Sale of Friars’ Lands in the Philippines
By L. A. S.
It is reported that an understanding has finally been arrived at in the matter of the sale of the friars’ lands in the Philippines. The friars asked $15,000,000 for their lands, and Governor Taft made them an offer of $6,000,000. A compromise has been effected, at a price of $7,250,000. The pope has sanctioned the deal, and is said to be much pleased over the outcome of the negotiations. A Vatican official is quoted as saying: “The fact that an agreement has been reached is considered a new demonstration of the loyal [italics ours] and lofty manner with which the Washington government deals with affairs respecting the rights of the Catholic Church.” Touching the question of the removal of the obnoxious religious orders from the islands, the same official observed: “The question as to whether the Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians, and Recollects shall remain in the archipelago now rests entirely with the Holy See, which, by its laws and traditions, is compelled to help in safeguarding the rights of the people, as well as those of the ecclesiastical orders.” It is proposed to sell the purchased lands to the Filipino tenants now living on them, on the instalment plan, and create a landlord class, which it is thought will be a strong conservative element in favor of law and order in the islands. L. A. S.