IX.A LITTLE GAME.“I am very glad to meet you as a citizen, but of course it is against the policy of my country to receive you as an envoy from the Pope.”“Very well, Judge Daft, we shall not quarrel over a little thing like that.”It was the Jesuit talking to the new American governor. He had no intention of abandoning his purpose, but he meant to approach it by indirection. He knew something of diplomacy himself, and so devoted a few minutes to casual conversation. He was by nature and practice an expert in the recounting of stories, having found that an art which won where no other art was honored, and the two passed a pleasant half hour together. Finally, as Rodriguez Violeta, the Jesuit father, arose to take his departure, he said:“If I speak purely as an individual, I presume you will not object to myaskingthat you treat us fairly relative to churches and church lands.”“By no means. I have no objection to telling you that I desire to treat you fairly in these and all other matters.”“Perhaps you would not object, then, to issuing an order that, until the matter can be settled in the courts, the possession of churches is to be secured to the party in possession, whether that party be the Roman Catholic church or the Filipino Catholic church. This seems to me to be fair, and I believe is in accordance with American jurisprudence.”“I shall be glad to issue an order of that nature to the soldiers in the Philippines. Anything that is mutually justwill be granted you; and, while I can not receive you as envoy of the Pope, I shall take pleasure in hearing your recommendations as an individual of experience who is capable of understanding your people and presenting your side of the controversy in a fair and liberal way.”“If I can be of any service to you, it will afford me pleasure to be commanded by you. I do believe, however, that the holy father, the Pope, has a plan which would save you very much trouble. I wish you would permit me to present it—as an individual.”“You are at perfect liberty to do that. Be seated and I will hear you.”The Jesuitre-seatedhimself. The camel’s nose had found entrance, and the rest of the body was about to follow.“The Spanish friars are at the bottom of all the trouble in the Philippines. The Aglipayan schism camebecauseof them, and the many revolts that have disturbed the islands for the past three centuries have been because the people wanted native rather than Spanish priests. Now Leo, who has always been friendly to America and Americans, is desirous of removing the Spanish friars from the Philippines.”Judge Daft leaned forward, evidently interested. “This concerns me greatly,” he said. “Outline to me the plan more fully.”The Jesuit ignored the request. Instead of answering him directly, he observed: “This would greatly simplify matters and make your problem sensibly easier of solution.”“I am conscious of that,” asserted the Judge, betraying eagerness, a weakness which revealed that he was being beaten in diplomacy.“America can easily handle the Spanish army. Yourfuture problems will lie with pacifying the natives and adjudicating the conflicting claim of the two churches.”“You understand the situation just as it presents itself to me.”“You have splendid opportunities here.”“You mean, to make a fool of myself?” laughed Judge Daft.“That is an opportunity that knocks often at every man’s door. But I was not thinking of that. I was merely musing—speaking aloud the thing I thought—and a man never ought to do that.”“Sometimes I think he never ought to speak aloud anything else than his undisguised thoughts. I shall insist on hearing this novel thing, the undisguised thought of a Jesuit.”“I meant, opportunity to make yourself a reputation that shall lead to future political power. Who knows but that the presidency of the United States lies along this path?”“I am not ambitious.”“I understand that; indeed, I was not thinking so much of you as an individual as of you in your position. I was musing, you know. We Jesuits naturally look into the political possibilities of things, and I am astonished at the possibilities I see before you.”“War generally brings a warrior to the front. The people take pleasure in preferring their military heroes.”“That is very true. I perceive you are an astute politician. Because you are so far-sighted, you cannot fail to realize that if you are enabled to satisfactorily settle a dispute that has been raging for three centuries, and give America the Philippines to exploit, you will have distinguished yourself in a way that is sure to bring reward. Perhaps not at once. The military hero may come first, while your reputationis in process of building; but if you succeed, your time will come.”“The people are very forgetful.”“But men of affairs are not, and they are the folks who count. The substantial business men, who see the advantages that accrue to them because of these things, will remember; and the holy church never forgets. We alone poll two million votes in America now. But, remember, I am only musing. I am asking nothing. I shall report, however, the kindness you have shown me, which will, I feel sure, help to make your task easier.”“For your suggestions I thank you. You shall be welcome whenever you choose to call—in your individual capacity.”“You are a sly dog, Judge. I confess myself completely out-generaled in diplomacy, and have dropped it. Hereafter I wish to be known only as your friend. In the language of the Spaniards,buenas noches, amizo mio.”Never more of a diplomat than when he was claiming to have abandoned diplomacy, the priest took his departure, knowing that he had left thoughts that would cling and bear fruit. He understood that, though the Judge might have been able to handle the simple-minded Saguanaldo by his diplomacy, every good has its better and he had been bested without realizing it. It is the true test of wit that cuts so smoothly one does not know of his wound at the timeitis given.The Jesuit sought Bishop Lonzello and spoke imperiously and exultantly:“I am to have an order from the American governor that the soldiers are to protect in possession either side of the controversy that may have possession of churches and convents. You want to summon all you can command and seize at nighton all these buildings that you can. You haven’t half of them now, and by this means you may secure practically all of them. And the American army is pledged to maintain you in possession of them, once you are in charge. There is no time for delay.”Lonzello was not a man who needed to have explained to him the advantage this gave the friars. He sprang up, before the Jesuit was through speaking, and began preparing to go on the street and set his machinery in motion.“You will not find me sleeping,” he said.The Jesuit leered: “Am I to confess that young woman as my reward?”Lonzello opened the door and showed him from the room, kicking at him as he passed. Once the Jesuit was outside, however, he said:“I will send the girl to the cathedral at ten o’clock tomorrow.”Then he closed the door.
