the expulsion of these
Spanish friars is merely pretext for
forwarding a Protestant propaganda.
Such an idea is utter nonsense. This
government favors no denomination
and makes war upon none. 1t is one
of it's fundamental principles that
church and state shall be in no wise
connected. Under no. flag is there
greater religious tolerance or greater
religious progress than under our own.
Equally absurd is the fear expressed
by some Protestants that diplomatic
relations We're about to be established
with the pope. This government looks
upon the pope and deals with him as
the head of a branch of the Christian
church, not as a ruler with temporal
matter of the friars that they may be
removed with the least possible delay
or friction. The pope evidently is
ready to do his part, but is handi-
capped by the tactics of the cardinals
to whom We're entrusted the negotia-
lions with Governor Taft.
However, the expulsion of the friars,
or most of them, is a settled thing,
and * is not only for the good of the
Philippines but also for the good of
the church which they have debauched
and disgraced that they should be
driven from the islands. They are
discredited not by American charges,
bat by the charges of the native Fill
pinos who hate and fear them. They
will be replaced, or should be, by
priests of American training and
American loyalty. These Spanish
friars have been the worst type of
thieves. They have Systematically
robbed the natives and have confis-
Gated vast tracts of valuable land.
They have been immoral in the most
shameless and open manner. They
have kept up armed opposition TO
American rule and used every influence
against it, knowing that pacffication
and civilization would put an end TO
their regime. These things are not
3only asserted by our military and civil
authorities but by travellers of all reli-
gious sects, and hardly voice has
been raised to defend the friars as a
body.
A New York Catholic priest who
knows the situation well, and who
loves our flag as every American
should. writes to the New York Sun
giving much sensible advice to those
of his religious faith who have been
heaping uncnlightened and precipitate
attitude in the matter. lie urges them
to keep in mind these truths:
"First-An Administration which has
been signaIly fair and benevolent to-
ward The church of Cuba and Porto
Rico is not likely to reverse it's policy
in the Philippines. Bishop Blenk of
Porto Rico-God bless him for it,-has
IN hnna-
liCqnt results Of our occupation in his
island. The United States, he says,
has restored to the church properties
confiscated by Catholic Spain.
.Secondly-The United States is not
going to remove all priests or even al
religious orders from the Philippines.
Neither the Jcsuits nor the diocesan
clergy are to be disturbed. Moreover,
no friars are to be deported who have
refrained from stirring up hostility
against our country, and who have re-
NAMED at their posts of duty in their
parishes during the instruction.
"Thirdly-The United States will
heartily welcome the advent of any
number OF American priests and rell-
gious to take the places of the depart
ing friars. The Christian Filipinos are
Catholics. and it is the extreme of i'm
probability that they will ever be any
thing else. The Washington govern
mcnt knows this. and recognizes that
| loyal and enthusiastic American priests
will he incOmparably the most eftica-
| cious Of Ill agencies for AmericanizinS
the Filipino people. Five men like
Bishop Blenk would thoroughly achieve
this characterization before President
| Roosevelts term expires. Let them
present themselves. and it will speedily
appear how entirely the Catholic
church can depend upon the absolute
Justice OF the American people.
'Fourthly-The United States will
see to it that nothing is unlawfully
taken from the church holdings in the
Philippines. The fliars' lands will be
generously paid for, and every injury
done by our army to ecclesiastical
property will be repaired