New-York tribune., 1902-05-11
TAFTS MISSION TO ROME.
TO DISCUSS PHILIPPINE AFFAIRS WITH
THE VATICAN AUTHORITIES.
AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY SECRETARY
ROOT-PURCHASE OF FRIARS' LANDS
THE CHIEF QUESTION AT ISSUE.

THE CHIEF QUESTION AT ISSUE
Washington, May 1O-Covernor Taft to-day
closed up his business here in connection with
affairs IN the Philippines, and started for Gin
cinnati, where he will attend to some private
business before his departure from New-York
on May II for his post at Manila. He will stop
at Rome 20 discuss the question of the friars
in the Philippines with the authorities of the
Vatican. He will be accompanied this mis-
sion 10 Rome by Judge James F. Smith. of the
Supreme Court of the Philippines and Major
John B, Porter. of the judge advocate generals
office These men were selected because of their
familiarity with the questions at issue.
Secretary Root this afternoon made the fol-
lowing official statement in regard TO the mis-
sion TO Rome:
II has been decided that Governor Taft shall
stop at Rome in the course OF his return jour
ney to Manila, for the purpose of reaching II
possible, q friendly understanding with the au-
thorities having control of the disposition OF
the property of religious orders and other
Church property in the Philippines, and laying
the basis for settlement of the many property
questions which have resulted from the separa-
tion Of church and state in the islands Of
course, nothing can actually be done until con-
gress has acted. but the committees OF both
houses have acted favorably on the commits
sion's recommendations for the purchase or the
trlars lands II is thought best not TO lose the
opportunity afforded by Governor Tafts pres
ence in Europe 20 begin the negotiations, ana
make as much progress as possible, so that they
may be readily closed up after Congress has
acted, II il does act, favorabiy. This is par
tiCularly desirable because the nature of the
questions is such that il is impossible 10 settle
them by negotiation with the friars themselves
in the Philippines. The purchase Of the friars'
lands is the principal thing, and the government
desires to accomplish this, if Congress author
ICES il, arnica bly,.
There many other questions, however. to
be settled, such the rights to property held
for purposes Of instruction and for charitable
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 beer built. Some of these matters could
be settled by the courts, but il would require
many years. and II is very desira BILE TO settle
them in speedy and friendly way Prior 10
American occupation the church and state were
closely united. and their interests so inter
very difficult 10 tell TO whom the property
which devoted to their joint under the
former system. belongs. 1t Is hoped that when
a full understanding of the claims and views or
each side has been reached, and the facts are
fully understood, ali the questions existing can
BE- settled in such way as 20 heneht both
parties
The object Of this conference is 70 secure
the separation OF church and state. and II would
seem 10 be a condition precedent 10 such
sense a diplomatic mission; ii is simply a busi-
ness transaction with the owners OF property.
The whole matter is in Governor Taft's hands.
subject TO such action as may be taken on his
report pursuant 10 any law Congress may pass.
He will have the assistance of Judge Smith, OF
the Philippine Supreme Court who is returning
with Governor Taft 20 his post of duty. and
Major John Bddle Porter has been detailed 70
act a special secretary to the Governor until
he has finished his work in Rome.
Any arrangement effected for the purchase OF
the lands is subject 10 ratification by Congress
which must provide tho necessary legislation