IX.A LITTLE GAME.“I am very glad to meet you as a citizen, but of course it is against the policy of my country to receive you as an envoy from the Pope.”“Very well, Judge Daft, we shall not quarrel over a little thing like that.”It was the Jesuit talking to the new American governor. He had no intention of abandoning his purpose, but he meant to approach it by indirection. He knew something of diplomacy himself, and so devoted a few minutes to casual conversation. He was by nature and practice an expert in the recounting of stories, having found that an art which won where no other art was honored, and the two passed a pleasant half hour together. Finally, as Rodriguez Violeta, the Jesuit father, arose to take his departure, he said:“If I speak purely as an individual, I presume you will not object to myaskingthat you treat us fairly relative to churches and church lands.”“By no means. I have no objection to telling you that I desire to treat you fairly in these and all other matters.”“Perhaps you would not object, then, to issuing an order that, until the matter can be settled in the courts, the possession of churches is to be secured to the party in possession, whether that party be the Roman Catholic church or the Filipino Catholic church. This seems to me to be fair, and I believe is in accordance with American jurisprudence.”“I shall be glad to issue an order of that nature to the soldiers in the Philippines. Anything that is mutually justwill be granted you; and, while I can not receive you as envoy of the Pope, I shall take pleasure in hearing your recommendations as an individual of experience who is capable of understanding your people and presenting your side of the controversy in a fair and liberal way.”“If I can be of any service to you, it will afford me pleasure to be commanded by you. I do believe, however, that the holy father, the Pope, has a plan which would save you very much trouble. I wish you would permit me to present it—as an individual.”“You are at perfect liberty to do that. Be seated and I will hear you.”The Jesuitre-seatedhimself. The camel’s nose had found entrance, and the rest of the body was about to follow.“The Spanish friars are at the bottom of all the trouble in the Philippines. The Aglipayan schism camebecauseof them, and the many revolts that have disturbed the islands for the past three centuries have been because the people wanted native rather than Spanish priests. Now Leo, who has always been friendly to America and Americans, is desirous of removing the Spanish friars from the Philippines.”Judge Daft leaned forward, evidently interested. “This concerns me greatly,” he said. “Outline to me the plan more fully.”The Jesuit ignored the request. Instead of answering him directly, he observed: “This would greatly simplify matters and make your problem sensibly easier of solution.”“I am conscious of that,” asserted the Judge, betraying eagerness, a weakness which revealed that he was being beaten in diplomacy.“America can easily handle the Spanish army. Yourfuture problems will lie with pacifying the natives and adjudicating the conflicting claim of the two churches.”“You understand the situation just as it presents itself to me.”“You have splendid opportunities here.”“You mean, to make a fool of myself?” laughed Judge Daft.“That is an opportunity that knocks often at every man’s door. But I was not thinking of that. I was merely musing—speaking aloud the thing I thought—and a man never ought to do that.”“Sometimes I think he never ought to speak aloud anything else than his undisguised thoughts. I shall insist on hearing this novel thing, the undisguised thought of a Jesuit.”“I meant, opportunity to make yourself a reputation that shall lead to future political power. Who knows but that the presidency of the United States lies along this path?”“I am not ambitious.”“I understand that; indeed, I was not thinking so much of you as an individual as of you in your position. I was musing, you know. We Jesuits naturally look into the political possibilities of things, and I am astonished at the possibilities I see before you.”“War generally brings a warrior to the front. The people take pleasure in preferring their military heroes.”“That is very true. I perceive you are an astute politician. Because you are so far-sighted, you cannot fail to realize that if you are enabled to satisfactorily settle a dispute that has been raging for three centuries, and give America the Philippines to exploit, you will have distinguished yourself in a way that is sure to bring reward. Perhaps not at once. The military hero may come first, while your reputationis in process of building; but if you succeed, your time will come.”“The people are very forgetful.”“But men of affairs are not, and they are the folks who count. The substantial business men, who see the advantages that accrue to them because of these things, will remember; and the holy church never forgets. We alone poll two million votes in America now. But, remember, I am only musing. I am asking nothing. I shall report, however, the kindness you have shown me, which will, I feel sure, help to make your task easier.”