Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-04
JUDGE TAFT'S ORDERS
REGARDING SETTLEMENT OF
FRIAR LANDS CONTROVERSY.
Proposal of Vatican to Have Apostolic
Delegate Settle Question
is Rejected.

A dispatch from Rome last night gives
the following details regarding the instruc-
lions received by Judge Taft from Secre-
tary Root: The note covers fourteen type
written pages. 1t begins with acknowledge
ing the Vatican's note of June 81 and says
he Judge Taft is pleased that the Vati-
can approves of the sending to Rome of
representative of the President with the
object of arriving at a satisfactory agree
ment on the question in dispute and to see
that the general views of the Vatican are
in harmony with the views of Secretary
Root, although on one of the important
questions, namely, that of the religious
orders, there appears to be difference re-
garding the methods to be adopted in order
to remove the admitted difficulty.
Answering the Vatcan's note proposing
to have the new apostolic delegate at Ma
Mia settle the question of the religious or
ders, Judge Taft remarks:
Thus would be lost the advantages eX-
pected from direct contract clearly de-
termining the principal lines upon which
cooperate between the state and church
may be assured"
The note proposes the purchase of the
land of the Domnicans and Augustinians
at a price to be determined upon by five
arbitrators, two to be chosen by the
United States, two by the Vatican and one
by neutral, say the British governor of
India. The arbitrators to meet in Manila
no later than January l. 1903, examine wit
nesses and visit the land. The judgment of
the majority to be accepted.
The price to be paid in Mexican dollars,
one-third Immediately, a third in nine
months and a third in eighteen months,
with interest at Az per cent. Payment to
be made to a person chosen by the Nati-
can.
The former Spanish crown lands now in
possession of the American government, on
which there are ecclesiastical buildings, to
be handed over to an ecclesiastical official
appointed by the Vatican
The ordinary courts to decide concerning
the land retained by the church, but claim
ed by the municipalities.
1t is hoped that when apostolic dele
gate competent to represent the holy see
is sent to the Philippines he will be able
to decide which property used for charita-
BILE educational institutions belongs to
the church and which to the state.
Cases Of disagreements shall be sub
mitted to the arbitration of the same arbi-
traitors, who shall also decide the San Jose
foundation case. now pending before the
supreme court of the Philippines.
The United States to pay an indemnity
for the buildings used by the American
troops But nothing is to be paid until the
title deeds are in. the hands of the Philip
pine government.
All friars of the four orders Shall with
draw within two years from the first pay
ing that time to look after the schools and
universities, but all of them must go, half
during nine months from the first payment
and half eighteen months later, not includ-
ing friars who have not raised the hostility
of the natives, and who remained in their
parishes after the revolution Of 1898 till
now, except those in Manila. No Spanish
friars may be substituted for those with
drawn.
The churches, schools and universities
may be directed by Spanish clergy or
orders other than those withdrawn, or by
clergy of the same orders who are not
Spanish 1t is necessary to convince the
FilipinoS that the ancient regime of the
Spanish friars is finished.
The note reminds the Vatican that the
orders still publish a paper in Manila,
which is anti-American and anti-Philip-
pine, but pro-Spanish, and that the orders
possess property in Manila to the value of
nearly 000H6O Mexican dollars, while that
of the Catholic Church is only valued at
100000 Ne xican dollars. This is very sig
nificant. as the orders have also large
capital at interest besides the land which
1t is now proposed the government should
purchase.
To reach the desired object, the best thing
is TO prevent any member of the four
Withdra wing orders. without distinction Of
nationality. from being sent to the islands.
Nothing will so calm the people and produce
harmony between the church and the gov
eminent as the certainty given by contra ct
that the friars shall leave at fixed date
shall not return and shall not exercise airy
influence from Manila over the priests in
the parishes. In view OF these facts. it is
hoped that the Vatican will accept the
propositions.
The note ends with calling the attention
of the Vatican TO the clause regarding re-
ligious teaching in the public schools, say
ing that Judge Taft's instructions prevent
further discussion of the matter. 1t also
calls the attention of Cardinal RampoIla to
the sixteenth section Of the general law for
Philippine schools, copy of which is in
closed.
The note is accompanied by the Kind of
contract which Judge Taft proposes will
be signed.
AEEAIRS In GEARCEEQ1uM