Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 June 1906 — IDE VERSUS A BISHOP [ARTICLE]

IDE VERSUS A BISHOP

Governor of she Philippines and Roman Catholic Prelate Engaged in Controversy. CHURCH PROPERTY THE CAUSE Uncle Sam Holds That It Is Not Church Property—Bishop Views It _ , Otherwise. Manila, .Tune 28. —The publication In the United tSates of the letter of Archbishop Harty of Feb. 20 to Governor General Ide, concerning the submission to the courts of the question of the title of the San Juan de Dios property, led Governor Ide to give out his reply to Archbishop Harty. Governorlde to >k umbrage at this prtion of the archbishop’s letter: “Before going to court as a peaceful American citzen I shall have had read n 250 pulpts a solemn protest against this attempted confiscation. This protest will go through the archipelago, and will reach the White House. It will surely be taken up by the American people. This step has not been taken and time still remains to recall your order.” Promises the Bisbop a Surprise. Governor Ide’s reply states that the matter rests upon two opinions of the attorney general in 1902. but that no action has yet been taken. The governor says in his reply: “A portion of your lei ter prod cued a pnlnful impression til on me. It was what seemed to contain a threat thaji the course yon will take through the Philippines will excite hostility against the government. I agree that if your action should go through the archipelago it would reach the doors of the White House, but I am certain the result would be far other than the one you had in mind.” Property That Is In Dispute. The dispute relates to properties at San .Tuan de Dois. The hospital fs claimed to be the proiwrty of the government It w-as used by the troops during the occupation of Manila. The claims of the church are based on a transfer of the property to the Franciscan friars during the Spanish regime. The United States officials allege that theproperty was supported by the Spanish government, and now belongs to the United States government. 'The controversy l*etween the archbishop and the governor general, waa brought by an alleged order to take the case to tar courts. Governor Ide declares that uo such action was taken.