The times., 1899-10-28
SATURDAY. OCTOBER 2S, 1899.
suIu.

SuIu.
A great deal OF virtuous horror-much of
it Of the practical political SORTS being
wasted over the temporary and strictly
military modus vivendi which General
Bates has been fortunate enough to ar
range with the Sultan Of Sulu. In neces-
sariIy recognizing the island status quo,
as TO polygamy and slavery both Bates
and the Administration have been brought
under a vast amount of ignorant and sense
less criticism, which certainly would not
be offered If the critics knew what they
were talking about
In the dealings of conquering civilized
nations with barbarous and semi-barbarous
peoples, there is no principle better de-
fined than that the religious and social Gus
toms. prejudices, habits, and organization
Of the latter are to be recognized, and
treated with careful respect; and that
changes are TO be enforced only as to
things repugnsnt TO humanity, and then,
only through the operation of civiiizing
and moral influence If that be possible
Violence in any event must only be re-
sorted 10 after all other means have failed
=
lam J. Bryan, if he is correctly reported,
that IN recognizing the domestic organiza-
tiOu OF the SuIus for present purposes, the
Government places itself on record in favor
Of polygamy, is too untenable and un-
worthy to justify discussion. The Sulu
Islanders have been Mohammedans for
centuries. Polygamy is permitted by their
religion, and is a system adjusted to their
life and ideas. To require them TO aban-
don it out Of hand, would be evidence of
governmental paresis.
a great distinction must be made be
tween our attitude toward institutions in
trinsically obnoxious 70 our moral stand
ards, which we may find ready made, Of
long continuance and locally justified by
ages OF precedent belief and custom. and
the same when they are sought to be es-
tablished within our domestic borders, and
IN direct conflict with our ideas Of right
and civilization. To illustrate this point,
81 may be taken for granted that, If a
British constituency were TO send a polyga-
mist to Parliament he would not only
be denied his seat. but probably would
pound stone in Portland prison for a long
term Of years. Yet Great Britain, of neces-
sity. toIerates Mohammedanism in its de-
pendent States, where that religion has
been long established; and TO tolerate
Mohammedanism means liberation OF
polygamy among MOhammedans.
This policy, however Is very strictly
limited a principally, province, or COM
munity coming under the British flag. IS
respected in its religion and cutoms. where
the latter are not nagrauuy opposed to good
order or decency. Among The Hindoos.
England has forbidden the hideous practice
Of the suttee, and the sect OF Thugs has
been killed of. On the other hand. the
imperial Government courteously presents
arms 10 the statue OF Juggernauth and
does not interfere in the domestic arrange.
ments Of its originally Moslem subjects.
Il is different In the case Of converts
Not a great while ago an Englishman ir
one Of the Mohammedan districts Of India
embraced the faith Of the Prophet. and
considered himself entitled 10 live his re-
Igion" as cur Mormon friends say. He
took three OF four wives and was shortly
arrested for these acts. His defence wa!
religious privilege under systematic im.
rerial toleration. But the trial court helc
that his adoption OF Mohammedanism die
Lot change bis amenability 10 the law Of
his nationality and country, or affect hi.
duties or responsibilities as British citi.
zen that a native who had inherited No
hammedanism through long generations
and polygamy along with 81, might legally
be a polygsmist. but an EngIishman, never
in order that. il the discussion Of our re.
latons with the various peoples Of our new
possessions, We may avoid mistaken no
tons due TO ignorance either Of facts. pos.
sibIities, or the experience Of other colo
nlzing powers. il is useful 10 consider how
idenucslly the same problems that fac,
us have been met. studied, and solved by
a kindred civilizing and fChristianizing ma.
tion. Applying the British method, for ex
ample, 10 the Mohammedan sultanate o.
sulu, we should respect the religion anS
family organization Of the community, anJ
endeavor by gentle and educational mean.
10 effect a change As far as the mer,
questions Of creed and marriage are con
cerned. any right OF forcible interference
in the peculiar circumstances. could not bt
assumed conformably to international ideas
o. justice. or the usage OF nations Tn,
remaining question Of Importance in The
premises, that OF slavery, is a differen
matter Nevertheless. in treating it W.
should be governed by considerations o