The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-11-01
MUST Be CAUTIOUS
WITH THE SULTAN
Prof. Schurman Talks of the
SuIu Ruler.
AGREEMENT WITH BATES
Thinks if it Were Not for Ignorance
Displayed, the Cry Against Poly
gamy and Slavery Would be
Absolutely Criminal

Washington, October BIN view of the
current discussion of the military agree
ment between General Bates and the sultan
of Sulu, the views of President Schurnlan
of the Philippine commission ON the subject
are interesting. Mr.. Schurnan was one of
the first Americans to visit Jolo, the seat
of Spanish government in the Sulu archt-
pelago, and had an extended interview with
the sultan before the arrival of General
Bates. The arrangement entered into be-
tween General Bates and the sultan was
considerably influenced by this meeting.
Although THE full text of the agreement
with the sultan has not been made public
by 1.-The Washington authorities, It can be
stated THAT 1t practically conforms to the
previous convention existing between the
sultan and the Spanish government.
In this agreement Spain never claimed
anything more than an external protector
ate In the Sulu group tine right to suppress
piracy in it's waters and to prevent the peri
odio migrations of oath-bound Moham-
medians, who went to THE northern islands
under VOW to kill Christians and thus
secure an entrance into paradise.
Professor Schurman said today when
4NSSsASHSN opONt thO piOUdpiO
of polygamy and slavery in the islands af-
ter they came under the American dominion
that this was subject that would have to
be dealt with in the most cautious fashion
to bring an ultimately satisfactory solution.
sit 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 criminal.
In taking over the Sulu group we have &C.
quired 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 or customs of
the islands, and 1t would be most unwise
for us to attempt this by force when it can
be ultimately accomplished by the slower
method of civilization and education.
"The Sulu group proper contains about
100000 inhabitants. They are all Moham-
medans, as are about 10000 of the residents
of Mindianao, directly east.
The attempt to interfere with the relig-
ion of these peoule would precipitate one of
the bloodiest wars in which the country has
ever been engaged. They are a different
race physically and mentally from the resi-
dents of the Visayan islands, powerful men
|. and religious fanatics of the most pro-
nounced type who care nothing for death
and believe that the road to Heaven can be
| attained by killing Christians. Polygamy Is
a part of their religion, and slavery, about
winch SO muCH IS DelIS SHlu just now, Is
| a mild type of feuda1 bondage. 1t has been
suggested indirectly to the sultan that he
| should maintain an American of good
standing as a confidential adviser at his
| court to aid him In the work of material
| development for which the beautiful CROP
| of islands is ready. / believe he will take
| kindly to this suggestion.
81 have been already harshly criticized for
| taking this stand in regard to the Sulu
| islands since I returned to the United
| States, but 1t is my honest belief that what
I have just stated is the truth and that
any attempt to interfere by force in the
Sulu islands at this time will bring on a
bloody and wholly unnecessary war.