Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Cebu (Philippines)

Brigadier General Smith delivers a speech upon taking office as the Governor-General of the Philippines. He praises the work of his predecessors Henry C. Ide, Luke E. Wright, and William H. Taft. He blames the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) on the Filipinos misunderstanding the motives of the United States’ policy to govern the Philippines while preparing the Filipinos for self-government rather than granting them independence immediately. Smith credits the United States for its restraint towards enemy combatants and in building in the Philippines municipal, judicial, educational, and taxation infrastructure while promoting a slate of liberal civil rights. He believes that to restore prosperity following the destructive war they will need to encourage new markets, American investment, the construction of railroads, and better training for the Philippines Constabulary. He particularly believes in broad education in the English language and in the trades. He recommends postponing the question of independence and addressing instead practical matters. He notes the importance of separating state functions from those of the Catholic church.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-20

Creator(s)

Smith, James Francis, 1859-1928

Madrid newspaper El País reports on the installation of Thomas Augustine Hendrick as Bishop of Cebu at Cebu Cathedral on the morning of March 11, 1904. The article includes a description of the opening remarks, attendees, and the ceremony.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-12

Creator(s)

Unknown

Thomas A. Hendrick, Roman Catholic Bishop of Cebu, writes to Civil Governor Wright to provide an account of his travels in the Philippines, where he is surprised to find widespread anti-Americanism and a poor reception of Roman Catholicism, especially in areas where the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Aglipayan church) has a strong presence. Services are sparsely attended, parishes lack priests, church buildings are in disrepair, and Catholics are being threatened. Local government officials in several towns are Aglipayan church members, and Hendrick believes they may be intimidating the citizens. Hendrick feels that the Aglipayan effort is actually an attempt to drive out Americans rather than a religious difference and that government intimidation has also slowed economic output of the villages. He suggests an investigation into local government officials.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-09-15

Creator(s)

Hendrick, Thomas Augustine, 1849-1909