Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 13.pdf/373

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338
The Green Bag.

have several claims for indemnification for damages to their convents, and for rent for the use of the same by the United States for the vise of the troops. The Cathedral of Manila was used as a prison for Spanish prisoners of war, for the rental of which the Archbishop submitted a bill of $2,000 month, and for $3,000 for damages to the interior during the time the edifice was so used. The question constituting the real issue as to the real ownership of the property, it being de nied that some of the buildings are owned by the Friars, the denial proceeding mainly from the natives, who entertain a deep-seated hostility to the religious brotherhoods. Whether such sentiment is well founded is a matter of doubt. Thus far when called upon to produce proofs to sustain their position as intervenors they have signally failed. The question, however, of the title to the real es tate holdings of the Friars will probably re ceive future adjudication and may prove one of the most perplexing questions to be de termined by the Filipino Commission. During its sessions various cases of mis cellaneous character have come before the Board. A distillery, burned at Malolos, for

which the chino owner wants indemnity to the amount of about $100,000. A claim by an English mill owner for loss of time and services of two employees, one killed, the other wounded by American soldiers at the time of the Tondo fire. A claim by the wounded man for personal injuries. Of the widow of a third employee of the mill, killed at the same time and in the same manner, for loss of support of herself and children through the death of the husband and father. Various claims for loss of household effects. A very small percentage of the claims pre sented are recommended to pass by the Board, whose recommendation is almost in variably followed by the Military Governor. Those allowed are paid from the Insular treasury. Those disallowed may ultimately be brought before Congress or a special com mission authorized by Congress, but prob ably the great mass of Filipino claims being comparatively small in amount will remain as determined by the military government of the Islands. As to the others it seems clear that no cause of action lies against the United States.