The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-07-17
Further Negotiations Regarding
Friars' Lands Will Be Car
ried On in Manila.
EXPECTS TO WIN EVERY POINT.
In Final Note to Vatican Governor
Asserts That He Is Much
Pleased With the Results
So Far Achieved.

Rome. July 1s.-Governor Taft Of the
Philippine Islands will conduct further ne
gotiations regarding the disposition OF the
friars' lands in Manila.
This purpose he announced in a note ad-
dressed TO the Vatican to-day. While def
mite results have not been achieved, IL is be-
Heved that a broad basis for future ne
gotIations has been laid and that ul-
timately the Americans VIII carry every
point. including their demand for the re-
moval Of the friars.
The following Is. in part. Judge Tafrs
note 10 the Vatican II is addressed to
Cardinal Rampoils, papal Secretary Of
State. and begins thus:
In reply to the two notes Of your Emil
nence CT June q and July g l have just
received communication from the Sec
retary OF War. in precise and exhaustive
terms. which are here produced integrally.
Secretary Root says he is glad to see b.
the two notes received from the Vatican
that the Holy See is animated by the best
intentions to come 10 an understanding with
Washington about the relations between
church and state in the Philippines: that
your Emncnce has declared the Vatican
10 be disposed TO give clear and precise in
strUctiOns TO the friars TO occupy them
selves with religion only. abstainlrg en-
tirely from politics. and that the Holy See
proposes 10 introduce. little by little. eccle-
siastics OF other natiOnal.ties, especially
American
Secretary Root adds that he cannot DO
less than acknowledge the wisdom OF these
propo~ "rS. hut that he must observe that
they would not solve the question
Not Unfriendly to Catholic Church.
The United States has no desire to vio-
late the treaty Of Paris. and seeks no torci-
BILE but 4 voluntary, withdrawal Of Ger
tain persons who happen 10 be Spaniards.
and whose previous experiences in the
Islands had thrown them into Rntagonistic
relations with the people and with the
Catholic laity and native clergy. many Of
whom have left their parishes and can on
ly be reinstated by using material force.
which the United States cannot permit.
This proves that ;he government OF the
Philippines has no intention TO propose
measures contrary to the interests OF the
Vatican. and. In fact. its interest IN the
church.
IF the question OF withdrawal be left un-
solved. now that ths Washington Govern
ment has persuaded the ecclesiastical au-
thorities TO see the necessity OF carrying
out this step. the later withdrawal OF the
friars under order OF the religious superior
could not be regarded as anything but VOL
unldIg ana NOu4Q not Violate the treaty
OF Paris: nor could such order be regarded
as affirming or admitting OF any accusations
against the friars because the American
Government made no such accusation.
The United States did not desire the
withdrawal for itself-it was indifferent
to the presence OF the frfars-but in the
interests OF the whole people OF the Philip
pines. who were bitterly opposed to their
presence.
To Follow RampoIIa's Suggestion.
1T was thought by the generous proposal
OF q contract which would bind the Philip
pines Government TO certain financial ana
other obligations TO secure the much-longed
for desire OF the Philippines people in the
withdrawal OF the friars. Now. that the
Vatican does not see its way clear to make
a definite withdrawal. the American Gov
ernment has deemed Il wiser 10 recur TO the
methods OF settlement OF the various ques-
tions at issue suggested by Cardinal Ram
pO!la's first communication Of June Il,
namely:
First, an Investigation by both sides into
the possible and probable liabilities and
claims and the settlement OF them by an
accredited apostolic delegate with the Gov
ernor in Manila. after the conditions with
respect TO the titles OF the friars TO the land
and the amount OF claims for rental have
been presented by the representatives Of the
church to the representatives, OF the Phil
ippine Government IN Manila
''As to the indemnity for the friare lands.
your Eminence has pointed out the oimcul-
ty OF computing so precipitately the exact
value. but this might be done by examin-
ing the title deeds The WASHINGTON Gov
ernment will Immediately order the Gen.
eral commanding the forces In the Philip
mines 10 furnish all Indications necessary
10 ascertain what damage has been done
by military occupation. Although regret
full that all the questions have not been
decided definitely. the Government Is slad
10 express satisfaction at the results OBJ
tanned"
Root Il. Pleased With Progress.
Secretary Root in his communication de-
clares that Judge Taft's Journey Is quite
COMPENSATED for by the fact that II "a pos
sfble to fix general lines on which. later
can be smicably resolved oil the questions
now pending.
Cardinal RampoIla 10 send 10 the Philip
pine government full lists Of the property
declared to belong to t.e religious orders
Secretary Root concludes by instructing
Judge Taft TO express 60 Cardinal RAmpolla
his pleasure that the visit OF the American
representatives has resulted In a broad
basis for harmonious settlement, his thanks
for the courtesy shown by the Vatican 70
Judge Taft. and for the promptness with
which the Vatican has acted. and his hopes
that, though no specific agreement has been
reached. the Vatican VIII ultimately hnd IL
Just to do what has been suggested.
Judge Taft closes his note TO the Vatican
thus:
in obedience to Secretary Roots dis
patch l request that in the future negotis-
tons on the points raised be held in
Manila between an apostolic delegate and
the Governor. after the information suS-
gested above by Secretary Root has been
ascertained and presented
-