“For your suggestions I thank you. You shall be welcome whenever you choose to call—in your individual capacity.”“You are a sly dog, Judge. I confess myself completely out-generaled in diplomacy, and have dropped it. Hereafter I wish to be known only as your friend. In the language of the Spaniards,buenas noches, amizo mio.”Never more of a diplomat than when he was claiming to have abandoned diplomacy, the priest took his departure, knowing that he had left thoughts that would cling and bear fruit. He understood that, though the Judge might have been able to handle the simple-minded Saguanaldo by his diplomacy, every good has its better and he had been bested without realizing it. It is the true test of wit that cuts so smoothly one does not know of his wound at the timeitis given.The Jesuit sought Bishop Lonzello and spoke imperiously and exultantly:“I am to have an order from the American governor that the soldiers are to protect in possession either side of the controversy that may have possession of churches and convents. You want to summon all you can command and seize at nighton all these buildings that you can. You haven’t half of them now, and by this means you may secure practically all of them. And the American army is pledged to maintain you in possession of them, once you are in charge. There is no time for delay.”Lonzello was not a man who needed to have explained to him the advantage this gave the friars. He sprang up, before the Jesuit was through speaking, and began preparing to go on the street and set his machinery in motion.“You will not find me sleeping,” he said.The Jesuit leered: “Am I to confess that young woman as my reward?”Lonzello opened the door and showed him from the room, kicking at him as he passed. Once the Jesuit was outside, however, he said:“I will send the girl to the cathedral at ten o’clock tomorrow.”Then he closed the door.
IX.A LITTLE GAME.
“I am very glad to meet you as a citizen, but of course it is against the policy of my country to receive you as an envoy from the Pope.”“Very well, Judge Daft, we shall not quarrel over a little thing like that.”It was the Jesuit talking to the new American governor. He had no intention of abandoning his purpose, but he meant to approach it by indirection. He knew something of diplomacy himself, and so devoted a few minutes to casual conversation. He was by nature and practice an expert in the recounting of stories, having found that an art which won where no other art was honored, and the two passed a pleasant half hour together. Finally, as Rodriguez Violeta, the Jesuit father, arose to take his departure, he said:“If I speak purely as an individual, I presume you will not object to myaskingthat you treat us fairly relative to churches and church lands.”“By no means. I have no objection to telling you that I desire to treat you fairly in these and all other matters.”“Perhaps you would not object, then, to issuing an order that, until the matter can be settled in the courts, the possession of churches is to be secured to the party in possession, whether that party be the Roman Catholic church or the Filipino Catholic church. This seems to me to be fair, and I believe is in accordance with American jurisprudence.”“I shall be glad to issue an order of that nature to the soldiers in the Philippines. Anything that is mutually justwill be granted you; and, while I can not receive you as envoy of the Pope, I shall take pleasure in hearing your recommendations as an individual of experience who is capable of understanding your people and presenting your side of the controversy in a fair and liberal way.”“If I can be of any service to you, it will afford me pleasure to be commanded by you. I do believe, however, that the holy father, the Pope, has a plan which would save you very much trouble. I wish you would permit me to present it—as an individual.”“You are at perfect liberty to do that. Be seated and I will hear you.”The Jesuitre-seatedhimself. The camel’s nose had found entrance, and the rest of the body was about to follow.“The Spanish friars are at the bottom of all the trouble in the Philippines. The Aglipayan schism camebecauseof them, and the many revolts that have disturbed the islands for the past three centuries have been because the people wanted native rather than Spanish priests. Now Leo, who has always been friendly to America and Americans, is desirous of removing the Spanish friars from the Philippines.”Judge Daft leaned forward, evidently interested. “This concerns me greatly,” he said. “Outline to me the plan more fully.”The Jesuit ignored the request. Instead of answering him directly, he observed: “This would greatly simplify matters and make your problem sensibly easier of solution.”“I am conscious of that,” asserted the Judge, betraying eagerness, a weakness which revealed that he was being beaten in diplomacy.“America can easily handle the Spanish army. Yourfuture problems will lie with pacifying the natives and adjudicating the conflicting claim of the two churches.”“You understand the situation just as it presents itself to me.”“You have splendid opportunities here.”