Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1899-10-26
Mckinley Stands For Polvg.
amy and Slavery:

Republicans have been hoping that
Mckinley would denounce the treaty
with the Sultan of Sulu. But here are
the facts of that treaty contained in an
authorized interview with President
Schurman of Cornell University, who
negotiated the treaty as member of
the Peace Commission. The United
States is bound by this treaty not to
interfere with either polygamy, slav-
cry or any other peculiar institution of
the Sulu's. Subsidies amounting to
over $500 month are guaranteed to
the Sultan and his subordinate chiefs.
A similar policy of Subsidy and i'm
munity is to be extended to the Moro
chiefs of Mindanao and other islands.
Speaking of the treaty President
Schnrman says:
"Since returning to the United States
l have noticed some criticism of the
fact that slavery is permitted to con
tinue in the Sulu group. Surely no
one acquainted with the conditions
could criticise this. Slavery lisa recog-.
nized institution in the Sulus. If we
attempt to take it away there is no
telling what might happen. Certainly
it would be to our disadvantage.
long as peace is maintained we will be
wise to let we'll enough alone.
I'VE cannot afford to interfere with
their religion and their ancient prac-
tices so long as they do not conflict
with American authority and govern
ment in the islands," Z
This statement of President Schur.
mans was made after series of long
consultations with the president in
Washington last week. 1t must neces-
sarilyaccord with the views of the
president. How do theseviews- strike
the hundreds of thousands of Union
veterans who fought and bled for
years that slavery might cease under
the American flag? 49,
How does it accord with the views
IF anyone who thinks thai Arii..la IL
OF the Constitution is not q dead
letter? "Neither slavery or involun-
tary servitnde, except as punishment
for crime whereof the party shall have
been duly convicted, shall exist within
the United States, or any place subject
to their jurisdiction"
On authorizing that treaty with the
Sultan of Sulu, President Mckinley
violated his oath of office, wherein he
swore to defend and uphold the Con.
stitution and laws of the United
States. When he asks "who will haul
down the flag? ?" some Nathan shonld
arise and say to him with outstretrhed
finger
Thou art the man"
What strange inconsistency. Our
title to the Philippines derived from
Spain, is as unjust and Ill. founded as
though we accepted title to the
Transvaal from Great Britain, or as
though France had taken title TO the
the American Colonies when they
were struggling for independence
from the same country. But waving
that, the Filipino leaders through
authorized and duly appointed diplo-
matte representatives, offered to &C.
cept an American protectorate, sur.
rendering to the Uinited States control
OF their foreign relations with every
guarantee of peaceful and stable
government in case the United States
would guarantee in return Home Rule
for the Philippines in the manage.
ment of their domestic government
and affairs. This offer made in Wash.
ington was deliberately ignored last
winter by Mckinley and the Filipino
ENJOYS were warned to leave the
United States. The same offers we're
rejected by Otis, who arrogantly de.
manded unconditional surrender
coupled with ithe surrender of arms
ammunition 4hd all military supplies.
Had the civilized and christian Fill
plnos been conceded one half of what
Mckinley had voluntarily offered and
guaranteed thasavage Sulus this des-
tructive and Hopeless war would have
never been begun.
Letter list for the week ending 1c,