Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-24
Chaplain Vattma1 Reports to
Secretary Root.
ALSO TO HIERARCHY
THE CHAPLAIN SAID TO BE GOING
TO sRoME.
The Troubles in Philippines Discussed
at Length-The Independents
Gaining in Power.

Chaplain Edward J. Vattman of the army,
stationed at Fort Sheridan ILL.,. was at the
War Department today and had confer
ence with Secretary Root in regard to re-
ligious affairs in the Philippines. where he
was stationed for several years. Chaplain
Vattman has been granted six months
leave of absence with permission to go
abroad. and 1t is understood that he will
improve the opportunity to visit Rome
and give the vatican the benefit OF his
observation of church affairs in the archi-
pelago. 1t is his intention to go to Chicago
this evening in order to close up his iaf-
fairs In time to start for Rome next week.
Father Vattman has made an important
report in regard to the friar question, which
includes a full account of the organization
and operations of the iAgfipay movement.
from which 1t appears that the influence OF
that party is not only directed against the
Catholic Church, but the United States gov
eminent in the Philippines. He says that
Aglipay has large following among the
natives, and that the movement Is full OF
danger to the state as we'll as to the Catho-
lie Church. 1t Is understood that the car
dinalate Is impressed with the Importance
of the schism and desires to get the benefit
of Father Vattman's information on the
subject.
Chaplain vattman. has worked long and
zealously with the American authorities In
the Philippines and Is somewhat broken
in health. A long leave. of absence was
given him in order that he might recuperate
his strength and at the same time make the
desired visit to Rome.
Reported to Archbishops.
1t is stated that Father Vattman reported
on his observation in the Philippines before
the archbishops yesterday, and that the
hierarchy commissioned him to go to Rome
in the name of the Catholic Church in this
country. While it is regarded as probable
that Father Vattman did submit report on
the Philippines before the board of arch
bishops, since he appeared before that body
yesterday. 1t is thought probable that they
did not officially appoint him to go to
Rome, but that he intends to do so of his
own purpose, which, however, may be thor
oughty IN accord with" the wishes of the
hierarchy. - .---- ..- ~
According to statements made regarding
rather Vattman's report to the hierarchy
the Aglipay troubles Were discussed at
length by Father Nattman. as was also the
friar question andrt 1.-THE reported outrages in
the islands. He declared, it Is said, that
the Aglipay. party is fast gaining IN
strength and power. AT the opening OF
hostiiities in the ISLANDS Aglipay was &
native priest and at first Joined the insur-
gent forces. but later deserted to the aimee.
leans. He was afterward silenced by the
church authoriteson ecclesiastical grounds
Sef-Conseerated Bishop.
Following Aglipay's ostracism from the
Roman Church, EatheEn Vattmann Is re-
ported to have said he organized the Phil
ippine Catholic Church, consecrated him
self as It's bishop and ordained natives to
the priesthood. r IIe declared that Ameri-
canism meant Professionalism and installed
spirit opposed, TO submission to Ameri-
can rule. The follosping Ggained by the
self-constituted bishop WIS said to be enor-.
nous. and he is stila creating priests and
making converts at a rapid rate. Only 500
friars and: 700 priests :are left to minister
to the 2OOOQ0O and none. Catholics in the
islands. ". y -s..5
It is stated, that Father Vattmann ad-
yised the appointment of American clergy
to the Philippines in order to prove that the
United States is not a Protestant country.
The movement. according to Father Watt
mann.s supposed report, Is full, of danger. TO
both the Roman Catholic Church and to-
the state. ~, .,et "a. ~ ~: -
Among other things Father Vattmann is
reported to have said that the friar trou-
bles have been .quieted, and that he be-
lieves If not interfered with they will adj
Just themselves -. .-,-ss,.!t ~ --,-
1t is said that the archbishops decided
that an effort should be made to furnish
as many American priests for work In the
Philippines as is possible. The number
in this country now, however, Is said to
be insufficient to meet the obligations Of
the clergy. 81