Omaha daily bee., 1899-11-01
SCHURMAN ON SULU TREATY
First American to Visit Julo, Seat Of Gov
eminent in the Archipelago.
HOLDS AN INTERVIEW WITH SULTAN
Military Agreement Between General
hates and the sultan is Nothing
More Than an External Pro-
tectoratc over Islands.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3l--In view OF the
current discussion OF the military agree
ment between General Bates and the sultan
of Sulu the report OF Mr.. Schurman on this
subject is interesting. Mr.. Schurman was
the first American to visit Jolo, the seat
of Spanish government in the Sulu archipel-
ago, and had an extended interview with
the sultan before the arrival of General
Bates. The arrangement entered into be-
tween the sultan and General Bates was
considerably influenced by this visit AL
though the full text Of the agreement with
the sultan was not made public by the
Washington authorities 1t may be said 1t
practically conforms to the convention pre-
viously existing between the sultan and
| Spain.
In this agreement Spain never claimed
anything more than an external protectorate
| in the Sulu group, the right to suppress
| piracy in its waters and to prevent periodic
| migrations OF oath bound Mohammedans,
who went to the northern islands under a
vow to kill Christians and thus secure an
entrance into paradise.
| Prof. Schurman said today, when ques-
| toned about the probable continuance OF
polygamy and slavery in the islands after
they came under American dominion, that
this was a question that would have to be
| dealt with carefully to bring about salts
factory solution.
at seems to me-" said he, that were 1t
not for the ignorance displayed the present
hue and cry about polygamy and slavery
in these islands would be absolutely Grim
inal. In taking charge of the Sulu group
we have acquired no rights of any sort
there except those bequeathed us by Spain
She was bound by her agreement with the
sultan not to interfere with the religion OIL
customs OF the island and it would be very
unwse for us to attempt this by force
when it can be ultimately accomplished by
the slower method of civilization and edu
cation. The Sulu group proper contain:
about 100000 inhabitants. They are all Mo.
hammedans, as are about 100000 OF the resi-
dents of Mindanao, directly east.
Would Precipitnte bloody War.
"To attempt to interfere with the religion
Of these people would precipitate one of thu
bloodiest wars in which this country hal
ever been engaged.
"They are a different race, physically ant
mentally, from the residents of the Vsayal
isles, powerful men and religious fanatic
of the most pronounced type who care moth
ing for death and believe that the road t,
heaven can be attained by killing Christians
Polygamy is part of their religion an
, slavery, ABOUT WHICH 30 muCQ is DelnS Salu
just now Is a mild type of feudal bondage.
THE sultan believes from what he ha
seen OF Americans that they are ready to b
friendly and deal bplsFtlv with him Ou
soldiers and officers travel into the interio
of Jolo with perfect impunity where Span
ards have never dared to get foot 1t ha
been suggested directly to the sultan tha
he should maintain an American of goo
standing as a confidential adviser at hi
court, to advise him as to material in
provement, which is bound to con,
when they are thrown into touch with tn
civilized world. believe he will take kindl
, to this suggestion and the leaven of civiliza
tion introduced in this way will ultimatel
do the work which armed interference wit
immemorial religious customs would neve
. accomplish
1--WE have before us the case OF Englan
:, in her various possessions and of the Dutc
in Java, where a remarkable work of civ
I lization and progress has been accomplishe,
h We should take a leaf out of their bool
which shows us that semi i-barbarous peopl
: can be frequently led where they cannot
y driven.
e ~ have been harshly criticised for takin
:, this stand in regard to the Sulu islands sinc
y I returned, but 1t is my serious belief thi
n what I have just stated is the truth an
: that any attempt to interfere by force
= the Sulu islands at this time will bring Q
a bloody and wholly unnecessary war;"