Catholic Church

Letter from Elihu Root to John Ireland

Secretary of War Root is concerned about Catholic reaction to Governor General of the Philippines William H. Taft’s negotiations with the Vatican regarding the removal of the friars from the Philippines. Root believes that a great deal is being accomplished in Rome and that U.S. Catholic complaints are veiled attempts to halt negotiations. He hopes that Archbishop Ireland recognizes the benefit of such negotiations and elects to address the concerns of American Catholics accordingly.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-19

Telegram from William H. Taft to Elihu Root

Governor Taft sends the Vatican’s agreement on a policy for the Philippines.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-18

Letter from Thomas C. Middleton to Theodore Roosevelt

Chairman Middleton summarizes a set of resolutions passed by the American Augustinians regarding the friars of the Philippines.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-17

The federation convention

Summary of the proceedings and resolutions of the annual meeting of the American Federation of Catholic Societies.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-08-09

Letter from the Society of the Holy Name to Theodore Roosevelt

Enclosed copy of resolutions adopted by the New York City St. Catherine of Siena Branch No. 47 of the Holy Name Society.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-16

Letter from John H. Magruder to Theodore Roosevelt

John H. Magruder believes that Catholics will be very upset if the friars in the Philippines are simply evicted, which could lead to serious political repercussions. He suggests that these friars be put under the authority of Cardinal Gibbons, who will quickly sort out the problem and potentially send the friars to a different country.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-16

Resolutions passed by American Augustinians

The American Augustinians are upset at what they perceive as discrimination against the friars of the Philippines by the U.S. government.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-16

Letter from Eugene A. Philbin to Theodore Roosevelt

The Jesuit order is influential in Eugene A. Philbin’s area and is speaking out against the removal of the friars in the Philippines. Philbin believes the charges against the friars are well founded and supports their expulsion. Philbin requests permission to show President Roosevelt’s letter to the local Jesuits to demonstrate the administration’s position.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-15

Letter from William Comerford to Theodore Roosevelt

William Comerford believes that, if Governor Taft insists on the expulsion of the friars from the Philippines, every American Catholic will oppose the Roosevelt administration.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-15

Resolutions unanimously adopted by the Catholics of the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Catholics of Grand Rapids are upset over the treatment of their fellow Catholics in the Philippines.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-13

Telegram from Elihu Root to William H. Taft

Secretary of War Root writes to Governor General of the Philippines Taft, who is in Rome. Root acknowledges the Vatican’s willingness to withdraw the friars currently in the Islands and replace them with religious of other nationalities who will be devoted to spiritual ministry and will refrain from involvement in matters pertaining to civil authority. This voluntary withdrawal is a good outcome, and Root thanks Taft for helping to bring it about. He also discusses the timing and terms of the sale of the lands owned by the friars, as well as the payment of rent or damages related to properties that have been occupied by American troops.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-14

Telegram from John Ireland to Theodore Roosevelt

Archbishop Ireland hopes the “friars matter” can be concluded satisfactorily for both sides.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-12

Letter from Elbert Wakeman to Theodore Roosevelt

Elbert Wakeman has a low opinion of the Catholic Church and advises President Roosevelt and Governor Taft to “keep a stiff back-bone.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-11

Letter from Elihu Root

Secretary of War Root denies that official educators in the Philippines are proselytizing for Protestant denominations and notes that such activity is against Filipino law.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-10

Telegram from William H. Taft to Elihu Root

Governor Taft is working on an agreement with the Vatican so that Filipino land currently held by religious orders can be sold.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-10

Letter from Elihu Root to William H. Taft

Discussions are ongoing with the Catholic Church for settling various disagreements in the Philippines, including the withdrawal of religious orders and the sale of church land.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-10

Proclamation by L. Loosin

Governor Loosin endorses a proclamation of freedom of religion in the Philippines, in response to a dispute between local citizens and several friars.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-09

Letter from William H. Taft

Governor Taft is primarily concerned with various policies for the Philippines and gives his opinion on who should be part of the next Philippine Commission. He is also working on an agreement with the Vatican and goes over his social activities while in Rome.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-05

Letter from John Ireland to Elihu Root

The Vatican is only willing to allow friars to be removed from parishes and in John Ireland’s opinion the government should not ask for more.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-01

Summary of letter from T. B. Connery

T. B. Connery suggests that if President Roosevelt let the Papal Delegate know he desired Bishop Spalding’s appointment as archbishop it would be granted.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-12-28