Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-04
Father Vattman Again.

A few days ago The Star made some OBJ
servations on the approaching visit of
Father Vattman, a Roman Catholic chap
lain of the army, to Rome to confer with
the authorities at the Vatican about the re-
ligious affairs of the Roman communion in
the Philippine Islands. AT that time the
views of Father Vattman had not been
made public. The brief announcement only
was made that in this priests opinion the
Introduction of priests of American birth
and training into the archipelago would re-
dound to the general advantage there.
This sentiment The Star cordially indorsed
1t was in thorough agreement with the
views which The Star itself has repeatedly
expressed.
On Saturday something more in detail as
to Father Vattman's views was given to
the public, and this. too, is worthy of at
tention. After testifying to the fairness
and efficiency of the administration of Gov.
Taft. and especially as it has touched
church affairs. Father Vattman says:
LAS to the Aglipay heresy-for it may be
so called-I am sorry to say it has attained
very considerable proportions, and BODIES
danger in the faith of the people. Remem-
Der. there are 100000 Catholics in the
Philippines, about as many there are in
the whole United States. / have the i'm
preston that had an American archbishop
been appointed to Manila the breach would
not have been so wide and it would have
been quickly closed. Mbnsignor Guidi has
done very well, but really believe the ap-
pointment of American archbishop
would have carried with it more of pres
tige. Most unfortunate is it that there is
such a deep feeling against the friars-in-
deed. they are really hated. They are
looked upon as part and parcel of the old
oppressive Spanish regime, and it is this
feeling that has given an impetus to the
g1ina haraSv I found Of
terness against the friars in every one of
the provinces, except, perhaps, the prov
ince of Cebu.
1T is beautiful to witness the profound
love of the Filipinos for the church. l was,
on many occasions, strongly impressed by
it. And l am deeply grieved to think the
faith of such a devoted people is in danger.
But l believe / have pointed out the solu-
ton of the problem
This has been The Stars position from
the time the question began to figure in the
discussion. The first point related to the
feeling of the people against the friars. No
candid investigator of that matter has at
any time been misled as to either the ex-
istence or the energy of that feeling 1t is
deep-seated and all-pervading. The Fill
pinos. a rule, hate the friars, and hold
them responsible both for the oppression
of the Spanish rule and for conditions
which for years made thousands of people
tenants of an exacting clerical landlordism.
Hatred of the friars has not led to whole
sale revolt against the church, but what
ever revolt has taken place has been at
tributable to the delay of the church au-
thorities in dealing with the friars after
American control in the islands began.
Father Vattman thinks that an American
in the office of archbishop of Manila would
have exercised an excellent influence on the
situation So The Star from the first has
| thought, and several times has said. The
Roman Church is now seeking for the
proper man, and, it is to be hoped. will
find him. The place has been declined by
Bishop Montgomery of California, but 1t
affords a fine field for usefulness, and an
industrious and ambitious prelate would
find his opportunity there.