“You mean, to make a fool of myself?” laughed Judge Daft.“That is an opportunity that knocks often at every man’s door. But I was not thinking of that. I was merely musing—speaking aloud the thing I thought—and a man never ought to do that.”“Sometimes I think he never ought to speak aloud anything else than his undisguised thoughts. I shall insist on hearing this novel thing, the undisguised thought of a Jesuit.”“I meant, opportunity to make yourself a reputation that shall lead to future political power. Who knows but that the presidency of the United States lies along this path?”“I am not ambitious.”“I understand that; indeed, I was not thinking so much of you as an individual as of you in your position. I was musing, you know. We Jesuits naturally look into the political possibilities of things, and I am astonished at the possibilities I see before you.”“War generally brings a warrior to the front. The people take pleasure in preferring their military heroes.”“That is very true. I perceive you are an astute politician. Because you are so far-sighted, you cannot fail to realize that if you are enabled to satisfactorily settle a dispute that has been raging for three centuries, and give America the Philippines to exploit, you will have distinguished yourself in a way that is sure to bring reward. Perhaps not at once. The military hero may come first, while your reputationis in process of building; but if you succeed, your time will come.”“The people are very forgetful.”“But men of affairs are not, and they are the folks who count. The substantial business men, who see the advantages that accrue to them because of these things, will remember; and the holy church never forgets. We alone poll two million votes in America now. But, remember, I am only musing. I am asking nothing. I shall report, however, the kindness you have shown me, which will, I feel sure, help to make your task easier.”“For your suggestions I thank you. You shall be welcome whenever you choose to call—in your individual capacity.”“You are a sly dog, Judge. I confess myself completely out-generaled in diplomacy, and have dropped it. Hereafter I wish to be known only as your friend. In the language of the Spaniards,buenas noches, amizo mio.”Never more of a diplomat than when he was claiming to have abandoned diplomacy, the priest took his departure, knowing that he had left thoughts that would cling and bear fruit. He understood that, though the Judge might have been able to handle the simple-minded Saguanaldo by his diplomacy, every good has its better and he had been bested without realizing it. It is the true test of wit that cuts so smoothly one does not know of his wound at the timeitis given.The Jesuit sought Bishop Lonzello and spoke imperiously and exultantly:“I am to have an order from the American governor that the soldiers are to protect in possession either side of the controversy that may have possession of churches and convents. You want to summon all you can command and seize at nighton all these buildings that you can. You haven’t half of them now, and by this means you may secure practically all of them. And the American army is pledged to maintain you in possession of them, once you are in charge. There is no time for delay.”Lonzello was not a man who needed to have explained to him the advantage this gave the friars. He sprang up, before the Jesuit was through speaking, and began preparing to go on the street and set his machinery in motion.“You will not find me sleeping,” he said.The Jesuit leered: “Am I to confess that young woman as my reward?”Lonzello opened the door and showed him from the room, kicking at him as he passed. Once the Jesuit was outside, however, he said:“I will send the girl to the cathedral at ten o’clock tomorrow.”Then he closed the door.
“I am very glad to meet you as a citizen, but of course it is against the policy of my country to receive you as an envoy from the Pope.”
“Very well, Judge Daft, we shall not quarrel over a little thing like that.”
It was the Jesuit talking to the new American governor. He had no intention of abandoning his purpose, but he meant to approach it by indirection. He knew something of diplomacy himself, and so devoted a few minutes to casual conversation. He was by nature and practice an expert in the recounting of stories, having found that an art which won where no other art was honored, and the two passed a pleasant half hour together. Finally, as Rodriguez Violeta, the Jesuit father, arose to take his departure, he said:
“If I speak purely as an individual, I presume you will not object to myaskingthat you treat us fairly relative to churches and church lands.”
“By no means. I have no objection to telling you that I desire to treat you fairly in these and all other matters.”
“Perhaps you would not object, then, to issuing an order that, until the matter can be settled in the courts, the possession of churches is to be secured to the party in possession, whether that party be the Roman Catholic church or the Filipino Catholic church. This seems to me to be fair, and I believe is in accordance with American jurisprudence.”
