Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1908-11-20
at the Postoffice at Staunton,
Va, as second class mail matter.
Friday, November 20. 1908.
HOW THE MILK GOT IN THE
COACONUT.

Since the election things have leaked
out which account for various and sun
dry events not exactly applicable be-
fore. The turning of the Baltimore sun
to Taft is explained by the following to
the satisfaction of many, and the ac-
tion Of Tammeny in deserving Mr..
Bryan is thoroughly explained. 1t is
well known that the Friars in the
Philippines were recently paid seven
million dollars for THEIR lands. 1t is
said the Philippine government ''sanc-
toned" the purchase, but as the real
Philippines have no government eX-
cept as the United States makes tit
should be said in order that the truth
may be told, that the payment OF this
vast sum of money was the act OF our
government only. 1t is true that the
bonds are the bonds of the Philippine
Islands in name, but the bonds OF the
y. 8. Government in fact, as our gov
eminent is bound to see them paid.
There does not seem to be any more
reason for purchasing these Friar lands
than the lands of any other church or
denomination. The Friars with their
usual frugality and eye to business, had
acquired professed title to much ter
ritory. They had very doubtful title,
and such title as they had was not in
them, but in the Pope. But Mr.. Taft
went there and agreed to the bargain.
He went from there to visit the Pope
at Rome, and it is said was most gra-
cioasly received, and that his audience
with the Supreme Pontitf' was most
agreeable and much enjoyed by both.
This is doubtless putting it mildly,
since Mr.. Taft virtually carried with
him to Rome and deposited in the vi
tican Seven Million of as good dollars
as could anywhere be found, and such
. bundle of money as the Vitican had
not seen since the days Of Sixtus V, if,
indeed, ever before. Later when Mr..
Taft received the nomination, so it is
said, ana now believed by many, the
Pope advised his dignitaries in the
American church that Mr.. Taft's cleo
tion would be MOST GRATIFYING TO
HIM. The wish of the Pope is COM
mand to those under his sway, so the
good Catholics who own the Baltimore
kun, and the good Catholics who form
the bone and sinew of Tammanyat once
obeyed me command" from Rome
and supported and voted solidly tor the
m an who had done so much for the
church. 1t is recorded in the newspa-
pers of last week that such demon
stration as was seen in Rome on hear
ing that Mr.. Taft was elected, had
never before been seen in that ancient
city over any foreign event. Had these
things been known little earlier the
protestant people might have awaken
ed, and between Mr.. Taft's denial of
the divinity of Christ, and his good
offices to the Pope, have buried him
under an avalanch of indignant votes.
It is significant that fluctuations on
bis election came from Rome, and that
the Pope has said that he hopes soon
to see an ambassador from his court
accr edited to the United States 1t is
also significant that since millions
was SO easily gotten through American
officials, extraordinary efforts are be-
ing made to extend the church in the
United States, and mammoth gath
ring seeking means of extension is now
in session in Chicago, which has re-
eeivsd the Pope's blessing.
"Ths importance OF this congress is
evident" said Archbishop Falconio,
''when We consider that the object
which it has nview is the support
and extension of our religion. Our
Sovereign Pontiff has learned with
pleasure that a Mission Con-
Sress will be held in Chicago
under the auspices of the Catholic
Church Extension Society, and in Or
der to show his appreciation for this
religious movement, has charged me
with the agreeable duty of imparting
his apostolic blessing to all those who
take part in the congress.
These things account for much of the
milk in the recent political coaconut.