The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-02-02
REPORT ON SULu TREATY.
ALL THE PAPERS ARE LAID be-
FORE THE SENATE.
President Instructed Otis That the
Agreement should Not Recognize
slavery, ana Tentative steps
Taken 10 DO Away with IL.

WASHINGON, Feb I'm compliance
with resolution of inquiry, the president
today sent TO the senate a copy OF the re-
port and all accompanying papers Of Brig.
Gen. ]. c. Bates In relation to the nego-
tiation of a treaty OF agreement made by
him with the sultan OF Suiu last August.
In replying 70 the request, the president
says:
THE payments OF money provided by the
agreement will be made from the revenues
OF the Philippine Islands, unless congress
shall otherwise direct Such payments are
not for specific services. but are a part Of
the consideration going to the sultan.
tribe or nation, under the agreement. and
they are stipulated for, subject to the ac-
ton Of congress. In conformity with the
practice of this government from the
earliest times, in Its agreement with the
various Indian nations operating and gov
erning portions Of territory subject to the
sovereignty OF the United States"
Gen. OTIS Remarks.
Gen. Otis, in transmitting the treaty.
August 27. says:
"The attitude of these people has been
subject Of apprehension for several
months. and by this agreement | believe
the apprehended pending differences are
No Authorization Of slavery.
Secretary Root, in a reply dated October
"a. tells Gen. Otis that 'the agreement IL
confirmed and approved by the president.
congress-.
the understanding and reservation which
should he distinctly communicated 10 the
sultan of Sulu, that this agreement IS not
to be deemed In any way TO authorize or
give tho consent of the United States to
the existence OF slavery In the Sulu archi-
pelago AT the same time when you COM
municate TO tho sultan the above mem
toned understanding, the president de-
sires that you should make inquiry as to
the number OF persons held in slavery in
the archipelago and what arrangement II
may be practicable TO make for their
emancipation.
slaves Are Very Cheap.
In his instructions to Gen. Bates under
this direction Gen. Otis says: 1T f. be-
lieved that the market price of slaves
in the archipelago IL Insignificant. rang
ing from $50 to 500 Mexican. and that In
some instances owners Will be pleased to
grant freedom I'd their slaves, II they can
escape the burden OF supporting them"
Gen. Otis continues TO the effect that the
character OF the domestic slavery existing
In the archipelago differs greatly from the
former slavery institutions OF the United
States. the slaves becoming members OF
the owners family.
Meeting with the sultan.
Gen. Bates. In his report. states that
when he first asked 20 see the sultan the
latter sent his greetings saying he could
not come 20 see the general because he
on his coat but that he would recognize
the protection 81 the United States. re-
uuestng as favor that he might hoist
his own nag alongside that OF the United
States The sultan's brother went to Jolo
to meet Gen. Bates and the sultan after
ward joined him.
Gen Bates states. In this connection.
that the Suius are very Jealous OF their
institution of slavery.
Original Instructions 10 Bates.
In his original instructions 20 Gen Bates.
Gen Otis instructed him to push to the
front the question OF sovereignty. and told
him he could promise for the United States
not 10 interfere with. but 60 protect. the
Moros In the free exercise OF their relig-
lon and customs. social and domestic. and
10 respect the rights and digniiies OF The
sultan and his advisers. In return they
must acknowledge the sovereignty Of the
United states
He also Instructed Cen. Bates that II
was important that the United States
should occupy the principal distributing
centers OF trade. and that siassi. the capt.
tai, should he occupied by oar troops a,
no distant day