The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-11
Effort VIII BE Made tn settle the Dis
pute in Regard to the Phil
ippine Friars' Lands.
PRIVATE GIBBs's TESTIMONY
SOLDIER WHO SAYS THE WATER
CURE KILLED A FILIPINO.
Replies to Questions Put by senator
3eyeridge-HOw Hiding Place of
Rifles Was Revealed.

WASHINGTON, May 10.-GOvernor Taft
to-day closed I'D his business here in con-
nection with affairs in the Philippines and
left for Cincinnati. where he will attend to
some private business prior TO his depart
ure from New York on the 18th inst. on
his return TO his post at Manila. He will
stop at home in order to discuss the ques-
ton Of the friars in the Philippines with
the authorities of the Vatican. He will be
accompanied in his mission to Rome by
Judge James r. Smith. of the Supreme
Court of the Philippines. and Major John
b. Porter. of the judge advocate generals
office.
Secretary Root this afternoon made the
following official statement in regard to
the mission TO Rome: ut has been decided
that Governor Taft shall stop at Rome, in
the course of his return journey to Manila
for the purpose of reaching, If possible. a
friendly understanding with the authorities
having control of the disposition of the
property of religious orders and other
church property in the Philippines and lay
ing the basis for a settlement of the many
property questions which have resulted
f. nm the separation OF church and state
in the Stands. OF course, nothing can ac-
tuaIly be done until Congress has acted.
but as the committees of both houses have
acted favOrably OH the commission 5 recon-
mendatiOns for the purchase OF the frlarS
lands il is thought best not to lose the OPP
portunity afforded by Governor Tafts
presence in Europe to begin in the negotia-
tiOns and make as much progress as posi-
BILE. so that they may be readily closed up
after Congress has acted. IL ii act favor
ably. This is particularly desirable because
the nature of the questions is such that IT
is impossible to settle them by negotia-
ton with the friars themselves IN the
philippine The purchase of the. friars'
lands Is the principal thing, and the gov
eminent desires to accomplish this, if
Congress authorizes it, amicably. There are
many other questions. however. to be
settled, such as the rights to property held
for purposes of instruction and for chart
table purposes and the right of the church
10 land, the title to which is now in the
government. but which are buildings for
religious purposes. Some of these matters
could be settled by the courts, but II would
require many years and it is very desirable
10 settle them in a speedy and friendly
way.
Prior to American occupation the church
and state were so closely united and their
interests so interviewer that now when they
are sep~arate-very difficult TO tell to whom
the property. which was devoted TO their
joint uses under the former system. be-
longs. 1t Is hoped that when a full under
standing OF the claims and views of each
side has been reached. and the facts are
fully understood. all the questions existing
can be settled lin such a way as to benefit
both parties. The object of this conference
is TO secure the separation of church and
state and IL would seem TO be a condition
precedent to such a result. Governor
Taft's errand Is not in any
sense a diplomatic mission; it is
simply a business 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 part pur-
suant TO any law Congress may pass. He
will have the assistance of Judge Smith.
of the Philippine Supreme Court, who is
rafnrnfuU NTH GoVarnor Taff 10 his most
of duty. and Major John Biddle Porter has
been detailed to act as a special secretary
10 the Governor until he has finished his
work in Rome"
Any arrangement effected for the pur-
chase Of the lands is subject to the rati-
hcatfon of Congress