The times., 1899-08-19

cebu, Aug fS.-General Bates met the
Sultan of the Sulu or Jolo Islands at Mari
bun on Monday to discuss the new treaty
between him and the United States. Gen
eral Bates had been waiting several weeks.
but was unable TO secure a meeting because
the Sultan objected TO coming to Jolo Fin
ally the Sultan sent his brother to see
General Bates on Saturday and authorized
him TO negotiate a treaty with the Ameri-
cans. This convention contains fifteen ar
ticles, which are based principally on the
Spanish treaties, now in operation through
Spain losing her sovereignty in the archi-
pelag9 The treaty guarantees non-inter-
ference with the religious customs of the
Moros, promises American protection, and
provides for American sovereignty in the
Jolo group.
The Sultan opposed the articles requir-
ing him TO fly the American flag when
aboard and giving the Americans the right
TO occupy convenient points for military
purposes. The negotiations were not con-
cluded on Saturday. so on Monday General
Bates went to Maribun on the cruiser
Charleston. Four American women, who
| happened to be visiting Jolo, accompanied
| General Bates. The Moros regarded this
| as a distinguishing mark of American con-
fidence such visit never having been
made during the Spanish regime.
| The Sultan's palace is fiimsy wood and
bamboo structure within a rickety stone
wall 1t is guarded by q half dozen little
soldiers. The Sultans secretary and TWO
chiefs were present during the interview.
/ General Bates had his staff with him and
a small party of other Americans were also
present The interpreter was friendly
chief.
The draft OF the treaty embodying the
! notifications agreed 10 Saturday was sub
I mitted to the Sultan, who contended stout
ly for the privilege Of flying his own flag
His objection to the occupation of certain
points as military posts disappeared under
I the exclamation that the Americans would
reimburse the owners of the property
/ General Bates agreed 10 the Sutan's word
I ing of the religious liberty article, explain
1 ing however, that the Americans would
punish severely anyone found guilty o.
! false swearing. General Bates expected
that stubborn opposition would be offered
/ TO the article designed 10 end slavery by
! giving slaves the right to buy their free
I dom. The Sultan. however, merely stipu-
! lated that when a slave bought himse it
/ should be at the market price
1 The conference was not finished Monday,
but when General Bates returned 10 the
Charleston q conclusion had been practi-
cally reached on all points except the flag
question The interpreter, who married
the Sultan's sister, said that the Sultan
would surely yield On this point.
The Sultan agreed to resume the con-
! ference en- the Charleston on Tuesday.
The transport which brought this infor-
nation here left Joio on Tuesday morning.
There is small doubt, however of the sue
cessful ending of the negotiations. Gem
eral Bates has been conducting the affair
/ in the most skillful manner. There are
7 two factions of the Moros but both are
friendly to the Americans who travel
about the island freely without being in
< any way molested by the natives. 1t is
not necessary 10 carry arms The chiefs,
Datos. CaIvi, and Jokanine, oppose the
Sultan and say that they will fight within
a month.
General Otis recent order bIockading all
| the islands except the ports of Cebu and
| Iloilo is being enforced. Two gunboats
4 left Cebu today to order all shipping from
the closed ports The situation in this
! island is curious. A 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
1 of assassination which the killing of the
local presidents has made effective. A
small force could destroy the robbers If
/ il were able TO reach their stronghold, but
the country thereabouts Is extremely
rough and most difficult fo- the Ameri-
| cans 20 traverse The great need here as
in other places in the Philippines. is means
| of transportation.