The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1899-11-02
SLAVERY In SULUS
Recognized In Treaty Between
Mckinley and Sultan.
DISTINCT CLAUSE TO THIS EFFECT.

Another Disgraceful Agreement Per-
mits the Royal Ruler to Continue
His Polygamous Practices = How
Peace Was Purchased In the South
ernmost Group of the Philippines.
The treaty entered into between
His Royal Highness the Sultan Of Sulu,
Hadgi Mohamad Womolol Kiran, ruler
of $4,000 slaves and $4,000 freedmen,
and President William Mckinley OF
the United States. does not recognize
the emancipation proclamation issued
by President Lincoln on Jan. l. 1868,
the United States.
The treaty which permits slavehold-
Ing among the subjects Of President
McKinleys protege and employe was
transmitted by Adjutant General Cor
bin to Secretary Root. 1t has not been
sent to the state department Assist
ant Secretary Of State Hill said that
the document is Of a military rather
than of a diplomatic character, as 1t
was entered into between the army
and the sultan with the consent OF
President Mckinley.
II is even doubtful whether or not
It will be sent to congress TO be for
mally ratified In accordance with the
rule established for the treatment Of
documents affecting the relations Of
the United States with foreign coun-
try and with the Indian tribes.
The state department is arguing
that as matter Of fact the so-called
treaty is not treaty at all. But 1t Is
none the less binding than a solemn
promise and agreement made between
two governments to respect conditions
mutually agreed upon. 1t has been
expressly authorized by President Nc
Kinley, although It Is a fragrant viola
don OF the constitution OF the United
States.
The treaty, or contract, has been
considered at cabinet meeting and
the toloration Of slavery and other
forms OF medieval savagery counte-
nanced BY II apparently meets with
the approval OF not only the president
but all OF his advisers.
II 10 more than probable that the
agreement Will be considered as part
st The military operations OF the Phil
icpin@. A member OF the cabinet
said. in explaining the presidents act
10 agreeing to the recognition OF slav-
cry 10 Suiu. that General Otis was
obliged to accept the conditions prac-
tcaily as ne found them, and made
not treaty, but a contract construct
Cd along the lines Of an agreement be-
tween this government and domestic
Indian tribes.
Slavery has existed in Sulu, he said,
for 800 years. Spain countenanced 1t,
and the Sultan Of Sulu would not agree
10 any treaty not according the same
privileges granted by the Madrid gov
ernment
AS concession, however, he agreed
TO the Incorporation Of an article in
the treaty permitting the slaves to
purchase their freedom for 500 head,
to be paid to him. AS there are about
$4,000 slaves In his domain, the admin
istrhtion processes to hope that he will
be tempted by the opportunity to real
rZ6 large revenue OF nedu money
through slaves taking advantage O.
Presideot McKinley's bcpefcence. But
no provision was incorporated provid-
ing for any tribunal or other means
OF determining when slave could
take advantage Of this privilege.
There is q distinct clause In the
treaty between His Royal Highnesa
the Sultan of Sulu, and President Nc
Kinley, which permits him to practic,
polygamy. This concession is yelled
tn diplomatic metaphor. which oedes
Hadgi Mohamad Womolol Kiran the
right to conduct his court (and Incl
dentally his domestic affairs) with
pretty much the same liberty that he
and his noble ancestors practiced for
two centuries
There ia no mention in the treaty
Of direct financial emolument to the
sultan IN properly maintaining his IL
wives, but one Of the articles OF agree
p,ent stipulates that he shall draw
from the United States treasury "sal-
asy'' equivalent to $4,000 Mexican dol
iars a year, to be paid at the rate OF
600 Awerican dollars month"