“I shall be glad to issue an order of that nature to the soldiers in the Philippines. Anything that is mutually justwill be granted you; and, while I can not receive you as envoy of the Pope, I shall take pleasure in hearing your recommendations as an individual of experience who is capable of understanding your people and presenting your side of the controversy in a fair and liberal way.”
“If I can be of any service to you, it will afford me pleasure to be commanded by you. I do believe, however, that the holy father, the Pope, has a plan which would save you very much trouble. I wish you would permit me to present it—as an individual.”
“You are at perfect liberty to do that. Be seated and I will hear you.”
The Jesuitre-seatedhimself. The camel’s nose had found entrance, and the rest of the body was about to follow.
“The Spanish friars are at the bottom of all the trouble in the Philippines. The Aglipayan schism camebecauseof them, and the many revolts that have disturbed the islands for the past three centuries have been because the people wanted native rather than Spanish priests. Now Leo, who has always been friendly to America and Americans, is desirous of removing the Spanish friars from the Philippines.”
Judge Daft leaned forward, evidently interested. “This concerns me greatly,” he said. “Outline to me the plan more fully.”
The Jesuit ignored the request. Instead of answering him directly, he observed: “This would greatly simplify matters and make your problem sensibly easier of solution.”
“I am conscious of that,” asserted the Judge, betraying eagerness, a weakness which revealed that he was being beaten in diplomacy.
“America can easily handle the Spanish army. Yourfuture problems will lie with pacifying the natives and adjudicating the conflicting claim of the two churches.”
“You understand the situation just as it presents itself to me.”
“You have splendid opportunities here.”
“You mean, to make a fool of myself?” laughed Judge Daft.
“That is an opportunity that knocks often at every man’s door. But I was not thinking of that. I was merely musing—speaking aloud the thing I thought—and a man never ought to do that.”
“Sometimes I think he never ought to speak aloud anything else than his undisguised thoughts. I shall insist on hearing this novel thing, the undisguised thought of a Jesuit.”
“I meant, opportunity to make yourself a reputation that shall lead to future political power. Who knows but that the presidency of the United States lies along this path?”
“I am not ambitious.”
“I understand that; indeed, I was not thinking so much of you as an individual as of you in your position. I was musing, you know. We Jesuits naturally look into the political possibilities of things, and I am astonished at the possibilities I see before you.”
“War generally brings a warrior to the front. The people take pleasure in preferring their military heroes.”
“That is very true. I perceive you are an astute politician. Because you are so far-sighted, you cannot fail to realize that if you are enabled to satisfactorily settle a dispute that has been raging for three centuries, and give America the Philippines to exploit, you will have distinguished yourself in a way that is sure to bring reward. Perhaps not at once. The military hero may come first, while your reputationis in process of building; but if you succeed, your time will come.”
“The people are very forgetful.”
“But men of affairs are not, and they are the folks who count. The substantial business men, who see the advantages that accrue to them because of these things, will remember; and the holy church never forgets. We alone poll two million votes in America now. But, remember, I am only musing. I am asking nothing. I shall report, however, the kindness you have shown me, which will, I feel sure, help to make your task easier.”
“For your suggestions I thank you. You shall be welcome whenever you choose to call—in your individual capacity.”
“You are a sly dog, Judge. I confess myself completely out-generaled in diplomacy, and have dropped it. Hereafter I wish to be known only as your friend. In the language of the Spaniards,buenas noches, amizo mio.”
Never more of a diplomat than when he was claiming to have abandoned diplomacy, the priest took his departure, knowing that he had left thoughts that would cling and bear fruit. He understood that, though the Judge might have been able to handle the simple-minded Saguanaldo by his diplomacy, every good has its better and he had been bested without realizing it. It is the true test of wit that cuts so smoothly one does not know of his wound at the timeitis given.
The Jesuit sought Bishop Lonzello and spoke imperiously and exultantly:
“I am to have an order from the American governor that the soldiers are to protect in possession either side of the controversy that may have possession of churches and convents. You want to summon all you can command and seize at nighton all these buildings that you can. You haven’t half of them now, and by this means you may secure practically all of them. And the American army is pledged to maintain you in possession of them, once you are in charge. There is no time for delay.”
Lonzello was not a man who needed to have explained to him the advantage this gave the friars. He sprang up, before the Jesuit was through speaking, and began preparing to go on the street and set his machinery in motion.
“You will not find me sleeping,” he said.
The Jesuit leered: “Am I to confess that young woman as my reward?”
Lonzello opened the door and showed him from the room, kicking at him as he passed. Once the Jesuit was outside, however, he said:
“I will send the girl to the cathedral at ten o’clock tomorrow.”
Then he closed the door.