Philippines

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

Letter from Luke E. Wright to Juan Cailles

The Municipal Council of Lilio has levied a tax on the ringing of church bells. Such a tax is in excess of their municipal authority as there is no law against the ringing of church bells in the municipal code. The Municipal Council of Lilio should be informed as soon as possible.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-14

Letter from William Michael Byrne to George B. Cortelyou

William Michael Byrne believes that President Roosevelt’s associates should avoid publicly discussing the Philippine issue until Roosevelt speaks on the matter.

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

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

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 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

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

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 Henry Cabot Lodge to Theodore Roosevelt

Senator Lodge writes President Roosevelt regarding Oliver Wendell Holmes’s possible appointment to the Supreme Court. Lodge will meet with Holmes to determine whether he fully supports the President’s position, before sending him to meet with Roosevelt. Lodge does not like the looks of things in Wisconsin, but believes things are going well elsewhere. He will go on the Committee of Resolutions to make sure “the Philippines, Cuba & you are properly sustained.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-19

Letter from Elihu Root to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of War Root offers his thoughts on mollifying American Catholics with regard to the friars question in the Philippines.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-19

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

Letter from George Frisbie Hoar to Theodore Roosevelt

Senator Hoar speaks of the need for the United States to pursue an enlightened policy with regard to the Pacific and Latin America, and supports President Roosevelt’s position in favor of eventual independence for the Philippines.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-06-27

The Pacific cable

Americans will be generally pleased with the Pacific cable project which will only land on American possessions and primarily serve the United States government. However, there are issues with foreign companies controlling monopolies on cable service in the Philippines and along the Chinese coast.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-26

Letter from Adna Romanza Chaffee to Henry Clark Corbin

General Chaffee, military governor of the Philippines, reports to General Henry Clark Corbin, adjutant general of the U.S. Army, regarding military movements ordered by Corbin. A number of troops are being sent home, leaving a little less than 20,000 in the Philippines. Of those who remain, as many as possible will be quartered near Manila, and a prison is being established on Maligi Island. Chaffee expects to receive the proceedings of the Gardener Board (called to investigate allegations of atrocities committed by American troops in the Philippines), and will forward them as soon as possible.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-01

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 Frank H. Bowen to Division Superintendents

Acting General Superintendent Bowen forwards a request from Bernard Moses, Secretary of Public Instruction, for information regarding night schools and their enrollment. Bowen details the method by which these forms should be filled out.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-07

Telegram from Frank H. Bowen

Acting General Superintendent Bowen requests information regarding schools and teachers in the Philippines.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-08

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 Henry C. Ide to Elihu Root

Henry C. Ide is returning to work for the Philippine Commission after an illness. The Commission has been very successful and almost every corner of the Philippines, excluding Moro country, will soon be under civil government.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-06-17