The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-08-19
OUR RULE IN THE SULUS.
GEN. BATES MEETS TIE SULTAN TO
AGREE on A TREATY.

Sultan Objects to Flying Our Flag when
Abroad, but 10 Friendly and Will Un-
doubtedly Conssnt-Other Points Set
tied-Natives Feel Honored By Visit OF
American TRANSFORMATIONS in Cebu.
Special Cable DespatcA 10 TIE SUE.
CEBu. Philippine Islands. Aug. 1s.-aen.
Bates met tho Sultan ofthe Sulu or Jolo Islands
at NAHUM on Monday to discuss the now trea-
ty between him and the United States. Gen.
Bates had been waiting several weeks. but was
unable to secure meeting because the Sultan
objected to going to Jolo. the principal island.
Finally the Sultan sent his brother to see Gen.
Bates on Saturday and authorized him to nego-
tiats treaty with the Americans.
This convention contains fifteen articles.
which are based principally on the Spanish.
treaties. now imperative through spain losing
her sovereignty in tho archipelago. Tho trea-
guarantees nom interference with the religious
customs OF the Moros. promises American pro-
lection. and provides for American sovereignty
In the Jolo group.
him to fly the American flag when abroad. and
giving tho Americans the right to occupy con-
venient points for military purposes The
negotiations we're not conclud cd on Saturday
so on Monday Gen. Bates went to NAHUM on
the cruiser Charleston. Four Am erican women
who happened to be visiting Jolo accompanied
Gen. Bates. The Moros regarded this as q
distinguishing mark OF American confidence.
such a visit never having been made during
the Spanish regime.
The sultan's palace Is lmsy wood and
bamboo structure within a rckety stone wall.
1t is guarded BY half dozen little soldiers.
The Sultan's secretary and two chiefs were
present during the interview. Gen. Bates had
his staff with him and small party Of other
Americans were also present The interpreter
was friendly chief.
The draft OF the treaty. embodyinR the modl-
hcations agreed TO Saturday. was submitted to
the Sultan who contended stoutly for the priv
ilege Of flying his own flag. His objection to
the occupation OF certain points as military
posts disappeared under the explanation that
| the Americans would reimburse the owners Of
the property. Gen. Bates agreed to the Su-
tan's wording OF the religious liberty article.
| explaining. however. that the Americans would
punish severely anyone found guilty OF false
| swearing.
Gen. Bates expected that stubborn opposi-
| ton would be offered to the article designed to
| end slavery by giving slaves the right to buy
| their freedom. The Sultan. however. merely
| stipulated that when a slave bought himeelf 1t
| should be at the market price.
The conference was not finished on Monday.
| but when Gen. Bates returned to the Charles
| ton. conclusion had been practically reached
on all points except the flag question. The In
terpreter. who married the sultan's sister. said
| that tho Sultan would surely yield on this
| point .-' .-. ~
The Sultan agreed TO resume the conference
| on the Charleston on Tuesday. The transport
which brought this Information here left Jolo
Tuesday morning. There IL small doubt. how
ever. OF the successful ending OF the negotia-
tiona. Gen. Bates has been conducting the
| affair In the most skillful manner. There arc
two factions OF the Moros. but both are friendly
| to tho Am orleans. who travel about the Island
freely without being In any way molssted by
the natives. 1t is not necessary to carry arms.
| The chiefs. Datoe Calvi and Jokanine. oppose
| the Sultan and say that they will fight within
month.
| Gen. Ots's recent order blockading all 1.-THE
| island porte except those Of Cebu and Iloilo s
| being enforced. Two gunboats left Cebu to-day
| to order all shipping from the closed ports.
The situation In this island is curious.
| comparatively small band OF malcontents and
brigands are gathered In the mountains within
| sight Of the town and manage to intimidate the
entire native population through threats OF as
sassination. which the killing OF the local presi-
| dent has made effective.
| small force could destry the robbers II 1t
| were able to reach their stronghold. but the
country is extremely rough and most difficult
| for the Americans to traverse. The great
need here. as in other places in the Philip