Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-09-20
WILL HAMILTON
Writes from the Philippines.

BonRaV, L. L. August -, l9OO.
Mr.. d. C.. Mott, Audubon, Iowa.
Dear Editor Il do not know whether
your readers are very we'll acquainted
with the islsnds af the Sulu archipel.
ago or not so l will say the islands are
very valuable for their production
which consists of hemp, rice, cotton,
coffee and timber which grows in great
abundance. The timber is milled at
Zamboango on the Mindanav island
which is next to the Luzon island in
size but does not belong to the Sulu
archipelago There is also pearls and
white and black pearl shells here in an
unlimited amount for there has been
something over 500, 600 90 worth ship
ped from Jolo since arrived at chat
place which was the 14th of January
last. The pearl fleet which consists of
eighteen sail boats of small type is
owned by an English firm. Jolo is the
only port in the Sulu archipelago that
is open to the world and there is an
extensive business carried on through
the custom house regardless of it be-
ing small place for the custom house
for one month showed clearing of
| $4,000. do not know how many
islands the archipelago contains. 1t is
ruled by Sultan assisted by seven
Datos who rule over different islands
the same as Generals do in the army,
each having his own division. The
natives are of small type but are of
stout build with an exceptionally full
chest which is found in every one. The
average hight is about four feet and a
half but once in great while you will
find one that will measure five feet and
half but they are scarce. The women
are shorter than the men but the same
build. Their average height is from
three and one half to four feet. They
are of copper color belonging to the
Malay race with straight coal black
hair. They remind me of the Ameri-
can Indian but not as brave for they
will not make an attack if they think
they will lose one of their number and
in case of fight they huddle together
like dumb brutes. With the rifle they
are harmless people but with bolo
they are dangerous enemy alta hand
to hand fight as they are very quick in
movements in time of danger.
We left Jolo June 9th at 2 p. m.
and arrived at this place the next
morning ut 8 80 relieving company G..
Bongao belongs to the Tawi Tawi
group which is part of the archipelago.
There is eight islands in the group and
the garrison is situated on peninsula
which is some three hundred yards in
length and about seventy five yards in
width and borders on beautiful bay
which is about the size Of Wall Lake
but it is infested with sharks and ALI
gators, We have great sport in sail
ing boats and shooting wild hogs.
There seems to be number of wild
hogs but they are difficult to shoot on
account of the thick underbrush. We
also capture some large turtles weigh
ing about $50 pounds which makes
good dinner for one company. We are
1876 miles from Jolo and three drgrees
from the equator but it does not seem
as hot as it did at Jolo for there is
plenty of wind, while at Jolo we knew
not what wind was for there never was
enough to sway the branches of the
trees. As the ground of the garrison
is of solid rock we cannot pitch any
tents so we live in shacks built by the
natives in true native style holding
from two to four to the shack. They
are built Of round poles tied with a
vine and then covered with cocoa nut
palms.
This group Of islands are to the ex-
treme south of Uncle Sans possessions
and are worthless at present but troops
must be kept on them or some other
nation would take them. The 23rd is
in charge of the whole archipelago. A
company is stationed on the Isabella
island which lies between Jolo and
Mindanao island. Ed Farrell was
transferred to company A as his former
company belong the home battalion
and he was not on the sick list. / was
in hopes that he would be transferred
to this company as we are the only two
from Audubon in the regiment. Capt.
Gilman is commanding officer and is
a good man for the place.
The natives all chew beetle nut, both
Moros and Filipinos, male and female.
The high class of the Filipinos do not
use it. The Moros are very CANDY in
their dress, wearing the brightest col
ors they can get. Their living consists
of fish, rice and fruits of the forests.
they will not touch beef or pork but
do delight in drinking cocoanut water.
They do most of their sleeping in the
day time and spend the nights in fish
ing and running around. The chief
sport is rooster fighting upon which
they will gamble every thing they own.
All the Moros' teeth are all black
after certain age as they rub them
with herb which makes them black
and wears them down similar to hol-
low ground razor. The women do not
use beetle nut or black their teeth
until after they are married. They
are undoubtly the filthiest class of peo-
Pile living and we find good many
cases of leprosy amongst them! but as
it is not contagious We do not fear it
although we keep our distance from
case. 1t first breaks out on the arm
or leg and that member of the body on
which it first breaks out dwindles
down to the bone while the rest remain
the same as in the prime of life.
As the boat is coming in will close
for this time hoping you will excuse
this short letter remain yours respect
fully WIN. J. HAMILTON,
Co. G 23rd INIT.
p. S.-Do all you can to help elect
President Mckinley and / can say one
thing for sure that if the army in the
Philippines could cast their vote next
election there would be no doubt but
that he would be elected. If you have
any silverites there just send them over
here and they will soon be changed for