Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-03-24
Roosevelt and Archbishop Ire.
Land Negotiating For an
EARLY Settlement
,wNERsHIP OF THE FRlAR LANDS
The Question Has Been in Process of
Adjustment for a Long Time-Friars
Have Been Unable to Go Back to
Parish churohes-eeneraI Washing.
top News.

Washington, March 24.-For severe
days secret negotiations nave been go
ing on looking to an Immediate settle
ment Of the religious question in the
Philippines. For all practical purpose:
the relation of the friars to the Ameri.
can government was settled long age
by the refusal OF the native Catholics
III the islands to have anything what
ever to do with the members Of the
great church orders.
The question as to the ownership OF
the friar lands has ben in process OF
adjustment for some time, but in the
meanwhile the friars themselves have
not been able to go back to this parish
churches on account of the hostility of
the people. The result has been that
the parish churches in many cases
have fallen into the hands of the newly
organized native Philippine church,
which, of course, has no legal claim
to the property.
In other cases, thousands of loyal
Catholics have been forced to do with
out the administration OF a priest.
The question at issue IS whether the
places of the friars should be filled by
native priests. by priests from the
United States or by imported delega-
tions Of Spanish and Italian priests.
Understanding now has been reached
that III places OF the friars shall be
hiled either by natives or Americans,
and that no more European priests shall
be Sent to the islands. either as men,
bers OF orders or as parish pastors.
Archbishop Ireland has been here in
Washington for some little time and is
stopping at the Ebbitt House. altho he
is not registered there and is not read
liy accessible to visitors. To him has
been intrusted the negotiations on be-
half of the Catholic church. He proba-
bly, has no written authority of this
kind from the pope or the apostolic
delegation here, but he has held several
conferences with President Roosevelt
on this subjectand what Is recommended
by him undoubtedly will be accepted by
this pope.
1t has been the policy OF the church
OF Rome almost everywhere to have the
local parishes administered as far as
by native priests, and as the
grow older bishops and arch
bishops are similarly appointed from
the graduates Of the local spiritual
1t has been strongly urged
Tor the Philippines, however, that
progressive American
priests shall be sent to the
Stands. There is an educational BEN
eft in this which at once is apparent, |
and it is the plan most satisfactory to
Gov. Taft.
These are some Of the questions
which Archbishop Ireland is now en-
ieavoring to settle with the president
md secretary of war. 1t is believed
l decision will be reached before the
president starts on his western tour
week.
Officials here hope that with this
of the friars' lands disposed Of
lnder authority of congress, and with
! generous admixture of liberty low
ng, loyal. and upright American
priests, there will come a permanent
Of the Philippine question.
los Instructions against the Spanish
luthorities grew out of the unjust ex-
n fragrant RIGHTEOUSNESS Of a
arge number of the friars. For this
eason 1t is supposed with the inaugur-
ton of a new system. carrying with 1t
he possibility of the natives owning
he best agricultural land, and with a
wise administration and the beneticent
xample of young American priests,
here will grow up at once an admira-
ion for a republican form OF govern
and consequently loyalty to the
lag OF the United States.