Show PHILIPPINE SCHOOL BILL Arguments Made Before the Taft Commission Manila Jan 1The arguments on the section of the school bill allowing religious teachings In schools were continued con-tinued today Interest centers In the section permitting priests and ministers minis-ters to teach religion for half an hour I three times weekly outside of school I I hours provided the parents express a written desire for such instruction and prohibiting teachers from conducting religious exercises The directors of the Federal party were represented by a committee who although Catholics argued strongly In favor of the elimination the section They declared that the use of tho schoolhouses for religious purposes la contrary to the United States Constitution Consti-tution and also the platforms of the I American parties and the Philippine Federal part and is certain to cause discord Jud e Taft said the attitude of the United States Philippine commission asa as-a legislative power was one of absolute indifference between Catholics Protestants Pro-testants or Mohammedan religions The Commissioners ho added endeavored en-deavored to frame the act so that the peoples prejudices would assist Instead of retard its success Dr Burgos urged the commission to consider the advantages it would give Catholicism on account of the churchs overwhelming preponderance Judge Taft explained that this legislation legis-lation was experimental If it became the instrument of ecclesiastical opposition oppo-sition it would be repealed Dr Burgos replied that It ought to bo repealed now The Filipinos ho said had had enough of the results of religious instruction in the schools Judge Taft contended that it was impossible Im-possible to Judge of the new system at haphazard 01 by the remits another I system He believed things would be accomplished under the present which former regime were Impossible under the gime He asked whether it was not Impolitic Im-politic to take action which would unnecessarily shock the feelings of the Catholic people The doctor replied that It was better to eliminate now a section which was certain to lead to difficulties Commissioner Henry C Ide asked which course would satisfy the greater number oC people Dr Burgos In reply quoted the Malolos congress and Federal party in favor of the separation of church and state |