Norwich bulletin., 1912-05-13

Washington, May 12-At the White House today personal statement by President Taft was given out categcr- ically denying that Major Archibald W. Butt, the presidents military aide. who was lost on the Titanic, went to Rome on any mission what yer rom the president to the vatican.
 resident Tsft's signed statement follows:
 Has Favored No Church.
 Among the invidious methods of attack pursued by some against me is the attempt to arouse religious prelu- dice on the charge that l am in some manner unduly favoring the Roman Ca holic church. 1t has been my of nf Al purpose, first. as the govern,Jr- srreral of the Philippines; second, ss secretary of war. and third, as presi- dent to encourage every church as tar as possible where this does not ln- Volve invidious distinctions and does not depart from the rule which separ- ate our state from official relations 10 all churches. l have unduly favored no church but have treated them all with absolute impartiality.
 Gave Butt Letter of introduction.
 fin 1909 l visited Rome and conter-
 h with Pope Leo XIII, in an attempt Z settle the friar land controversy mich had arisen in the Philippines fhilS 4 was governor general and ft a time l succeeded in doing so. When. last March. my aide, Major Butt set out on a trip solely for his health. and proposed to visit Rome, he asked me for a letter of introduction Co the present pope that he might have the privilege of an audience and l gave him such a letter
 Cable of Coincidence From Cardinal
 The letter contained nothing out a statement of who Major Butt was, and an expression of hope that he might have the honor of being received. The only note or letter from the pope or any representative of his in answer to this letter of introduction which have received is a cableEram of con- dolenco for all concerned sent by Car dinal Merry del Val by direction of the pope at the time of the Titanic disaster and making inquiry as to the fate of Major Butt to which l replied expressing my thanks and giving the facts.
 No Mention of American Cardinals
 The letter introducing Major Butt contained no reference to the recent appointment of American cardinals and no comment on, or reference to, the Catholic Church or any matter re- latng to 1t. The stories circulated that l have made inquiry or have talk en anywhere at any time any part or manifested any interest in questions of social precedence Of the recently appointed cardinals are wholly with out foundation.
 Sent No Message to New DeIeuate.
 The evidence that there is a con- spiracy for the purpose of srousing religious prejudice against them is shown by the fact thai at ths instance Of some one unknown to me, 1t was reported in great many very respect able new rspapers that l gent message Of welcome and contradictions to the newly appointed apostolic delegate by wireless to the incoming steamer which was bearing him to New York No such message was sent by me or by any one by my authority. A denial Of the published report was issued from the White House but the denial has obtained no publicity,
 Regarding The Garb of Teachers.
 The statement that l suspended aa order made by the Indian commission CT affecting the garb of the teachers in certain Indian schools which have been transferred from the Catholic Church Co the government, is true. ] did this for the reason that the com missioner had Issued the order sfteI consulting with the secretary of tine interior and without awaiting his con clusiOns. Tias propriety of the eEdsf has now beSn made the subject of an 0teH, free discussion by all the parties fla interest and the decision sf the ses- retarS of the interior will soon be handed dsWA l say nothing of the merits of the controversy except that the erder reversed a condition which has existed for years and affected thirty or forty teachers Who, as nuns, haze been long before nay time incor- Dorated in the service of the govern ment and wbo would be in effect ex- peiled from the service by the order shsWd ii prevail. They were there- lore entitled to a full hearing.
 WILLIAM H. F4FF,7 tSigned)