The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-10-15
ranged themselves in a semi-circle about

OUR TREATY WITH THE SULTAN.
eve lost no time In getting down to
business. The sultan was told that the
American government wanted peace with
the Sulus, and he In turn said he want
ed peace with the Americans He said he
was glad that Spain had been dislodged.
and he hoped that the new master would
be more kind and charitable to the Sulus
than Spain had been.
II told him that we were anxious to
have the treaty existing between him
self and Spain continued and he SEEM
ed willing that it should be continued,
adding that he desired a few minor
changes. He was specially anxious that
the Sulus should hfste free port of en-
try, and also that his salary or bonus
should be continued.
1.-The salary, which I believe amounts
to less than $4,000 per annum, was agreed
to, but he was told that l was without
power to grant his free-port request. This
seemed to perturb him bit, and he turn
ed appealingly to his advisers.
They deliberated for few moments.
and the Interpreter said the Sultan would
withdraw this request If certain other
minor concessions could be acceded to.
noticed particularly that he was jealous
of his personal interests, and during the
whole course Of our interview 1t was evil
dent that he was trying to drive sharp
bargain.
"After a brief Interchange of views it
was agreed that the old Spanish treaty,
with few notifications, should be con-
tinued. Having completed our official
talk, the Sultan invited us to join him
in frugal luncheon. Chocolate and cake
were served, and We partook generously
Of his hospitality
II noticed" continued Mr.. Schurman,
that the Sultan leaned very heavily
upon his cabinet, or advisers He appear
ed to have great confidence in them, and
was eager for their approval before con-
senting to any Of my propositions.
HIS WIVES NOT BEAUTIFUL.
''The advisers were all heavily armed.
each wearing a creese and long sword
or dagger at his side. The captain, the
interpreter and myself were without
weapons of any description although the
former suggested that he be permitted
to carry his sword This I did not think
advisable. and so 1 told him.
II have been asked since my return If I
did not experience uneasiness when con-
fronted by all these heavily armed SuIus.
and have always said that felt perfectly
safe. We were mission of peace
not of war, and had no fear of personal
injury.
Mr.. schurman was asked if he saw the
sultan's wives. He replied smilingiy:
mo, L did not They didn't appear to
be In the palace al the time of our visi,
or If they were there they had eviden ly
secreted themselves. / understood how
ever. that the sultan had twelve wives.
This is customary with one of his rank"
Mr.. Schurman and he saw some of the
young women of the Sulu tribe, but he
.,4i,
In fact, he didn't even mention the word
beautiful when referring to them
Speaking further of the sultan's per-
sonal appearance, Mr.. Schurman said:
1t was evident that the sultan has a.
taste for jewels, Judging from the fact
that he carried on the middle finger Of
his right hand one of the largest dia-
monds l have ever seen.
This stone was indeed a gem of rare
value, and 1 must say that the sultan
wore 1t gracefully. He also decorated
his left hand with large pearl, one Of
the largest have ever seen. L under
stand it Is the custom for all valuable
stones or jewels found in the islands to
be turned over to the crown and from
this fact l infer that the diamond and
the pearl were presents from some ad-
Mining subjects.
SULU SLAVERY
'Since returning to the United States
l have noticed some criticism of the fact
that slavery is permitted to continue in
the Sulu group.
Surely no one acquainted with the
conditions could criticise this. Slavery
Is a recognized institution in the Sulus,
and has been for many years. If we at
tempted to take 1t away there's no telling
what would happen. Certainly 1t would
be to our disadvantage.
'The sultan has his subjects under
complete control. and so long as peace is
maintained we will do wise to let well
enough alone. We cannot afford TO dis
turb local affairs, nor can we interfere
with their religion and their ancient
practices so long as they do not CONFLICT
with American authority and government
In the islands.
was with a view Of maintaining good
will and charity toward each other that
the treaty was negotiated
Before leaving the sultan l made all
ARRANGEMENTS for the consummation Of
the agreement between the United States
and the sultan. Afterward Gen. Bates
visited him and completed the few re-
naming details of the treaty.
az do not anticipate trouble with this
tribe: in fact, look for a long era. of
peace with them. unless. of course. some
thing unforeseen happens. American &C.
cupancy will not interfere with the GUS
toms. the habits and the liberty OF the ma
tives.