Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-10
WILL NOT RECALL FRIARs
Answer of the Vatican to Judge Taft,s
Proposals.

A dispatch from Rome yesterday saws.
ne answer or the Vatican to the note of
Judge Taft, governor of the Phftipnine
islands, concerning religious affairs in tho
archipelago, which was handed to Gardiner
Rampolla, papal secretary of state .JuIv
was delivered to Judge Taft at a late hour
tonight AS the Vatfcan's reuIv 10 IN
French, 1t is being translated by Risbon
OGorman Of Sioux Falls, s. D., and Mai
Porter Of the office of the Judge advocate
general OF the army. 1t will be telegrapbed
entire to Washington tonight
since Judge Taft has been in Rome he
Ias ssne ABOUT Z2Eo words by cable to the
washington authorities
The Vatican's answer to Judge Taft fol-
lows: lat iot-
The contract which The Vatican PROMISES
snail De signed by both parties comprises
twelve articles. The first article saws tn
fnfiippine government is to buy the lands
or the four religious orders concerned. the
hoiy see acting as intermediary.
The second article describes what .ra
the agricultural lands to be bought
Inc thlrd article says that if some of
these iands are possessed by corporations
the friars will sell their share
The fourth article establishes a tribunal
OF arbIters, to be composed Of five members
TWO OF whom are to be chosen by the Watt
can, two by the Philippine government and
the NTH member by the other four. In case
shall be chosen in common accord by the
pope and President Roosevelt
The fifth article provides that the wort,
Oh me aroiters shall begin January l. 1903.
The sixth article refers to title deeds.
these VIII be transferred to the Philippine
government.
Article { sets forth that payment is to be
made in Mexican dollars In the period of
time proposed by Judge Taft in his note of
July g. interest during the period of nav
ment accruing at per cent.
Article deals with the transfer to the
church of ancient crown lands, with ecele-
siastica1 buildings.
1.-The ninth article proposes amfcable ac-
cord IN the matter of the existin chari-
table or educational trusts which are In
dispute. In the event Of failing to agree
In these matters, recourse is to be had to
the same arbiters, to whom will also be
submitted the case of the medical college
Of San Jose
1.-The tenth article provides for arbitra-
ton as to the indemnity the United States
shall pay for the ecclesiastical buildings
used during the war in the Philippines
According to the eleventh article the ex-
penses of the tribunal of arbiters is to be
paid by the Philippine government
Article II declares that the holy see, In
the sphere of action which is In its compe-
tence, shall use all its influence for the
pacification of the Philippine Islands and
in favor Of their adhesion to the esta biished
government, and that it shall prevent all
political opposition on the part of the
clergy, both regular and secular
The answer of the Vatican Is compiled in
the order of Judge Taft's note of July g.
First comes the note. which says that all
the studies Of the Vatican were conferred to
render more clear. more precise and def
mite the conditions between the holy see
and the Philippine government. In fact
the note begs that If something further
with this intent can be proposed that it be
freely expressed. adding 1t would be con-
sidered with great pleasure.
The Introduction proceeds in this tone
until it comes to the question of the recall
of the friars. 1t then says the Vatican can
not accept the proposition to recall the
friars within the fixed period Such recall,
not being justified by reason of force ma
teure. it would be contrary to the rights
guaranteed by the treaty OF Paris. and
would put the holy see in conflict with
Spain. It asks
IF the United States cannot order the
withdrawal OF the friars how can the pope
do SO. especially when 1t has been proved
that all the accusations made against